Introductory Comment by Rev Andy Kelso about the talk on Buddhism

Buddhism is the world's fourth largest religion. The following information will give you a brief overview of Buddhism, how its beliefs contrast with Christianity, and suggestions as to how to reach Buddhists. Millions of people are trapped in this hopeless philosophy and we need to understand and have God's heart for them. I hope you will follow this with an open mind.

Notes to accompany the talk on Buddhism

Buddhism

Founder: Siddhartha Gautama 563-483 BC
Scriptures: Various
Adherents: Over 600 million
Description: Three Main Schools. Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana

Core Beliefs

Buddhism is an impersonal religion of self-perfection, the end of which is death not life. The Buddhist belief system is summarised in the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eight Fold Path.

Four Noble Truths

• Life is full of suffering
• Suffering is caused by desire
• Suffering will cease when desire ceases
• This can be achieved by following The Noble Eight Fold Path

The Noble Eight Fold Path

• Right Views
• Right Aspirations
• Right Speech
• Right Conduct
• Right Livelihood
• Right Effort
• Right Mindfulness
• Right Contemplation

Other beliefs

• Nothing in life is permanent
• Individual selves don't truly exist
• Everything is determined by an impersonal law of cause and effect (Karma)
• Reincarnation is an endless cycle of suffering
• The goal of life is to break out of this by entering a permanent state of non-existence (Nirvana)

The Answer to Buddhism

1. The Biblical Doctrine of Creation

The universe had a beginning and will have an end. Man is created in the image of an infinite, personal Creator. God created matter as well as mind and both are good. Buddhism fails the test of science with its idea of a timeless universe.

2. The Biblical Doctrine of the Fall

Man's problem is moral. He has sinned against God's Law and is worthy of hell. Jesus' atoning work makes Karma and Reincarnation unnecessary. Buddhism fails the test of salvation because of it provides none.

Buddhism fails the tests of truth
Jesus Christ alone is the Truth. (John 14:6).

Bridges for Witnessing to Buddhists

Suffering: Buddhists are concerned with overcoming suffering but must deny suffering is real. Christ faced the reality of suffering by solving the problem of sin, which is the source of suffering. Christians have hope of an eternity free from suffering. (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Meaningful Self: Buddhists must work to convince themselves they have no personal significance. Jesus taught that every person has real worth, created in God's image with an immortal soul and an eternal destiny. Jesus demonstrated the value of each person by dying for us. (Romans 5:8).

Future Hope: Buddhists' hope of Nirvana is no hope at all, only death and extinction. The hope of those who put their trust in Christ is life now and life eternal. (Revelation 21:4).

Moral Law: Karma is rigid and impersonal, so life for a Buddhist is oppressive. Christians understand that the moral force governing the universe is a personal God who listens to those who pray, who has mercy on those who repent, and who with love personally works good for those who follow Christ. (Romans 8:28).

Merit: Buddhists constantly struggle to earn merit by good deeds. Jesus taught that no one could ever earn enough merit to be right before a holy God. It's by His grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Desire: Buddhists seek to overcome suffering by suppressing desire. Christians seek to reject evil desires and cultivate good desires with the help of the Holy Spirit. (2 Timothy 2:22).

Jesus and the Eight-Fold Path

Final points

• Emphasise the uniqueness of Jesus Christ
• Focus on the Gospel message
• Share your own testimony
• Prepare with prayer

Sources:

• The Bible
• 1996 N. American Mission Board S. Baptist Convention: D. Heimbach
• Buddhism:  Robert Morey