Buddhists Really Are Happy, According to Brain Scans

Reuters | 5/22/03

[LivingNet]

So, tell me again how your version of God's word is more right than someone else's version of God's word? Thanks in advance for a rational response.

Apologetics is the study of proofing the existence of God and that the Bible is God's word. If you are serious then I would suggest taking classes or get some good books on Apologetics. Since that is not my forte I'll just try to list a few thoughts:
1. It is not MY version. The originals are in Hebrew and Greek (a few chapters in Aramaic).
2. Granted you can say "circular reasoning" but in just the Old Testament alone there are over 3,800 times you have "Thus saith the Lord", "and God said", etc. The Bible makes several claims to it's Godly inspiration and the books also give claim and support that the other books are part of God's word also.
3. It was written over almost 1500 years by about 38 different writers yet all goes together perfectly.
4. There are hundreds of prophecies that were all fulfilled later perfectly. The mathematical odds of this are impossible if not done by God.
5. Jews and Christians agree on the exact same Old Testament (Christians of course also include the New Testament). That it is God's word has been globally accepted by most people for over three thousand years.
6. Over 500 people saw Jesus alive after his death (his resurrection). There is no way Christianity grows as it does if this claim about it's leader is not true. Also most of the apostles died horrible deaths defending this. No other religion has a leader who rose from the dead.
7. Changed lives - you can discount the impact it has had on people.

Lastly I'll just say that I admit I accept God and God's word on Faith (cannot be proven in a labratory) - that is what religion and spirituality is all about. I just wish the Evolutionists (not saying you are one) would have the courage to admit they accept that "Nothing Exploded" by Faith. No one can explain or prove or duplicate that Nothing Exploded. Yet they believe it by faith as their Truth.

Hope that helps some and I did try to be rational as you requested.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

Very good. Thanks for your well reasoned response. It all does come down to faith in the end, however, you made some good points. You should note that #6 and #7 apply to other religions. thanks.

[dagoofyfoot]

Well said!

[First Amendment]

Unlike most religions there is no heaven or hell in Bhudism, therefore there's no expectations to change your lifestyle or behavior.

I am not a Buddhist - but the seriously practicing ones are motivated by the threat of hell as a punishment for evil deeds and heaven as a reward for good. They believe in karma (as you sow, so shall you reap) and the rules they are supposed to follow are similar to the "Godlen Rule" and doing good, being virtuous, kind to others, sexual purity, and so on, as well as not killing anything (therefore vegetarian). My sister is a Buddhist and I have had talks with her about it, and read some Buddhist books (long ago, though). Currently in Western countries it is "chic" to call oneself a Buddhist without even attempting to seriously follow any of the strictures. Basically if a person eats meat, does drugs or alchol, or is not sexually abstinent or faithfully married,does not practice stringent meditation, or does not give in charity they are not acting as a proper Buddhist.

[First Amendment]

Duh - Golden Rule! (I thought I checked everything)

[Jn316]

Shameless Praise The Lord bump



For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

[freedumb2003]

>>It is not a book...it is God's word<<

It IS a book. My belief in God does not make HIM real. If HE is or is not will be revealed in the fullness of time and space.

The original question stands. Your "but-but-but it just IS" is not an argument but rather a dismissive assertion that is equal to that used by Al Qaida, the Taliban and other religious extremists.

[dagoofyfoot]

In Budhism there is no salvation. Just a constant cycle of reincarnation. The whole concept is really pointless. Hollywood is full of Budhist, I guess it must be "really chic." just like you said.


I'll choose Grace,Mercy and Salvation anyday. If you're a Believer like myself, the choice of what God you serve is no doubt, the most important decision you can ever make. It's forever...

[First Amendment]

Buddhism is interesting because it isn't really a religion, since they don't believe in the Supreme Being and they don't even believe in the eternal soul, so it really doesn't make sense - WHO is reincarnating??

It is a code of ethics, really - kind of pre-religion. But if more people really followed the tenets of Buddhism the world would definitely be more peaceful. I mean, Muslims apparently believe in God, and who is doing more killing, Buddhists or Muslims?

Belief in God can of all kinds - shallow, phony, with ulterior motives, or sincere.

My understanding is that there is one God, one Supreme Being, and He has many names and is worshipped in different ways and in different kinds of buildings around the world. I don't accept that there are "wrong Gods" and the "right God." People just have a better or more complete, or less of an understanding of His divine nature and mercy.

And sometimes they believe in something which isn't God at all.

[dagoofyfoot]

It's not a book...it is God's word


It IS a book. My belief in God does not make HIM real.


In the Old Testament days there were Prophets. The qualifications of being one meant you had to make short term and long term predictions with consistent accuracy. This way people knew if the voice of God was speaking through you.

There was no room at all for error or failure. The penalty for being a "false prophet" was death by stoning.
Eventually all prophets spoke of the "Messiah", who's life and death was predicted down to some details that would have been mathematiclly impossible to predict.


The predictions go on today: The Israeli people formed a country back in 1948 after wandering the world without one for 2000 years. No other race has ever done this without a homeland. And as for Jerusalem, it would be "a cup of trembling" an "albatross worn around the worlds neck".
Regarding the Jews, God declared, "These are my people, who ever bless's them shall also be blessed. Who ever curses them shall also be cursed, and I will lay their lands to waste".


Before there was CNN or FOX news, or any mass media for that matter there was one man who impacted more lives than anyone before him, or anyone after. That was the man, Christ Jesus. He cured the sick, rose the dead, and rose Himself from the dead. Everything He did, He did publicly. He had more "fans" than the biggest rock stars. His sermon on the mount would have rivaled "Woodstock", and that was before they had JBL speakers or amplifiers. Time itself is based on his birth, (B.C. and A. D.). I hope that helps...

[freedumb2003]

>>In the Old Testament days there were Prophets...<<

Again from YOUR Book. Buy the premise, buy the bit. YOUR and MY Book may agree, but I don't shove it down anyone's throat. People who do that also fly planes into buildings.

[nmh]

Done any scans on Bible based Christians? Or is it anything but that being eligible for a scan?

[nmh]

#16 so corruption makes em happy. Nothing like a proud Democratic Buddhist making illegal campaign contributions to Al Bore. Sounds like happiniess I can easily live without.

[nmh]

Buddism is circular spiritual logic. Those who are more shallow minded are attracted to it. Deep thinkers notice immediately the utter frustration of it all with nothing to look forward to.

[nmh]

It wasn't designed to be a "religion" but a way of life. Today, people have made it a religion.

[nmh]

As you can see ... some never find Him.

Look forward to meeting you in heaven ... .

[freedumb2003]

>>As you can see ... some never find Him.


Look forward to meeting you in heaven ... .
<<

Not with that attitude. Think Jesus approves of your self-righteous and rather egotistical thinking? If you are Catholic, you might have a shot at purgetory, If you are of one of the more binary sects of Christianity, options are much more limited.

[dagoofyfoot]

As a believer I cannot accept the belief that my God could ever be called Allah, or Krishna, or Buddha. I call myself a "believer" because as a Christian, I'm sometimes a horrible example. You cannot reach my God on your own, or on your "good deeds".


Only through Jesus will anyone ever see the Father.

A lot of people always ask me, "what about that native deep in the jungles that have never heard of "Jesus", doesn't seem very fair that they should get sent to Hell just for that!


The Bible says that God is fair and just, and that the 10 commandment have been written into every mans heart. Of course they'll be judged differently than you or I.


I wouldn't worry about them, I would worry about all of us that have heard the "Truth" only to reject it and buy into a lie. The Bible says that "Men will go to great legnths and perils to buy into the lie, rather than accept the "Truth".

I think of all the suicidal death cults when I read that line. It just amazes me that anyone searching for some kind of "Truth" will check out "Self-Help Guru books, eastern religions, crystals, and God know what else before they look into Chrisianity. I guess because it's so uncool if you aim to be "cool".


If you want to see one of the most cursed places on earth, visit India, and see up close and personal how Buddha, Krishna, and God know who else have blessed this place.

[tet68]

Contemplate compassion Bump.
Namu Amida Bhutsu.

[tet68]

"heaven"

There being no duality, pluralism is untrue.

Maya, all is Maya.