Buddha and Jesus: Could Solomon Be the Missing Link? by R. E. Sherman Read Free Book Online Page A

Jesus appeared after his resurrection. 26
    Jesus willingly risked his reputation by choosing to publicly minister to women of dubious reputation. 27 He healed women who sought healing for themselves 28 or others. 29 He also raised a woman from the dead 30 and raised a man from the dead at the plea of a group of women. 31 He also honored poor women who donated what little they had. 32 It is unfortunate that in spite of Christ’s example, Christianity has not been immune to sexism.
    In an article published in the Bangkok Post, Mettanando Bhikkhu, a Thai Buddhist monk, concluded that, in spite of quite extensive evidence that Buddhism throughout history has discriminated against women, that “the Lord Buddha…was not a sexist.” 33 The background provided by this article is highly informative. However, I have not quoted other excerpts from it because of my stated goal of trying to view Buddhism in a positive, objective light.
    If ethics was all that mattered, then one could simultaneously be both a Buddhist and a Christian. However, for anyone seeking a deeper identification with either religion, each of the differences between Buddhism and Christianity delineated in this chapter would be sources of considerable tension and likely disagreement. True reconciliation between the two would be quite problematic.
    Given these dramatic differences, sincere efforts to follow both religions simultaneously are not feasible. If they are true to their beliefs, however, both Buddhists and Christians should treat one another as the Golden Rule would dictate: as each would prefer to be treated themselves—with mutual respect, empathy, and compassion.
    In the next chapter, which provides answers to frequently asked questions, there is some discussion of the ways that liberal Christians differ from Buddhists.
    While both religions teach love and compassion for those with different beliefs, these ideals can, in practice, be difficult to achieve, given the substantial differences between Buddhism and Christianity. What typically occurs is avoidance of contact and dialogue. Cooperation is even more rare. Buddhist/Christian dialogue, collaborative projects, and cooperative efforts to reach common goals should all be pursued in a spirit of deepening understanding between the two groups.

Chapter Thirteen
    Frequently Asked Questions
    There is so much to cover when comparing Buddhism and Christianity. In this chapter we cover a wide range of key topics by means of a question-and-answer format. In doing so, we will look at: (1) a broad range of similarities and differences beyond those highlighted the two previous chapters, (2) what Christians and Buddhists could stand to learn from the other, (3) the nature of major divisions within each religion, (4) how each religion struggles with the stubborn blight of hypocrisy, and (5) the feasibility of trying to be some kind of Buddhist and some type of Christian at the same time.
    Q: What elements of Christianity are similar to Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path?

The Four Noble Truths
Counterparts in Christianity

Life is suffering.
“In the world you will have tribulation . . .” 1
The origin of suffering is desire.
Do not covet (wanting what others have). 2
Ceasing to desire will end suffering.
Coveting naturally produces suffering. However, many kinds of suffering are not the result of desire (e.g., cancer, accidents).
The Noble Eightfold Path will lead to a cessation of suffering.
See next chart.

The Noble Eightfold Path
Counterparts in Christianity

Right View: Realize the Four Noble Truths.
See previous chart.
Right Intention: Intend to renounce desire, have goodwill toward others, and develop compassion.
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang