Would learning and practicing Buddhist teachings be a sin if you were a Christian?

Question

I believe in Christianity, but most of my family and relatives believe in Buddhism. The Buddhist teachings is about achieving a clear and peaceful mind. I believe that is a good thing. Though, would practicing the Buddhist teachings be a sin? I still believe in the Christian philosophy, but will believing in the Buddhism philosophy be a sin?

Answer 1

I'm still tickled when I hear others say that the Buddha is worshipped as a god. He is not worshipped but venerated. To elevate the Buddha to the level of a deity is contrary to Buddhism in the tradition that I practice. But, on to your question. I can appreciate the inner conflict that you must feel with your family being Buddhist and you having embraced Christianity. I face the opposite side of the coin. I have embraced Buddhism but my wife and the majority of my family are Christian. Talk about leaning patience (smile).



The Buddha taught introspection, self analysis, responsibility for one's actions and intention, and a way of life involving meditation to become a better member of society. These same concepts and values found in Buddhism are also inherent in every extant religion. Buddhism may be viewed in two ways: as a purely secular method of right-living that anyone may follow or as a "religious belief" system and structure. A person may read the teachings of the Buddha, find them to be of value and inspiration, and not consider him- / herself to be a Buddhist. Many contemporary theologians of various religious traditions have found pertinent ideas in the Buddha's teachings. But, as the Dalai Lama stated, "Don't try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist; use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are."



Find comfort in your Christian belief. It is good and right for you. I celebrate the peace and comfort that you find in it. Is it possible to be both Christian and Buddhist? Personally, I think it would be problematic. While there are similarities, there are also deep differences. Again, to quote one with greater knowledge than I possess: "...for the Christian practitioner, the Creator and the acceptance of the Creator as almighty, is a very important factor within that tradition in order to develop self-discipline, compassion, or forgiveness and to increase them in one's intimate relationship with God. That's something very essential. In addition, when God is seen as absolute and almighty, the concept that everything is relative becomes a little bit difficult. However, if one's understanding of God is in terms of an ultimate nature of reality or ultimate truth, then it is possible to have a kind of unified approach. ...As to one's personal religion, I think this must be based on one's own mental disposition.... Generally speaking, I think it is better to practice according to your own traditional background, and certainly you can use some of the Buddhist techniques. Without accepting rebirth theory or the complicated philosophy, simply use certain techniques to increase your power of patience and compassion, forgiveness, and things like that." (from "Healing Anger: The Power of Patience from a Buddhist Perspective" by H.H. the Dalai Lama, translated by Thupten Jinpa)



May all be at peace.



John

Answer 2

Greetings,



I'm not a Christian practitioner by any means, as I am a Buddhist practitioner. However, I have been reading works by Christian monks who were also Buddhist practitioners, or open to Buddhist ideas. One of the most famous is Thomas Merton, and if memory serves he was a Zen monk for 10 years while being a Christian monk (this was approved by his Christian sect), and Brother David Steindl Rast. The Brother, in one of his works, says the real definition of sin that has been forgotten is "alienation." That was extremely interesting to read, as I had never thought of it like that, but it makes much sense. If we don't acknowledge interdependence, then we are surrendering to ignorance.



So to answer your question with this definition of sin, I would say absolutely not. I've known several practitioners in my own sangha who practice both Christianity and Buddhism - one of which is a Catholic who has given talks on Buddhist ideas to his community. Being a former Catholic myself, I do see differences at the superficial level, but at the level of how we are to practice our beliefs, they are fundamentally equal (at least from my knowledge).



I hope this offered a different perspective. Take care.

Answer 3

If you study what Buddhism teaches, you must conclude that there can be no harmony between Christianity and Buddhism. They are opposite in almost every way and one would have to deny Christ and the Bible in order to embrace Buddhism as a religion that also leads to God and salvation.

Here are some of the basic beliefs of Buddhism. Read them then compare it with Christianity and you will see that a person "cannot" be a Christian and a Buddhist at the same time.



1. The current universe has evolved through natural law. 2. Truth has been given through countless ages by various Buddhas or enlightened beings. Enlightened beings? what are they? 3. Gautama Buddha, who lived 2,500 years ago, is the teacher for our era. 4. While salvation depends on individual effort, the Buddhist is to take refuge in the Buddha, his teaching (dharma) and the Buddhist community (sangha). Sorry but salvation depends upon Christ not self. 5. All living things are subject to the law of karma, the principle of cause and effect, which controls the cycle of reincarnation. Reincarnation? The Bible says that it is appointed unto man "once" to die then the judgment. We don't come back as a horse we die once. 6. There is no God or Supreme Creator.



Well number 6 pretty much sums up Buddhism. How can you be a Christian and believe in God and be a Buddhist and not believe in God at the same time?

No you cannot practice Buddhism and be a Christian, it won't work. Would it be a sin to believe in Buddhist philosophy? The answer to that is yes.

Answer 4

Learning is one thing, but as far as practicing... I think the Bible is very clear.



Read the first of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. That alone is cut and dry. Also, look at what happened to Israel and Judah when they "practiced" other/false religions in Kings/Samuel. Needless to say, God was beyond ticked. It's not like God has rethought the whole thing and is cool with it now.



What's up with this idea that "God" is the same in Christianity and other religions? Have these people even opened a Bible?

Answer 5

Depends on the Buddhist beliefs u are following. Many Buddhist beliefs are shared by Christians. Zen is one that I know of, many Christians believe in practicing moderation in all things. Respect for all life is another.

Answer 6

learning about them is not a sin, it is good to be informed.

Depending on what you are practicing I would say that would not be a good idea, you are either a christian or not.

If its just some types of exercise there wouldn't be a problem with that either I don't think.

If its mental types of exercises why can't you use a scripture to do the same. I don't think other would be safe.

Answer 7

Not nessecarily.



When one actually listens and meditates on the teachings, one discovers there really is no difference between the Christian belief of "God" and the Buddhist belief of Ultimate Compassion.



At which point, one will understand the purpose of religion.

Answer 8

No, many of the teachings are similar. I think a clear and peaceful mind is a very good thing. I think keeping cultural and familial ties is also a good thing.

Answer 9

the more you know, the more you grow... Learning and practicing Other Stuff, would not be a Sin as long as you weren't using That to inflict harm, or send out bad thoughts and negative wishes upon another. But to be a Christian First (and Honestly...) is Required by Jesus, for His Promise of Salvation...

Answer 10

Many Buddhist practices are compatible with Christianity. Rest assured, if you are Christian and it is a sin, you will get conviction. God bless.

Answer 11

Lutheran is a Christian denomination yes. And yes, mostly Christians are against Buddhist meditation because of the philosophy behind the meditation. Christian meditation is meditating on God's word or His creation.

Answer 12

I believe that the only way that you can find the answer to that, is to do it. Who are you seeking judgement of sin from? Some random person from the Internet? Do you believe that the answer that you accept, was random? You're the only person who can answer your question.

Answer 13

the principles of buddhism have much in common with christianity. i am a christian and enjoy the discipline of buddhism. it is a discipline. However, a discipline is only a means and never and end. it offers no personal relationship with God and no eternal salvation.

Answer 14

No. Practicing Buddhism isn't a sin. Buddha wasn't and Isn't a God.

Answer 15

100% yes. because Christ is willing enough that if you bring one person to Christ you will be rewarded with a multitude of sins to be forgotten. if it's the other way around... Well only he knows. It's pretty much like asking. "hey mom if i purposly crash your car and total it will be mad at me? If you have the time to teach buddhism then you have the time to teach about Christ. Do not care about what other people even your family say about Christ because in the long run it's all worth it. Why hurt people instead of help them.

Answer 16

Buddhism isn't a rigid right or wrong practice like Christianity.



You'd have to make decisions for yourself....unlike Christianity.

Answer 17

Yes, Buddhism is a false religion. Buddha is a false god. Do not have any gods before or above the true God. Buddha did not provide his son for a sacrifice for the remission of sins. That religion teaches that you can learn and earn your righteousness. It is a false religion. Have nothing to do with it. Pray for your family. Become familiar with the bible so you can show them the true way if they will let you.