When you consider the theological depth and beauty of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianis

aren't Christians ashamed to try and push their bubblegum theology?
Sho-Nuff

As a Religion Major one of the things that most amazed me were the similarities, at their core, of Judaism and the faiths I listed above. Especially Hinduism. It was, for me a rather remarkable discovery that helped further solidify my faith.
Suzanne

I did not include Judaism in my list because Christians are to fast to latch onto it and claim their faith is similar (which it is not). I am very comfortable with Judaism's Theology and it's ability to hold it's own in the depth and beauty department.

as one who finds beauty in these lovely religions ... you should also be tolerant and loving to those you perhaps dint understand ...
i am not Christian , and yes i have my problems with some of it ...
but i do understand why they push their religion ... when their teachings tell them to

All religions piss me off!

Yes, but you would also have to apply that to Judaism. I do know that Judaism has a lot more depth than Christianity, but how do philosophies like Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism with no god have the level of depth that they do without a god if a God is necessary?

Ah, I think I'm beginning to better understand now.

As a westerner who was brought up in a Christian environment I see Christianity as a bleak and unenlightened creed in comparison the eastern philosophies I've looked at. Buddhism actively encourages an individual to achieve his full potential whereas Christianity reduces humans to helpless automatons controlled by a deity.

I've always thought that, properly applied, Eastern and Western religions complement each other beautifully. Western religions tend to deal more with ethics and how you behave towards others, which ties well with the emphasis most Eastern religions have of bettering the self.

There is some deep Christian theology out there. It's just that nobody reads Merton or Lewis or Marney anymore, sadly.

If you truly believe Hinduism, Buddhism, Confuscianism and Taoism are deep and beautiful, then you need to have an honest talk with God.

The fact you left Judaism off this list is completely puzzling to me. It is (and always will be) a deep and beautiful religion. Why do you suppose you didn't include it on your list?

Peace.

as summing that they have considered, or <gasp> studied these different religions is the mistake.

it's true- for those who have the eyes to see- they are all beautiful ways of sending the same Divine message- different stories and parables trying to convey the complexity of the truth.

in Hinduism- there is only one Supreme God- Brahman...
there are other aspects of God- different Deity, and I think this concept more completely defines the complexity of something impossible to define. when you compare it to Christianity and the simplistic humanized definition of God- it does seem like bubblegum. but you won't get them to admit that.

the shame is that Christianity is so ego driven, when their greatest teacher was trying to convey the opposite message.

I have embraced Buddhism but one thing I do know and that is that I shouldn't judge anther's belief, even if they are judging mine. Some just haven't gotten as deeply into spirituality as I have. They are not to be scorned because of this. I was like them at one time.

These other religions have a lot of mysticism's to them really no rights no wrongs , a lot of how I can make my self a better person but for what purpose? Christianity has a beginning and an end. We are taught by Christ our savior, to deny our selves and put others needs before our own.. Not to judge but to love..Our Father has set of standards for us(the Bible) to follow,not to punish but to live a fulfilling life that will give us peace,joy,happiness. a fullness that only comes from God.

Consider this: Krishna, Buddha, Jesus were all the same God-as Human-coming to teach us ~ all the same Being due to reincarnation. That is why there is so much similarity.

How can Judiasm NOT be a large part of Christianity when Jesus WAS a Jew, and the first half of the Christian Bible is the Jewish 'Bible'.

To try and separate Christianity as being less-than for whatever reason is a form of hatred that is completely baffling to me.