On What does Christianity Rely?
2009Posted by Gustav 16 Oct, 2009 01:59Hello again! I just wanted to share with you a discussion from the comments section of a previous post called Zazen and Christianity. Here it is:
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Posted by Gustav 16 Oct, 2009 00:48
Hello Ran!
Many thanks for your comments and question. I think your question about what Christianity relies on is very interesting. Just like Buddhism, Christianity is a huge tradition, and it is difficult to say something that is true for all Christians throughout time and space. However, here are a few thoughts from my limited perspective:
My theology teachers at the university said that there are two kinds of definitions of religion - functional and substantial. The first kind defines what religions does (gives a sense of meaning etc) and the second kind defines what a religion is (rituals, temples, priests, scriptures etc). Some definitions are a mixture of these two.
Another university teacher said that it is the story, the narrative, that is the unifying factor in the world religions. Although Christians may have different ideas and interpretations, we all relate to the same story about Jesus Christ and hold that story to be important. Similarly, Buddhists in different traditions all relate to the same story about Gotama Buddha. There are variations to the narrative too, but this is beside the point.
I would say that Christianity relies on the importance of the Jesus narrative. I think a substantial definition of Christianity would be the loving, forgiving and near image of God that the Gospels carry. A functional definition would be the peace, trust, hope, love and the perceived relation to God that is nourished by such an image of God.
These are my simple thoughts, and I do not know if this answers your question in any way. I would be happy to continue our discussion. Good luck on your path, and I hope you will find what you are looking for.
Peace and best wishes
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Posted by Ran kennedy 12 Oct, 2009 15:59
There is a teacher in Israel (which is where I live) who states in one of his books that Christianity has two pillars. The Main one is love and the second is humility. I thought of that after posting my last comment. It seems this is the beginning of the answer but it still isn't full.
As for Buddhism - Nishijima Roshi says Buddhism is just sitting Zazen and vice versa. I don't know what would Shinran Shonin say to that, but it is a simple principle. It seems understood.
I tend to believe Christianity might change a lot in the coming future. Someone claimed modern science is Christianity which has become the opposite of itself. Though still as materialistic as a child. (Science is - that is. This is a little bit of my interpretation.)
Now, Buddhism relies on Zazen. - Perhaps the question is: - on what does Christianity rely?
So far,
Ran k.
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