"Buddhism"

“Buddhism”

Philippians 4:1-7

I am truly enjoying our current sermon series “Christianity and World Religions.” First of all, there is value and joy associated with learning something new. However, the reason that I have most enjoyed this series is that it has really helped to synthesize my thinking about my own faith. For example, this week we talked about Buddhism. Siddhartha Gautama lived a life of luxury and ease. It wasn’t until he was confronted with the suffering of others that he realized on a deep level that suffering really existed. The existential crisis that resulted from this realization sent him on a journey that gave birth to Buddhism. I share this background because suffering, and the alleviation of suffering, figures so prominently in Buddhism. It is important to recognize, however, that Buddhism teaches detachment as a way to enlightenment. But, enlightenment is something that is to be shared with others. So Buddhists do not ignore suffering, they seek to transcend it, and to teach people to do the same thing. That is an important distinction. As always, as we consider the standpoints of other religions, it is important for us to consider our witness to the world. Even though alleviation of suffering is not the central tenet of Christianity, responding to suffering is one of the ways that God calls us to be witnesses of his love and grace to the world.