I think we see eye to eye for the most part, but where in Buddhisms traditions does it refute my example of the self-righteous murderer? I assure you, I was trained by a drill instructor who--although I respected in many ways--honestly told us he would kill people if the law allowed it and they were a nuisance/prone to mistakes. That pained my Christian heart but, were it not for my Christian morals. I would not be able to refute him. The only way I could would be the hypothetical "that person may reform and do something great today"--but that is too hypothetical.
Are you Buddhist? Do you support Buddhism?
I ask because I did not chose Buddhism/Hinduism when I wanted to live for God for two reasons:
1--Its creation account has been disproven by the best science we have. http://jdhighness.tripod.com shows that mainstream science believes in a single creation event, not a cyclical universe.
2--Does it not seem a little bit selfish that Buddhists do not evangelize? Because if there is any objective judgment, then surely those who do not follow/believe certain tenants should be willingly convinced otherwise?
Thanks for your time, as usual.
I consider myself Buddhist in the same way I consider myself Christian. I guess by the strict criteria of some on both sides I am neither! But why should I let them define my beliefs? :)
As far as the murder example, I think you could refute him with any of the world's religions - besides perhaps Satanism :)
I don't think we know how creation began, so it's hard to disprove something which we can't qualify - a bit like atheists saying they don't believe in God.
Buddhists say the universe has always been, Christians believe it was created. Science hasn't a clue. Scientists aren't even sure whether the Universe will die a 'cold death' - expand forever or a 'hot death' contract back into a singularity. I believe current theory is leaning towards the cold death, but I don't really trust 'em!
This may also be a case of semantics.
And on the last point, Buddhists do evangelicalize. Some do not, others believe they can achieve enlightenment quicker by spreading the word and helping others. I tend to side with the later.
I don't understand religions that don't evangelicize. If you believe so strongly in something and it is so great then wouldn't you want to spread it to everyone? If I believed, as some Christians seem to, that only through Christ (ie physical/historical/narrow definition of Christ, not the broader/idea/teachings of Christ) can one get salvation, and I truly believed this with all my heart - I could not pass by someone on the street in good Conscience! I would shout His name from every doorway and rooftop and harrass friends and family to the point where they would either convert or get restraining orders against me. I mean, we're talking about eternal Hell!
It is telling that we don't see this happen very often...