As a "non-Christian," I find the various concepts of Christ confusing. From my visits to churches, I have observed the following:
The "Dying Christ." In most Catholic churches, Jesus is commonly depicted in agony on the cross, thorns and all. To me, this seems like a creepy way to represent one's God.
The "Living Christ." Christ is often depicted as a shepherd, watching over his sheep. While the "embodied" Christ may be historically accurate, this Christ no longer exists as a mortal man. If my understanding of Christianity is correct, this Christ has been assimilated into something called the Trinity, which is not perceptible to our eyes, only to our hearts.
The "Eternal Christ." I have also seen pictures of Christ depicted as a resurrected being, surrounded by angels in the heavens, coming down to earth in power and majesty. Wow.
With a religion so widespread as Christianity, perhaps they should standardize their concept of deity. In Buddhism, the image is always the same enlightened peaceful being, whether in Thailand, Japan, China, or America, whether sitting, standing or reclining.
With a religion so widespread as Christianity, perhaps they should standardize their concept of deity. In Buddhism, the image is always the same enlightened peaceful being, whether in Thailand, Japan, China, or America, whether sitting, standing or reclining.
Do you claim to be Buddhist?
It is my understanding that the "same enlightened peaceful being" is not a "diety" nor recognized as such by Buddhists.