Does Christian really views other religion lead as Satan?

[wikey321]

Dear all,

 

I was a ex-Buddhist practitioner for 7 years. I was invited to a Church to learn and study the way of life of Christian.

 

This is the 2nd time i am trying to visit Church and find a rightfulness and peacefulness ways of life.

 

Well, the same things does happened again when i was approached the fellow Christian and asked about my background which is Buddhist. They are so against towards the other religion and even claiming the statue or any form picture exists in my temple are form of Satan. i felt so discriminated and insulted !

 

Below is one the example.

"Every golden Buddha in your city is a statue to Satan, as well as every Hindu idol"

"We must take up the spiritual weapons of our warfare, and we must carry the good news of Christ’s victory over Satan to a perishing world.  "

https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/4-ways-christians-can-respond-to-a-satanic-statue 

 

I strongly believe the way of approaching non Christian in this way would create strong anger and violence to each other among the   human race fellowship. Does Jesus really wants us to create fierce, anger and even a war to fight for him? I personally don't think so, that's why i come to Church to 2nd time to find out.  

 

"The destruction of idols and images as icons of veneration is called iconoclasm,[10] and this has long been accompanied with violence between religious groups that forbid idol worship and those who have accepted icons, images and idols for worship" 

Reference: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idolatry

 

I have come across an article from the fellowship of "Christian" official web site on how to handle a Buddhist visits to Church. Let me know your thought especially you still think other religions is a Satan?

 

"Some have long ministered in the Buddhist world. When they share methods that have proved fruitful, and others that have flopped, we should listen. The following common sense suggestions can be adapted according to context."

• This is spiritual warfare, so start with prayer! The Holy Spirit has long tilled the soil in Buddhist hearts, and will continue to do so.

• The demonic is often in play. Do not tread flippantly onto the battlefield.

• Be pre-emptive (1 Peter 3:15). Research Buddhism. Truly understanding a Buddhist’s faith is key and shows respect. Familiarity with things like The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, and The Middle Way is imperative. If you get pressed into a discussion, do not be afraid to ask questions about what the Buddhist believes so that you can properly discuss the issues.

https://answersingenesis.org/world-religions/buddhism/

 

I Pray to God to respect others,

Wikey

Post information note:
I gotta to write some important key note here because many not clicking the link above for brief info about Buddhism.

1. Original Buddhism teaching not required to worship to Buddha because he is just a human that achieved enlightenment. Many monks that providing Buddhism classes will also not recommend worship but rather understand the Sutra (Buddhism version of Bible) meaning word by word and practice it daily.

2. Enlightenment or the awaken is free of suffering and believed to able to manage completely of our brain unconscious and conscious thinking. Normally our mistake comes from unconscious action that create the suffering like argument in this topic  . This is goal of Buddhism and afterlife will be Nirvana, a place free from suffering. To provide more scientific supportive info, "I" personally believe those awaken has ability to control the 3rd eye or so call Pinael Gland, a part of our brain that manage the dream. "I" believe those awaken able to be conscious and control what they want in the dream which technically they are in Nirvana without any side effect. So they can meditate for a very long time and having conscious dream. Technically, Buddha should have "awaken" , mastered it in the dream of Nirvana and free from suffering.
Buddha core strength eventually is meditation and not worship. In ancient time, many might not even have a food to eat, being very skinny and Prince Siddhartha(Buddha) had born before Christ. What's wrong them to meditate, hibernate and have a good dream?

After centuries, human has revised the original teaching where born of many other worshiping other Buddhism statues like Bodhisattva, Guan Yin or known as Avalokiteśvara. Buddhism views Jesus as Bodhisattva if you read the link(answeringenesis)  i've provided above. 

Below explain a bit more on Nirvana experienced by Buddha. Whether original Buddhism teaching is a science or a religion?
https://www.world-of-lucid-dreaming.com/how-to-meditate-for-lucid-dreaming.html

3. Before i picked up the Buddhism study in depth past 7 years, my senior Buddhist actually recommends me to Church instead of Buddhism base on my personality and character after a long chat. They explained and provide comparison as what i shared on the link above. The reason i didn't choose to be a Christian because of the topic title above in the past. I felt so offended and sound a bit terrorism just like "if not same religion then is enemy?" I would still believe it's the people mindset issue and not actually the religion issue.

My current Buddhism teacher also implicitly taught that i am allowed to choose other religion so long follow a righteous teacher and right religion.

The more i study Buddhism, i found it's just a book of Science and psychology . Of course, my goal is not Nirvana because it's extremely hard and so far only a person achieved it namely Buddha. In Buddhism, we also have heaven afterlife for those fail to achieve enlightenment which is very similar to Christian.

What the message i would like to bring here is not to prove or promote Buddhism is the BEST religion but is pray to God to respect others religion. It's would be easier to influence other to accept Christ if you know well and understand the so call "Satan" or opponent strength and weakness. Let me know if i am wrong!

https://answersingenesis.org/world-religions/buddhism/

Edited March 12, 2020 by wikey321

[Tzephanyahu]

Shalom @wikey321, 

Yes this is roughly the common view and you can expect the same answers in here to start popping up soon. 

Now, it might sound a bit extreme to say these things (and indeed a lot of Christians like to get extreme quickly) but this is true in a way. 

Basically, anything one or thing that you serve or bow down to besides Yahweh, the God of the Bible, is idolatry.  Becauae you are serving someone/something else first (or as well as). 

Is you golden buddha statue satan incarnate, probably not. It is probbaly just wood covered in gold. However, that doesn't make your veneration of said statue any less insulting to your Creator. 

31 minutes ago, wikey321 said:

i felt so discriminated and insulted !

Yes, Christians (in general) can seem to specialise in doing this in this modern age. Just browse this forum and you'll see plenty of arguments and divisions as each passionately fights for what they think is right.  But this is not the way it should be. It wasn't always like this and it won't always be like this. However, the state the church is in today is prophesied. 

Don't let that dissuade you from the truth though.  There are many good loving and kind believers out there today - they are just few and far between. 

So you're right, no one (believer or non-believer) should be approached judgmentally and aggressively by a Christian. However, the Creator Yahweh will not be "another god" to anyone and I guess it is with too much zeal that some have tried explaining that to you. 

Anyway, in summary, I urge you to get rid of your buddha statues, if you have any, as an offering of worship to Yahweh, the Creator.  If you do this, He will bring blessing and wisdom to you.  Stay in the Word concerning your walk  and don't judge matters according to what modern Christianity says, but by the Word only. Pray to Yahweh each day for wisdom and guidance in His Word, will and way in the name of His son, the Messiah Yahushua (Jesus Christ) and you will find Him. 

Love & Shalom 

[Justin Adams]

Background: The various pantheons were originally formed (mostly) by the holy ones that were given charge over the nations. Psalm 82 says they are condemned by Yahweh because they caused the nations to worship them rather than the One True God. They failed dismally and 'will die like men'.

Read Deut 32 etc to get a better understanding of all these 'gods' (small 'g').

[Jostler]

Wikey it is true that the Bible teaches that there is only one way to restored relationship with our Creator.  It does indeed teach that there is only one true God. 

 

But it is also true that we Christians often do a TERRIBLE job of explaining that, with love, acceptance and kindness.  To our shame.  Jesus died for ALL mankind, because His love for all men is so great.  We who call ourselves by His Name, often fail to reflect His character.  Or help others understand the love He has for them....enough to give His own life so that all would have a chance to live with Him eternally.

[appy]

5 hours ago, wikey321 said:

After years of practicing, i would rather following original teaching like taking more vegetable/fruits, loving and kindness to all races/animal/plant, meditation and many more are basic and supported by Science and Psychological study so nothing to argue hopefully.  

Christ on the cross is offensive because it demands that we lay aside our pride, our philosophies, our ability to earn our way to heaven, and totally rely on Jesus' death on the cross as the way to make peace with God. God, Himself has chosen the way to him and that is through his son's death on the cross. Philosophy says we humans are basically good, but this isn't what the gospel message that is preached in the bible teaches us. Because for all of our goodness and kindness that we can do for each other and kindness to all races/animal/plant, can never remove the stain of sin and guilt and immorality.

Christ on the cross sees the sins deep down in the heart an exposes the sins and causes a person to acknowledge that he or she is a sinner. Even if they don't admit that to another human. Deep down they know it is true. No matter how good of a person we consider ourselves to be or how many “good deeds” done; we can never remove the guilt and stain of sin on our own merits. Only meeting God at the cross and acknowledging and confessing oneself a sinner in need of a savior and forgiveness. God has chosen the preaching of Christ on the cross as the way to remove the the guilt and stain of sin.

No human can say they, themselves or another person is basically good, so sins should be overlooked.  Sin is NOT determined by human measurements of goodness, but on God's standard of holiness. Your old life sounds appealing to you because it doesn't require you to change and trust in a Savior with your life. Once you have experienced the goodness of God and his forgiveness, you will never be the same

 

[sweetycakes]

Jesus Himself declared that He is the Only Way.  So yes...all that opposes or contradicts that statement is demonic.

Like it or not, that is the truth.....and it's better to be true than wrong/misled

[Billiards Ball]

11 hours ago, wikey321 said:

Dear all,

 

I was a ex-Buddhist practitioner for 7 years. I was invited to a Church to learn and study the way of life of Christian.

 

This is the 2nd time i am trying to visit Church and find a rightfulness and peacefulness ways of life.

 

Well, the same things does happened again when i was approached the fellow Christian and asked about my background which is Buddhist. They are so against towards the other religion and even claiming the statue or any form picture exists in my temple are form of Satan. i felt so discriminated and insulted !

 

Below is one the example.

"Every golden Buddha in your city is a statue to Satan, as well as every Hindu idol"

"We must take up the spiritual weapons of our warfare, and we must carry the good news of Christ’s victory over Satan to a perishing world.  "

https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/4-ways-christians-can-respond-to-a-satanic-statue 

 

I strongly believe the way of approaching non Christian in this way would create strong anger and violence to each other among the   human race fellowship. Does Jesus really wants us to create fierce, anger and even a war to fight for him? I personally don't think so, that's why i come to Church to 2nd time to find out.  

 

"The destruction of idols and images as icons of veneration is called iconoclasm,[10] and this has long been accompanied with violence between religious groups that forbid idol worship and those who have accepted icons, images and idols for worship" 

Reference: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idolatry

 

I have come across an article from the fellowship of "Christian" official web site on how to handle a Buddhist visits to Church. Let me know your thought especially you still think other religions is a Satan?

 

"Some have long ministered in the Buddhist world. When they share methods that have proved fruitful, and others that have flopped, we should listen. The following common sense suggestions can be adapted according to context."

• This is spiritual warfare, so start with prayer! The Holy Spirit has long tilled the soil in Buddhist hearts, and will continue to do so.

• The demonic is often in play. Do not tread flippantly onto the battlefield.

• Be pre-emptive (1 Peter 3:15). Research Buddhism. Truly understanding a Buddhist’s faith is key and shows respect. Familiarity with things like The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, and The Middle Way is imperative. If you get pressed into a discussion, do not be afraid to ask questions about what the Buddhist believes so that you can properly discuss the issues.

https://answersingenesis.org/world-religions/buddhism/

 

I Pray to God to respect others,

Wikey

I can't reply to comment so i edit here

Tzephanyahu->Anyway, in summary, I urge you to get rid of your buddha statues, if you have any, as an offering of worship to Yahweh, the Creator.  If you do this, He will bring blessing and wisdom to you.  Stay in the Word concerning your walk  and don't judge matters according to what modern Christianity says, but by the Word only. Pray to Yahweh each day for wisdom and guidance in His Word, will and way in the name of His son, the Messiah Yahushua (Jesus Christ) and you will find Him.

Wikey -> I suggest you read the link below as published by fellow Christian before urging people to remove the statue. We (Buddhist) don't worship to Buddha but rather more in practice and treat him as honorable teacher just like your school moral teacher. Only those not understand the traditional /original teaching of Buddha will do a lot of worship. There are much of argument of ways of studying Buddhism too like Christian.  After years of practicing, i would rather following original teaching like taking more vegetable/fruits, loving and kindness to all races/animal/plant, meditation and many more are basic and supported by Science and Psychological study so nothing to argue hopefully.  

"Some have long ministered in the Buddhist world. When they share methods that have proved fruitful, and others that have flopped, we should listen. The following common sense suggestions can be adapted according to context."

• This is spiritual warfare, so start with prayer! The Holy Spirit has long tilled the soil in Buddhist hearts, and will continue to do so.

• The demonic is often in play. Do not tread flippantly onto the battlefield.

• Be pre-emptive (1 Peter 3:15). Research Buddhism. Truly understanding a Buddhist’s faith is key and shows respect. Familiarity with things like The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, and The Middle Way is imperative. If you get pressed into a discussion, do not be afraid to ask questions about what the Buddhist believes so that you can properly discuss the issues.

https://answersingenesis.org/world-religions/buddhism/

  

 

I can respect others utterly, even die for others or live for others, while explaining the truth about their religion. There is some good in Buddhism, and some teaching that are against the Bible.

[missmuffet]

There are other religions and beliefs in our world that a born again Christian wants to stay far, far away from. They do not glorify Jesus Christ. 

[johnthebaptist]

14 hours ago, wikey321 said:

Dear all,

 

I was a ex-Buddhist practitioner for 7 years. I was invited to a Church to learn and study the way of life of Christian.

 

This is the 2nd time i am trying to visit Church and find a rightfulness and peacefulness ways of life.

 

Well, the same things does happened again when i was approached the fellow Christian and asked about my background which is Buddhist. They are so against towards the other religion and even claiming the statue or any form picture exists in my temple are form of Satan. i felt so discriminated and insulted !

 

Below is one the example.

"Every golden Buddha in your city is a statue to Satan, as well as every Hindu idol"

"We must take up the spiritual weapons of our warfare, and we must carry the good news of Christ’s victory over Satan to a perishing world.  "

https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/4-ways-christians-can-respond-to-a-satanic-statue 

 

I strongly believe the way of approaching non Christian in this way would create strong anger and violence to each other among the   human race fellowship. Does Jesus really wants us to create fierce, anger and even a war to fight for him? I personally don't think so, that's why i come to Church to 2nd time to find out.  

 

"The destruction of idols and images as icons of veneration is called iconoclasm,[10] and this has long been accompanied with violence between religious groups that forbid idol worship and those who have accepted icons, images and idols for worship" 

Reference: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idolatry

 

I have come across an article from the fellowship of "Christian" official web site on how to handle a Buddhist visits to Church. Let me know your thought especially you still think other religions is a Satan?

 

"Some have long ministered in the Buddhist world. When they share methods that have proved fruitful, and others that have flopped, we should listen. The following common sense suggestions can be adapted according to context."

• This is spiritual warfare, so start with prayer! The Holy Spirit has long tilled the soil in Buddhist hearts, and will continue to do so.

• The demonic is often in play. Do not tread flippantly onto the battlefield.

• Be pre-emptive (1 Peter 3:15). Research Buddhism. Truly understanding a Buddhist’s faith is key and shows respect. Familiarity with things like The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, and The Middle Way is imperative. If you get pressed into a discussion, do not be afraid to ask questions about what the Buddhist believes so that you can properly discuss the issues.

https://answersingenesis.org/world-religions/buddhism/

 

I Pray to God to respect others,

Wikey

I can't reply to comment so i edit here

Tzephanyahu->Anyway, in summary, I urge you to get rid of your buddha statues, if you have any, as an offering of worship to Yahweh, the Creator.  If you do this, He will bring blessing and wisdom to you.  Stay in the Word concerning your walk  and don't judge matters according to what modern Christianity says, but by the Word only. Pray to Yahweh each day for wisdom and guidance in His Word, will and way in the name of His son, the Messiah Yahushua (Jesus Christ) and you will find Him.

Wikey -> I suggest you read the link below as published by fellow Christian before urging people to remove the statue. We (Buddhist) don't worship to Buddha but rather more in practice and treat him as honorable teacher just like your school moral teacher. Only those not understand the traditional /original teaching of Buddha will do a lot of worship. There are much of argument of ways of studying Buddhism too like Christian.  After years of practicing, i would rather following original teaching like taking more vegetable/fruits, loving and kindness to all races/animal/plant, meditation and many more are basic and supported by Science and Psychological study so nothing to argue hopefully.  

"Some have long ministered in the Buddhist world. When they share methods that have proved fruitful, and others that have flopped, we should listen. The following common sense suggestions can be adapted according to context."

• This is spiritual warfare, so start with prayer! The Holy Spirit has long tilled the soil in Buddhist hearts, and will continue to do so.

• The demonic is often in play. Do not tread flippantly onto the battlefield.

• Be pre-emptive (1 Peter 3:15). Research Buddhism. Truly understanding a Buddhist’s faith is key and shows respect. Familiarity with things like The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, and The Middle Way is imperative. If you get pressed into a discussion, do not be afraid to ask questions about what the Buddhist believes so that you can properly discuss the issues.

https://answersingenesis.org/world-religions/buddhism/

  

 

Some Christians believe other religions are led by Satan. I don't necessarily feel that way.

[dhchristian]

17 hours ago, wikey321 said:

I Pray to God to respect others,

Wikey

Wikey,

every religion is based in one way or another in the emptiness one feels inside that there is something more to Life. The Root cause of this emptiness is a separation from God and Man. Buddhism is no different in that they search for that meaning in the teachings of Buddha. Our Life on this earth according to the Judeo Christian faith we Hold to was never meant to be like this, Sin entered the picture when mankind disobeyed the Rules God had set before them in the garden not to eat of the tree of the Knowledge of Good and evil. When this happened, the punishment for this sin was death and separation from a Holy God, because his holiness demands perfection to commune with Him. Now the spirit of man sees this life of ours which is just a "vapor in the wind" as meaningless without a higher purpose. The Problem is we can not restore that relationship and meaning by our own efforts, even Buddha who tried to reach that perfection by his own efforts (nirvana). Buddhism teaches rebirth for these reasons, and much like Christianity there is another life we live after this one, But it is not a rebirth in this fallen and sinful world, Living over and over again this life filled with pain till we reach perfection, As Buddhism teaches. But we as believers in Christ Jesus were made a way to be reborn of the Spirit in this life that we may enter into the perfect life in heaven with our creator God. Who is preparing a new heaven and a new earth for those who accept this free gift.

Buddhism is in this respect incomplete. His teachings see the problem rightly, and even sees that the solution is to achieve perfection (nirvana), but there is no means to attain that perfection like Jesus granted us By his death on the cross as a sin sacrifice. And what the good news of this is that this is a free gift of the grace of God to all mankind the only stipulation is that they must believe in Him by faith. When You do reach this point you become what is known as being "born again of the Spirit" not of the flesh, over and over again as buddha teaches.

If and when you choose to believe in Jesus, you will know as he will fill you with His Spirit and you will receive a peace that surpasses understanding, as the weight of sin is lifted off of you. For the first time in your life you will feel clean and pure and free from the burden of sin. The statues will then be placed in the proper place as you will no longer want to defile this purity with statues of other gods or even men.

So the question for you, or any Buddhist is: Will you remain on the same path living over and over again a life in this flesh never knowing true peace and communion with the creator God, because there is nothing you can do to save yourself? Or will you choose the path that leads to being born again of the Spirit where sin is forgiven and our communion with God restored? That Path is Jesus. He said: I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

Many Christians come off as being harsh, because they have walked this path and see the teachings of Buddha as an obstacle to finding the ONE TRUE WAY TO LIFE everlasting.

God Bless.