Is it possible to be a Christian but also believe the morals and some of Buddhism?
I am a faithful13 year old Christian, but, last year, we had to do a poster of one of the world religions. I chose Buddhism. I was really fascinated and amazed by the religion. And I agreed with some of the morals and such of Buddhism but not the religion as a whole. But I still respect that and every other religion. What is this or why is it or anything?
What I agree with is, basically that you should be kind to one another and morals as such. And I think that the Eightfold path is true in a general idea. Sorry if I don't have all correct facts of Buddhism but this is what I had found.
Eightfold Path:
1. Right View Wisdom
2. Right Intention
3. Right Speech Ethical Conduct
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort Mental Development
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration
It is possible but it depends on what you are believing. I am a Christian, but there are many religions out there that I can agree with some of their beliefs. But there is a line that is drawn. This line concerns the Person of Jesus Christ.
I'm Catholic and raised my son as such. He is 16 now. He believes in God and such but recently told me that he think the thought of reincarnation could happen as well. I told him that God doesn't teach that, He tells us that we only have one life. If he chooses not to believe all of the words of the Lord, he is in sin. And he and God will have to deal with that.
You can't accept Jesus and follow another religion. It just doesn't work that way.
As far as morality goes Buddhism and Christianity have a lot in common (this is excluding the Nirvana, reincarnation, no god aspect of Buddhism). Buddhism is actually hardly even a religion, it would be the equivalent if a group of people started following the teachings of Plato or Socrates. The teachings of Buddhism could pretty much be summed up in one page flat as opposed to Christianity that has an extremely long book that doesn't even contain all the teachings which is why it appeals to a lot of people in western society because they don't like to give time to religion aside from when they find it convenient (like when someone dies). I think you'll find that many of the teachings of Buddha are the exact same as Christian teachings so it's not even necessary to look at the teachings of Buddha. Drop the Buddhism and search deeper into Christianity.
EDIT: Most of the eightfold path is in line with Christian teaching aside from bits and pieces of some like the "Right view Wisdom" and possibly others as well. Just stick with the bible, it's what God has given us and is more than sufficient. By relying on other sources for spirituality it's almost like saying that the bible isn't good enough for you. You'll find that much of that stuff is in the bible.
There have been many faithful Christians who have learned from and been inspired by Buddhism. You might want to look out Thomas Merton for example. He was a Trappist monk who also wrote many books about Asian spirituality back in the 1950's and 60's. There have even been Jesuit priests who have been certified as Zen Masters (not that I entirely agree with that myself but it has happened).
In the realm of ethics and even spiritual practices like meditation or methods of prayer you will find a lot of overlap between the various traditions. The five major precepts of Buddhism for laypeople are pretty universal after all: not to kill, steal, engage in sexual misconduct, lie, or indulge in intoxicants. If you drop indulging in intoxicants and add refraining from abusive language, slander, foolish talk, giving in to greed, hatred, or wrong views then you have the ten courses of wholesome conduct. There is nothing there that most people would not agree to whatever there belief or lack thereof.
Even when it comes to the other elements of the Eightfold Path, most of it is pretty generic. Where it gets different is in right view, because that refers to the Four Noble Truths which assume a worldview and way of salvation (or liberation) that is indeed different from the Abrahamic religions like Christianity, as it assumes a cycle of rebirth governed by karma (though not entirely - that is misconception) and though what binds us to it is our own ignorance and selfish craving (as opposed to sin against a deity) and that the way to become unbound is to follow the Middle Way that is the Eightfold Path (as opposed to seeking it from an external deity or savior). Even then, the Four Noble Truths point out things that are universally true and verifiable in your own life if you think about them, observe your life, and put the teachings into practice.
Here is a link to some articles about the Buddha's life and teachings so you can learn more if you wish:
All religions teach these morals. You only have to read the words of the founders. Jesus taught to do unto others, and not to worship material things or money, but instead to fill your pockets with brotherly love to give out to one another.
Many Christian churches have watered down Christ's actual teachings ... I suppose to appeal to a broader range of people and thereby "up" their membership. It is true that there are very few people who care to live by Christ's actual words. Remember that many are called by few are chosen (because Christ's way is as rigorous as Buddha's).
If you doubt that Christianity commits itself to Christ's teachings, read "In the Imitation of Christ" written by Thomas A. Kempis in the 1400's. The Catholic church has retained the spirit of Christ's teachings.
Is it possible to be a Christian but also believe the morals and some of Buddhism?
