I've considered becoming a Buddhist, but there's only one problem; I believe in God. I've never really been very religious. I don't go to church, and I question the Bible a lot because it was written by man. To me, it just seems to make sense to become a Buddhist. But I believe in God. This is kinda confusing.
you dont need to liken your beliefs to one set of rules or religion. i dont even know what hell i believe (raised JW) but if i had to describe it i guess it would be somthing of elements of buddhism, and agnostic(ism). there are certainly elements of buddhism i love...but alot i dont understand to well and i dont believe in reincarnation.
Buddhists are accepting of other religions, because it is NOT a religion. It is more of a set of guidlines for life, that help you reach true happiness. Therefore, you can be a Buddhist, and a Christian.
Hmm, that is quite a dilemma. You need to do something that really tests your faith, like saw your child in half. Then you'll know for sure. I had a similar crisis once when... well it's kind of embarrasing, but I got this idea that I was the reincarnate son of God. So I went into the bank and yelled at all the moneylenders to begone, the day of judgement is near etc. (I even knocked over the table with the little pens-on-the-cords where you're supposed to sign your checks) Anyway when I got out of jail I realized it was indeed my true calling. So just try something like that. If it helps, I know some banks that have awesome set-ups for knocking over tables and such... really gives it that dramatic effect, which is key.
Well, you CAN'T actually be BOTH Buddhist and Christian. Not because of Buddhist's beliefs, but Christianity does not allow one to be both Buddhist and Christian. However, you CAN be Buddhist, and still believe in a God, and in Jesus, and in various other things that are present in Christianity. You just can't be a full-blooded Christian at the same time. It was once said by the Pope that Buddhism was about to become Christianity's main rival in the world.
"Hook 'em while they're young!!!!" "Kind of like the tobacco company, right?" "Oooo...if only we had their numbers...."
Yeah, and it's funny, because Buddhism isn't even technically a religion, it's a philosophy that has a "religion" for people who don't actually study the philosophy.
That's what a appealed to me...that it wasn't a religion, it didn't worship a deity, rather it gave you ideas on how to live your life as a good person.
There are actually quite a few Buddhist people who believe in God/Christ out there. I know I've personally talked to one monk who was that way. Like Hikaru said, people unfortunately turned Buddhism in a religion with some traditions/beliefs that as far as I can tell had nothing to do with what Buddha taught. The same is obviously true of Christianity. I've said it before quite a few times, but when you get right down to the philosophies of Christ and Buddha they are remarkably similar. My advice would to be read the Bible, and read as many reliable teachings of Buddha as possible, then follow what you think is right.
