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Originally Posted by wicked4182
I agree! All religions did originate from error, christianity is not an exception however, and going by kalisto's chart it is our biggest mistake so far. If you want an explanation of religion it's best to look towards its origin, the development of what is good, bad, and evil. These are all human ideas based on the displacement of power from one individual to another. The time for religion on earth has ended, "god" is dead in the hearts those who claim to support it. When you sense the freedom that comes with the knowledge that there is no evil in the world you will no longer be in debt (guilt, guilt, guilt!) to those protecting you from it. We will find our way from this forest yet I do pray.  Praise be to Man!! |
Yay! I am free! Nothing is evil! *Goes around killing everyone he doesn't like*
That's some pretty suspect logic there.
Aside for how obviously ridiculous that idea is, there are PLENTY of people and religions for which guilt is not a part of life. No doubt, there are many religions based on focusing on the negative of not following rules, but there are also MANY religions whose basis is focusing on living a better, more kind and loving life. A religion with a focus such as this has no basis for its leaders having power OVER its followers, for they are not protecting anyone from anything but, rather, giving guidance, much like a teacher. Buddhism is a prime example (although it is not a religion in most forms)...any perceived "rules" are not some arbitrary requirements of its followers. Rather, they can be more accurately considered as guidelines to living a more peaceful life. If you don't follow them, you are not a bad person, but you may also be missing out on the contentness that you believe Buddhism can lead you to. In this way, choosing a religion is not about deciding which one accurately defines evil and/or protects you from it but about deciding which one leads you to a more peaceful and existence. There are many people within Christianity and other well-known religions who have this kind of relationship with religion as well...don't be so fast to broad condemnation when you clearly speak only from experience with one particular form of religiousness.
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Originally Posted by Zeraph
I havn't read the whole thread yet so I don't know if someone has brought this up yet, but...
I'm not going to go indepth here, but a quick google search brought up this creed "The Universe was evolved, not created; and it functions according to law, not according to the caprice of any God." I'd say that would conflict with christianity...
Buddhism, like all the other major religions (as far as I know) has broken into many different types, some "buddhists" worship him as a god, when he specifically said not to for instance.
But I do agree with you that (IMO) true buddhism is not a religion, though it would still conflict with worshipping in other religions. Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't see how there could be a buddhist christian or whatever without having conflicts.
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Most Buddhism does not make a claim regarding "God" existing or otherwise. Buddhism tends to have an approach of "does it matter?" Meaning, if God exists, great, and if he doesn't, it doesn't change the idea of seeking a more peaceful existence so it is unnecessary to worry about such things. So, it is definitely possible to be a Buddhist Christian, but it would not work with all forms of Buddhism or all forms of Christianity for that matter. As an example though, I once spoke with a man who was a Buddhist Catholic and was studying to become a priest in the Jesuit order.