Converting to Buddhism

[LostButTrying]

Hello, I haven't posted here for a while.
I was struggling to connect with Christ last year, but then found a sense of connection with the RC church. I think it was really to do with the idea of monasticism.
Now I've finally come to realise that Christianity is not for me. It's never really worked for me.
I felt so alone before and kept willing Jesus to save me... but I don't feel like that anymore.
I've always read about other religions, and as I mentioned before, my mother practices grey witchcraft.
I've been reading more Buddhism since I last posted... and I've really come to feel that that is the right way for me. I just seem to relax when I put Christ down and pick Buddhism up.
The idea of rebirth makes sense to me and there seems to be evidence for it.
Also, renunciation appeals to me... the Buddha said grasping for things leads to suffering.
There is heaven and hell in Buddhism... many heavens and many hells in fact, but they don't last forever. After a long time you can die and be born outside hell.
Buddhists do talk about gods, but they are considered to be deluded and self important... Sorry, but that just sounds like Yahweh..... Jealous and punitive.
And hell forever!? No chance of forgiveness ever, no second chance.... that's evil.
I don't say this to have a go at Christians or Christianity, but I think I owe you an explanation after many of you have been so patient and kind to me.
What I like about Christ is his exhortation to judge as you would be judged. If anything is going to save you it is that one command. Kindness, mercy, compassion.... that is the true heart of Christ's message... I just find Buddha says it even better and more convincingly.
I now seek liberation from the cycle of suffering, the cycle of birth and death.
Good luck, all of you, with the Christian path. I think if you truly emulate Christ then we are still on the same path and we will all be liberated eventually.
My best wishes and love.

 

[Curtis]

No chance of forgiveness ever, no second chance....

Which means you better get it right the first time. There are no unbelievers in this world, we all know the truth because God has shown it to every one of us.
An unbeliever is someone who knows the truth but has decided to not believe what he knows to be true.

Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Joh 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Joh 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

 

[stephen]

There is more factual evidence to support the Life and Death of Jesus, than can be found to support any other soul who has lived on the planet. Be he religious leader, of Islam Buddha, 7th day etc. or any other having come to fame in secular life.
The words of Jesus "I am the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE...….without the WAY there is no going, without the TRUTH there is no Knowing, without the Life there is no Living..
All need to meet HIM. He is Alive and can be met...…..Seek Him while HE may be found...……...TODAY!

 

[Hekuran]

Thanks for being gracious enough to sign off with an explanation of where you've got to in your search for truth. I've looked into Buddhism too, and found it attractive, but I remain convinced that Jesus is Lord.

Wish you well and pray that you find what you're seeking.

 

[LostButTrying]

Wish you well and pray that you find what you're seeking.

Thank you. All the best.

 

[DanielCrow]

Which means you better get it right the first time.

I thought this was untrue even with Christianity. Isnt the whole point of Jesus is so that you may have a second chance and repent?

There is more factual evidence to support the Life and Death of Jesus, than can be found to support any other soul who has lived on the planet. Be he religious leader, of Islam Buddha, 7th day etc. or any other having come to fame in secular life.

I believe Mohammad of Islam is the most factual evidence supported religious prophet in history, due to the fact that he is the most recent. I do not bleieve that Factual evidence about a religious prophet means a religion is true or not, but I think Muhammad would probably win if we were keeping score.

In any case, as a fellow Buddhist, I understand. Whether you become Buddhist or not, what is important is finding truth.

 

[KingJ]

And hell forever!? No chance of forgiveness ever, no second chance.... that's evil.

You seem to not grasp Christianity. Every second of everyday is a chance to repent. God is not a fool who grafts devils into heaven. Some people will simply never truly sincerely repent of their sins. They love the darkness John 3:19. God gives them free will to live with their choice. Having the choice is free will. Free will is not evil.

Believing those who God sends to hell can be rehabilitated is naivety and wishful thinking. If it were possible a God who describes Himself as light with no darkness in Him at all 1 John 1:5, would surely build the biggest and best rehabilitation centers.

What I like about Christ is his exhortation to judge as you would be judged. If anything is going to save you it is that one command. Kindness, mercy, compassion.... that is the true heart of Christ's message... I just find Buddha says it even better and more convincingly.

Christ does not exhort us to judge as we would like to be judged. A wicked person would like to not be judged, so he would want no judgement. The context of Jesus judging in that scripture in Matt 7, is punishment. Don't throw stones at the adulterer. Unless you want stones for your adulterous thoughts. Vengeance and punishment is God's. He is just, righteous, merciful and good. He does not repay evil with evil.

We are taught to judge all things 1 Cor 2:15. Especially ourselves 1 Cor 11:31.

What saves us is Jesus John 14:6. What prompts Jesus to reach out to us, is our repentance James 4:8, Psalm 51:17. Not our perfection!!!

Buddhism would die if you did not practice it. Christianity is alive whether you go to church or not. Jesus is constantly knocking at the door to your heart Rev 3:20. Your choice of Buddhism is you running from it. Much like Jonah did.

Jesus is the only truth. Everything else is time consuming nonsense that.....ROBS GOD OF HIS GLORY. God is not impressed with anything that takes us from worshiping Him. A religion like Buddhism is all about ....YOUR enlightenment. YOUR glory. YOUR perfection. God does not give TWO hoots about yours or anyone's perfection. Even if we look at Islam. Muhammad will intercede for you to God. Like God is some mad God who needs a special person to speak to Him on your behalf. Giving Muhammad the glory for your salvation. God is not impressed. In Christianity Jesus is our intercessor, as He is God. God gets 100% of the glory. God loves us. Nobody else loves us like He does. Religions ROB God of His glory and ROB us from grasping and experiencing His love.