Understanding Buddhism (Resources)

From a January 2006 ReligionLink article:

Buddha, from the Sanskrit language, means "awakened" -- and in the United States today, Buddhism has come wide awake. Originally spread from Asia, Buddhism is now considered the fourth-largest religion in the United States. The ever-growing number of U.S. practitioners is estimated at 1.5 million or more. That growth is bringing awareness, influence and some contentious issues.

Some links to learn more about Buddhism:

• About Buddhism at The BigView.
• A BBC Religions and Ethics page on Buddhism.
• The United States Center for World Mission recommends OMF International's One Billion Wait website to understand Buddhism.
• A World Religions Index article on Buddhism by Pat Zukeran.

According to the Famous Adherents page, these are some "famous Buddhists": Orlando Bloom, Leonard Cohen, Richard Gere, Frank Herbert, Phil Jackson, George Lucas, Oliver Stone.

Perhaps this episode of the Simpsons explains something of its appeal. The "whatever makes you happy" approach is also noted by So You Wanna Convert to Buddhism:

There's a story told in Buddhist lore about a follower of another religion who went to the Buddha to try to convert him. The man was so impressed by the words of the Buddha that he decided to become a follower of the Buddha. Buddha said to him, "Make a proper investigation first." Notice that the Buddha did not proselytize aggressively, but suggested that people should take it or leave it according to their own personal assessment without relying on hearsay or mere tradition. So study as broadly as you need to and make up your own mind. Keep this story in mind as you read about Buddhism; it strongly exemplifies its core values of achieving your own internal happiness instead of blindly following the words of others.

Ministering to Buddhists

At NAMB's World Religions Apologetics' site, they say this about witnessing to Buddhists:

1. Remember that Buddhists have several special interests:

• attempting to live according to the principles of the Eightfold Path
• escape from the suffering of endless life
• finding peace through meditation (common in American Buddhism)

2. Avoid terms such as "new birth," "rebirth," "regeneration," or "born again." Use alternatives such as "endless freedom from suffering, guilt, and sin," "new power for living a holy life," "promise of eternal good life without suffering," or "gift of unlimited merit."

3. Emphasize the uniqueness of Christ.

4. Focus on the gospel message and do not get distracted by details of Buddhist doctrine.

5. Understand Buddhist beliefs enough to discern weaknesses that can be used to make the gospel appealing (see "Bridges for Evangelizing Buddhists" and "Jesus and the Eightfold Path").

6. While using bridge concepts, be careful not to reduce Christian truth to a form of Buddhism. Buddhism has been good at accommodating other religions. Do not say "Buddhism is good, but Christianity is easier."

7. Share your own testimony, especially your freedom from guilt, assurance of heaven (no more pain), and personal relationship with Christ.

8. Prepare with prayer. Do not witness in your own strength.

OMF International also has some videos on Tibetan Buddhism and One Billion Wait (includes Buddhism Prayer Focus).