Posted on 04/21/2010 7:43:38 PM PDT by West Texas Chuck
OK, a lot of y'all will freak on this, but I am not a Christian. Not that I have any problem at all with His teachings, but I decided a long time ago I didn't want Jesus to die on that cross to expunge my sins. I'll take the hit to my own Karma. Laugh if you want, but this is what I believe: Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism.
I was raised Southern Baptist. My grandfather was a deacon in the church in Shawnee, Oklahoma. I remember unlocking the church with him before the sun came up, and going to Sunday School. Ortho Orville Oliver would probably spin in his grave to hear this but at his funeral I decided his religion was not what made sense to me. I think I was 12 at the time. I was a hippie for years, and then I was pretty much Godless for a long time, like those are different things. Then I met a girl who is what they call a "fortune baby" meaning she was born into this philosophy. Her old 75+ year old Japanese momma made her what she is, and she made me what I am, in a quasi-religious sense. It's a Japanese thing. I've been fascinated with Japanese culture since my first karate class, and before. Ni Gojuryu karate really started me down this path, several decades ago.
I don't worship Buddha, Soka Gakkai International is not about that in any way, we just believe in personal responsibility for the Karma we create for ourselves. There is no such thing as good Karma, all Karma is pretty much bad (sin?). It is a debt you create and carry. I believe in reincarnation and a lot of things that will probably make your skin crawl if you are Christian.
I have no problem with Christians. I'll stand and fight and die with you because you believe in a righteous God. Please don't hate me because I am a Buddhist.
Hate me because I am good looking ;)
We don’t hate you, Chuck. We will keep you and your family in our prayers that God will continue to bless you, keep you in His mercy and that He will gently reveal Himself to you when the time is right. Thanks, for speaking up.
” .... I’ll take the hit to my own ...”
WOW dude do you know what you are saying?
Eternal damnation with no merit, no reprieve, no relief? Total destruction of body AND soul (free will) forever!
I think your pride eclipses your Heart and assessment of reality!
But I suspect there is more to the story than you are telling!
I don’t hate you.
um. Just wait until its full and the first hymn is over and walk right up to the podium and tell them they are all wrong, they're all heathens who will be squashed under the weight of Jabba Bhudda!
OK, maybe don't do it during church services.
Do you mind if I say a prayer for you?
That you might realize the error of your way and repent?
I pray in Jesus name that you return to your roots. God’s love and grace can reach you and restore you.
Amen!
well stated - I’ll add that his decision was made with wisdom - when he was 12......LOL
“Do you mind if I say a prayer for you?”
I don’t mind at all. My people have been praying for me for years.
I would say that I will chant daimoku for you but that would probably not be taken the way I mean it.
I bless you all, fight for our country. It is all about what is right, to me. I may not share your particular beliefs but I only mean well. I am not the enemy, if you listen to your heart maybe that will come through for all of us, Americans.
Why would you think we would hate you? That’s just insulting to christians; to think that we would hate you because you’re not a christian.
LOL! Nice self-correction, TSgt. Sounds like you could’ve been a new convert to Tiger’s religion...Bootyism...if West Texas Chuck was West Texas Chick. Darn funny, dude. Thanks for the belly-laugh.
http://www.pemachodrontapes.com/store/
(Aka great path books)
It’s ok as long as you help out my sister and her hubby with their Buddhist business. Buy from them! LOL
No flames yet...
KIDDING! Just kidding!
I am not the least bit freaked about anything you wrote. Evil? I think not! We’ve seen evil and you ain’t it.
I found it interesting that you had a similar story to that of Steven Seagal (LAWMAN-love his show). He also took in the Japanese culture and embraced non-Christian concepts, as noted by earlier posters to this thread.
PEACE
LOL!
I almost begged the Mods to pull it but thought I would have some fun poking fun at myself.
DO NOT FREEP WHEN FATIGUED!
TSgt
Why would you think we would hate you? That’s just insulting to christians; to think that we would hate you because you’re not a christian.
Sorry, wrong person.
Almost every sentence in your screed contains the word “I,” often multiple times.
This reveals more than you’re likely to want to face right now.
Think about it.
Thanks for my best laugh of the day, maybe the week!
LOL.
“Prince Siddartha was unhappy with his sheltered life and went out to seek the truth.”
This is a very good point. Siddartha was a prince in India, a guy who had three very nice homes it is said. When he finally saw the suffering of man he was revulsed and decided to be humble.
I mean no disparagement, honestly, but I think Jesus did much the same.
I don’t worship Buddha. A lot of Buddhists do, take Thailand or Nepal as example. Guatama was not about any of that from what I have read.
It’s about belief that there is a greater power. I have no problem saying God Bless you all, it fits in with what I feel.
God Bless America. I’m honestly not trying to start trouble, I just had a need to express my feelings.
You’re killin’ me! Too funny!
Have you run into Christians before who hated non Christians merely because the were non Christians?
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