The Clash: Buddhism

Posted: October 5, 2011 in Apologetics, Worldview
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Buddhism was founded in the sixth century B.C. by Siddhartha Gautama, an Indian prince.  According to tradition, Gautama was sheltered from the outside world by his protective father, living the early part of his life in comfort and ease.  However, one day he ventured outside the palace and encountered numerous elements of suffering — sickness, death, etc.  Gautama was extremely shaken by these sights, and decided to give up his riches and follow a life of extreme self-denial.  In fact, he deprived his body of food so severely that his physical frame was drastically weakened.  Because of his exceptionally weakened physique, Gautama almost drowned when bathing in a river one day.  As a result, he ended this regimen for pursuing holiness.  Sometime later, Gautama sat under a tree and began to meditate.  Although accounts vary as to how long he spent in meditation, it is said that he eventually attained enlightenment.  From this point forward, he was no longer known as Siddhartha Gautama, but instead as Buddha — the enlightened one.

The central focus of Buddhism is the denial of desire.  According to the Buddha’s reasoning, desire is the root of all suffering.  The reason we experience pain is because we desire things.  Therefore, if we are able to end desire, we can also eliminate suffering from of our lives.  When we reach the point that desire no longer has a hold on us, we become enlightened and enter a state called “nirvana”.  While there are different variations of Buddhism that outline different doctrines, the goal of attaining nirvana is the same.  According to Buddha, salvation (nirvana) can be attained by following a list of teachings known as “The Four Noble Truths”, as well as “The Eightfold Path”, a list of characteristics and disciplines one should develop in their life.

Although some of the principles taught by Buddha are worthy goals to live by (doing good deeds, living a morally upright life), they fall short of satisfying the true need of every human being: freedom from sin.  Seeking to be free from desire in order to eliminate suffering is an impossible task.  After all, if one decides to eliminate desire in order to get rid of pain, aren’t they desiring to do that?  Pain is an inevitable part of life in a fallen world.  There is simply no way to dodge the presence of pain.  Suffering will still be present, regardless of how much one seeks to put an end to desire.

Buddhism’s teaching of becoming free from desire is inadequate because its focus is fundamentally flawed.  Pain is present only because the world itself (and consequently humanity) is broken.  Instead of focusing on a consequence of this brokenness, we need to look to its origin.  Pain and suffering are present because man rebelled against a holy God.  (Genesis 3) However, redemption is found in the death of Jesus Christ.  (Romans 3:21-24) By understanding that we are hopelessly lost and unable in any way to save ourselves (John 14:6), our eyes are opened to the truth of the Gospel, where true, eternal freedom from pain and suffering will certainly be found.

The Clash

Posted: October 2, 2011 in Apologetics, Worldview
Tags: , , ,


Many people today would claim that all religions are basically the same; that while they have their differences, all will eventually lead to the same place.  These folks would likely consider one’s religion to be of no more consequence than their favorite soda or sports team.  In the secularized society we live in today, religion has been downgraded significantly.  Instead of holding a place of reverence and awe, religion has been relegated to a point of mere preference.  As a result of this attitude, many people have fallen out of touch with the numerous differences in doctrine that various religions hold.

In the next few posts, we’re going to take a look at several religions.  Contrary to the view of many, we will see that there are in fact significant differences among these different belief systems — whether it be in the belief in an afterlife, the terms of salvation, the nature of God, the nature of man, etc.  Once we’ve briefly explored many of their basic doctrines, we will contrast them with Biblical Christianity.  As we delve into the foundational beliefs of these religions and uncover their bedrock assumptions, pay close attention to how they specifically clash with Christianity.  Once we’ve finished the series, we’ll take a closer look at the common thread that runs through every religion contrary to a Biblical Christian worldview.

With that said, there’s one last thing I want to point out.  In light of 1 Peter 3:15 — where we are called to give a reason for the hope within us — it can seem extremely daunting to believe that we would have to study every single belief system in order to understand how to defend our faith against it.  However, as we will see at the end of this series, there is a much more “efficient” way to address the beliefs we come into contact with. Even so, this still doesn’t give us the freedom to take a “Cliff’s Notes” summary approach — we need to be willing to dig deep into understanding other belief systems.  We need to be willing to do the research on Islam so that when we meet a Muslim, we can better relate to his position.  Paul did this with the Athenians in Acts 17. Through prior research and understanding of the culture he was in, Paul was able to effectively speak to the people in the Areopagus.  We too need to be ready to address those in our culture.  Over the next few weeks, we’ll take a closer look at just how we can do that.

Philippians 4:8 – Our Lens To The Culture

Posted: May 11, 2011 in Apologetics, The Christian Life, Worldview
Tags: , , , , ,

It doesn’t take long to realize that the content of what Hollywood, record labels, and even publishers are producing doesn’t exactly line up to Biblical standards. Consequently, it shouldn’t be surprising that many Christians are advocating that we stay away from such industries altogether. If followers of Christ are supposed to be in the world but not of it (Romans 12:2), then how should we approach the situation?

The answer that is often offered to this situation is partially complete, but doesn’t address it entirely. True, Christians are supposed to be set apart from the world and its sinfulness. That’s an uncompromisable fact. However, what about the call to be salt and light? (Matthew 5:13-16). Instead of allowing the culture to degrade and rot away, we should be willing to jump in and make a difference. Living as a Christian doesn’t require isolation from the world. Rather, it calls for a different approach.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

Although the content of the art, literature, music, movies, etc. that our culture produces is oftentimes unbiblical, there are certainly glimmers of light. Maybe it’s a movie that communicates a Christian worldview through the way it portrays honor or commitment to family. Maybe it’s a song that supports the sanctity of marriage without stooping to lewd language. Maybe it’s a piece of art that uses an abstract medium to express a Biblical truth. When observing the culture, we need to view and analyze it through Philippians 4:8. By doing so, we will be able to see the true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy aspects of the things it produces.

Even so, just identifying things that correspond to a Philippians 4:8 view won’t fit the bill. If we are to be salt and light, we need to be willing to engage the culture as well. How so? Christians can certainly fulfill this mandate by serving in artistic industries and communicating a Biblical worldview, but not all of us are called to make movies or write novels. For those of us who aren’t on the front lines, we need to do our part in supporting those who are. By seeking out and supporting content that meets the criteria of Philippians 4:8, Christians can take steps toward furthering a Biblical worldview in the culture.

 

“Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

“Born in The Likeness of Men”

Posted: December 23, 2010 in The Christian Life
Tags: , , , , , ,


“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:5-11

This passage in Philippians is one of my favorite Scriptures. Known as the “Great Kenosis” by Biblical scholars, it is considered by some to be an early Church hymn that Paul incorporated in his letter. The essence of Christ’s life on earth is beautifully portrayed in these seven verses, culminating in an explosion of worship. Although the passage is moving in itself, a greater understanding of its vocabulary yields an even deeper meaning.

In the King James Version, verse 7 states that Jesus “made Himself of no reputation”. The Greek word for “reputation” in this context (κενόω kenóō), from which we get the hymn title, means “to make empty; to abase”. Think about that for a moment. When Jesus came to earth and was “born in the likeness of men”, He was leaving a heavenly throne where He was constantly adored and worshiped by angels. Instead, He gave that up to take on the form of a human being, exchanging His glorious heavenly countenance for a humble, earthly form. Such absolute willingness to humble oneself stands in stark contrast to our selfish, sinful nature. And yet, for those who have given their lives to Christ, it is the path He has called us to walk.

Take a little time to consider just how much Jesus had to give up — how much He had to “empty Himself” in order to come to earth. He didn’t come with a grand entrance; He came to bring glory to His Father. He didn’t come to exalt Himself; He came to show us perfect humility. He didn’t come to live; He came to die. How willing are we to become more like our Savior? If we truly want to have our lives molded into His image, we have to be ready to be made empty.

As Dietrich Bonhoeffer pointedly stated, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” Jesus came to earth to die as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Why would anything less than this be expected of those who follow Him? Obviously, we can’t die for the sins of others, and it may not be God’s will for us to die for the gospel. However, we will certainly be called to die a spiritual death (Galatians 2:20). Day by day He calls us to die to our sinful nature, that we may increasingly become more like Him. It’s a slow process, and it is oftentimes painful, but the joy of serving the Lord far outweighs the cost.

This Christmas, take a moment to consider how much Christ gave up to bring us life. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords became a humble carpenter, born to a peasant girl. His life would bring hope and salvation to all mankind, but it had to pass through a horrific trial: the cross. By totally emptying Himself for our salvation, Christ made a way for us to spend eternity with Him. Through His sacrifice, we can truly experience abundant life (John 10:10).What greater proof of love do we need?

“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8

“Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

Daniel: The Value of “Trial By Fire”

Posted: November 27, 2010 in The Christian Life
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

“King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its breadth six cubits. He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.” – Daniel 3:1

There it stood: an imposing golden figure that towered about 90 feet toward the sky. At the sound of an array of instruments, all the people of Babylon were to fall down and worship this mammoth idol — or be executed. (Daniel 3:6) Undoubtedly, most people obeyed Nebuchadnezzar’s command to prostrate themselves before the “image of gold”. However, there were three young Judean noblemen who refused to obey the king’s command. They answered to a higher King, whose authority superseded that of any earthly ruler. As a result of their obedience, they were condemned to death — by fire. When Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he gave them a second chance to worship his idol. They refused:

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” – Daniel 3:16-18

Nebuchadnezzar obviously didn’t like this response. In fact, he ordered the furnace used for execution to be heated seven times hotter than usual — so hot that it killed the men who threw Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego inside. However, the fire didn’t even touch the three captives. Miraculously, God allowed them to walk out of the furnace entirely unscathed — they didn’t even smell like smoke! Nebuchadnezzar, absolutely shocked by this entirely unexpected turn of events, turned to worship not his image, but the God of the three young men who had defied his unholy command.

Several years after Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s experience in the fiery furnace, the reigning powers had shifted from the Babylonians to the Persians. Darius the Mede was governor over the kingdom in the empire that included Babylon (Daniel 5:31). Highly impressed with Daniel’s service, Darius planned to set him over the entire kingdom. However, the other government leaders enviously conspired against Daniel, concocting a plan that ultimately had him thrown in a den of lions. His crime: faithfully praying to God, choosing to honor Him over the decrees of men. The morning after Daniel was seemingly cast to his death, Darius rushed to the den to see if God had saved Daniel. Indeed, He had, and Daniel was lifted out. In his place, the wicked conspirators were thrown in instead. (Daniel 6:1-24)

Although their stories are different, there is a consistent thread in the accounts of these four men. Instead of stooping to obey an earthly authority when it conflicted with the Word of God, the Faithful Four chose to honor their heavenly Lord. In numerous other occasions, they undoubtedly submitted to the leadership that was placed over them. However, when that same leadership challenged the King of Kings, they refused to budge. In choosing obedience to God rather than man, they didn’t know what the outcome would be. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego very well may have been burned to death, and Daniel very well could have been eaten alive. God would still have been sovereign. Even so, they decided to put their trust in Him, knowing full well that although He could most certainly save them, they would willingly die in obedience rather than renounce Him.

The Faithful Four all underwent a “Trial by Fire”. While they may have experienced persecution to some degree throughout their service in Babylon, it was these two specific tests that decisively proved their faithfulness to the Lord. Faced with obedience to man or death, they willingly chose to remain faithful to God. In our current day and age, we don’t necessarily face persecution of this sort. In some areas of the world, yes, but your average American Christian isn’t likely to be threatened for their faith. However, we do face trials of other sorts — physical ailments, painful relationships, spiritual disciplining, etc. Sometimes the Lord allows us to undergo tests that measure our maturity. Other times, He allows us to undergo more serious trials, many of which could be our personal equivalent of a “Trial by Fire”. It is during these trials that more than mere maturing takes place. In a “Trial by Fire”, a Christian’s faith is put under intense testing. However, the goal of these tests is not so much maturation as it is purification. When a Christian comes through a “Trial by Fire”, they emerge with a deeper understanding of who God is, as their relationship with Him has been refined of crucial blemishes that had stood in its way.

Many would shun the opportunity to have their faith tested. From first glance, understandably so! What needs to be understood, though, is that the rewards that come from “Trial by Fire” — a deeper relationship with the Lord, spiritual (or natural) promotion, increased contentment in God — are obtained only through such an intense refining process. Although it may not seem like it, a “Trial by Fire” is in fact a blessing from the Lord. That we would be selected to undergo such refinement for His glory is truly an honor! Just as He required of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, God ultimately requires one thing from us: unwavering faithfulness to Him.

 

“Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

Older Entries
Newer Entries