Curious - any Buddhist-turned-Christian converts here?

last SG · 2005-09-24T01:33:05+00:00

Nope, wasn't expecting their reply. But they should know now.

surfbabe SG

As above. Please explain why you converted.

Honeybunz SG

Very sensitive leh. Cannot hurt the non Christians' feelings.

shade343 SG

I am waiting..... Laughing

Honeybunz SG

I dun wan to look

/me close eyes & relac one corner.

shade343 SG

Question Laughing

An Eternal Now SG

IMHO, So far I’ve hardly seen any Buddhist-turned-Christian converts… Buddhist as defined as having taken refuge in Buddha, Dharma, Sangha (not those IC-Buddhist or those who pray to gods [taoist practice] and claim to be Buddhists). If they have converted… many of them are probably youngsters who have not a good understanding in Buddhism… of course there will be exceptions but I have yet to hear my ownself…. and I’m interested to hear about any ex-Buddhists who is willing to share.

Icemoon SG

I like your point.

on the other hand, there seems to be quite a few cases of genuine christians who convert to buddhism. but christians can play by your rule and say "he hasn't received salvation in the true sense of the word". Mr. Green

An Eternal Now SG

Haha... perhaps Very Happy

surfbabe SG

I believe Buddhism is not as outreaching as Christianity because unlike Christianity, Buddhism does not focus on evangelism. But evangelism is a big part of Christianity, because it is believed that Christianity brings salvation, so whoever's converted to become a Christian, has been saved. But Buddhism focuses more on your actions, on how to be a better person. Praising Buddha and worshipping Him often, does not necessarily bring you enlightenment nor allow you to attain Nirvana. Nor does it promise you a place in heaven. But practising what Buddha teaches, will bring you on the path to becoming a Buddha yourself. Which will take you out of the cycle of rebirth and death, into eternal peace and happiness.

I am most interested to hear from those of us who have explored both Buddhism and Christianity in depth, and decided to choose Christianity over Buddhism.

Honeybunz SG

I did choose Christianity over Buddhism, while half of my family have either turned to Buddhism or become more inclined to that, except me and my atheist brother. They tried converting me though.

I don't have anything in depth to share (I'm sure you want to hear sharing about teachings, enlightenment etc of both religions). I don't intend to find fault with Buddhist teachings as this will be very unfair to those Buddhists who live as a good person.

The thing is I just cannot bend towards Buddhism all because of a bad dream that I had when I was three or four. The impression is still very vivid in my head. I shall not share what the dream about. After all it's just a dream that appeared to a four year old kid (me lah!). Also when I told my dream to my parents and siblings, they got extremely offended and defensive. They explained that I must have done something really wrong to have that dream. But I was only four! I guess I am just as stubborn as them lah.

happyharvest SG

If you are willing, and does not cross-examine me for this, I may help you find the relevant websites if you want to.

My pastor kept quite a lot of buddhist scriptures to study,perhaps. He go to those temples and get free copies. He even ask who want a copy during his sermon. He is the craziest pastor in my church I have even known so far.

Honeybunz SG

hahhaha

I thought my Presbyterian Pastor was crazy enough. He often discussed theology with Catholic Priests and even joined them for the retreats.

While some Protestants might think he's crazy, he's one of the few that gives really indepth sermons during his services.

An Eternal Now SG

Honeybunz, sorry for being very luo suo, but just curious, did your parents take refuge in Three Treasures?

Honeybunz SG

Nope. They didn't convert. Just that they are more inclined to Buddhism.

Three Treasures is the Tian Dao one, right?

An Eternal Now SG

Oh I see... as I have mentioned above,

Originally posted by An Eternal Now:
IMHO, So far I've hardly seen any Buddhist-turned-Christian converts... Buddhist as defined as having taken refuge in Buddha, Dharma, Sangha (not those IC-Buddhist or those who pray to gods [taoist practice] and claim to be Buddhists). If they have converted... many of them are probably youngsters who have not a good understanding in Buddhism... of course there will be exceptions but I have yet to hear my ownself.... and I'm interested to hear about any ex-Buddhists who is willing to share.

Three Treasures (san bao) is mentioned in Tian Dao, Taoism also, but they are different things.

Three Treasures is first taught in Buddhism, which started 2500 years ago. It means Buddha, Dharma (truth, buddhist teachings), Sangha (monastic community)

Honeybunz SG

Orh

Icemoon SG

got anything to do with Admiral Cheng Ho? He was San Bao Tai Jian right? but he was muslim .. haha

Honeybunz SG

Cheng Ho muslim ah?

Didn't know. Only know he travelled a lot.

Then how come his name not xxx Bin xxx

Icemoon SG

'cos he was from Yunnan but his religion was Islam.

Honeybunz SG

Did he have a wife? (sorry I flunked history one)
If he had, then did the wife have to cover face?