Buddha said that if meditations were like animals in your back yard, the meditation on death would be the elephant because it makes the deepest impression. Since your church is in my back yard, I hope you keep it light.
Thanks for the invite, Pastor, but Christianity has too much baggage for me, I'm afraid. Arguably the most violent culture spawned by a religion. Didn't Jesus say you would know the tree by its fruit? Buddhism has vows, one of which is to harm no living being. Shouldn't the adherents of all religions include that vow?
Thanks for the continued dialogue, Anonymous. I must confess that you have a point. Christianity and its followers have "baggage". Many things have been done under the umbrella of "Christianity" that has been "un-Christlike." But though Christianity has baggage - Jesus doesn't. May I offer this invitation to you - attend one of our 4 Easter services (April 3 @ 7pm; April 4 @ 8:30am; 10am; 11:30am) and listen to my message. Afterwards, let me know your thoughts. I would greatly benefit by hearing your response to the message that day on "Facing the Fear of Death." Give it some thought. I hope you will consider attending.
I am glad we agree that crusades, inquisitions, witch trials, holocausts and genocides are decidedly "un-Christlike". Unfortunately, it is not so easy for me to separate the tree from its fruit. In any case, I will make an effort to attend one of your services, if you think my response would be of benefit.
I understand, Anonymous. Many times it is hard for me to make that separation as well. I really would love to hear your feedback after attending Easter weekend. Thanks for being open to that!
Thank you, Pastor. And I appreciate the cleverness of an invitation for comment made to a somewhat didactic person. It is a Buddhist tradition that dharma teaching is only offered when requested - it seems to me you are asking for it! Looking forward to your sermon.
Genial brief and this enter helped me alot in my college assignement. Say thank you you seeking your information.
ReplyDeleteBuddha said that if meditations were like animals in your back yard, the meditation on death would be the elephant because it makes the deepest impression. Since your church is in my back yard, I hope you keep it light.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the insight, Anonymous. I trust you will be our guest Easter Weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the invite, Pastor, but Christianity has too much baggage for me, I'm afraid. Arguably the most violent culture spawned by a religion. Didn't Jesus say you would know the tree by its fruit? Buddhism has vows, one of which is to harm no living being. Shouldn't the adherents of all religions include that vow?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the continued dialogue, Anonymous. I must confess that you have a point. Christianity and its followers have "baggage". Many things have been done under the umbrella of "Christianity" that has been "un-Christlike." But though Christianity has baggage - Jesus doesn't. May I offer this invitation to you - attend one of our 4 Easter services (April 3 @ 7pm; April 4 @ 8:30am; 10am; 11:30am) and listen to my message. Afterwards, let me know your thoughts. I would greatly benefit by hearing your response to the message that day on "Facing the Fear of Death." Give it some thought. I hope you will consider attending.
ReplyDeleteI am glad we agree that crusades, inquisitions, witch trials, holocausts and genocides are decidedly "un-Christlike".
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, it is not so easy for me to separate the tree from its fruit. In any case, I will make an effort to attend one of your services, if you think my response would be of benefit.
I understand, Anonymous. Many times it is hard for me to make that separation as well. I really would love to hear your feedback after attending Easter weekend. Thanks for being open to that!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pastor. And I appreciate the cleverness of an invitation for comment made to a somewhat didactic person. It is a Buddhist tradition that dharma teaching is only offered when requested - it seems to me you are asking for it! Looking forward to your sermon.
ReplyDeleteYes I am , anonymous. Frankly, I know very little about Buddhism and look forward to hearing your thoughts after Easter!
ReplyDeleteCoincidentally, heard this on NPR last night. The professor is from Penn State.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124494788&ps=cprs
Thanks for link, Anonymous. I am going to print the article off so I can read it carefully. Blessings!
ReplyDelete