I've never understood Christianity. Well, I take that back. I understand the basic concepts, you know, to love people, don't hate, don't steal, but that's not Christianity, that's just being a decent human. I don't intend to bash, but some horrific things have been done in the name of Christianity, such as the Inquisition, the Crusades, and even the slaughter of the Indians. I know these generations assumed they were doing the right things, but did they really think that death and torture was a better existence than a slightly different belief system?
I was reading a blog of an old friend of mine, and he wrote some sort of poem (didn't read it, i can never take friend's artwork seriously), and he explained the meaning behind it, mainly how religion (Jesus) didn't save him, love did. A line he used in his explanation was "Religion did not save me. Jesus, Allah, Buddha, they did not save me. To quote the Beatles, "All You Need Is Love". True. Personally, I believe this very much, but a 16 year old girl, halfway down the page commented: "I would disagree very much, and I think you know where. Buddha cannot save you. Allah cannot save you. They can do nothing for you. Jesus can."
With absolutely no experience outside anything she's ever learned or been fed, she naturally assumes that her views are right, that everything else in existence is inferior. Needless to say, it infuriated me.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not religion-bashing here. I know that Christians have done wonderful things, saving lives, giving people something to work for, making the world a better place, but I constantly sense a certain close-mindedness towards acceptance and tolerance of other religions. Maybe it's just because I'm from such a closeted town, but there seems to be a small stigma or taboo towards people who aren't Christian, also, like they're ungodly heathens who don't follow life's basic rules (be decent, love those around you, don't hurt others). I've looked around, and I think that's what people need to do, that is, look and get your own opinion. I found Buddhism fits me, and it makes the most sense after some time of searching, but I think it's stil about love in the end. You've gotta love what you are, that's all that matters.
Aw, shoot. This blog is so cliche.
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"Aw, shoot. This blog is so cliche."
Maybe a little, but it still is quite insightful and rings true. People need to open their minds to other perspectives and other beliefs. Most religions are in essense are the same, its just little trivial differences. I think you (and your friend) are absolutely right. It's not Jesus or Buddha or whatever that matters, but the emotion and the kindness.
I see where you're coming from. As a Christian myself, I am appalled at the lack of religious tolerance a good number of my fellow Christians have. It all comes down to the fact that we're human. We're human, and we can make very bad decisions, because we aren't all-knowing, we're biased, and we all want our views to be the right ones.
But in response to the "all we need is love" statement...
I'm not sure about other religions, but Christians (at least those I know...and myself) believe that God, that Jesus IS love. And I've had experiences to affirm that. So I'm finding myself agreeing and disagreeing with you at the same time.
But in the end, we're each free to choose what we believe, you know?
Now, I don't know much about Buddhism, but I'm curious....what is it about Buddhism that drew you to it?
And that's comin' at ya' from yer local redneck hippie.
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The Story of Myself