Lausanne World Pulse – Interfaith Interface with Buddhists

By Chandler H. Im
January / February 2010

In Buddhism there is a direct link between one’s attitude and elimination of suffering, as emphasized by their Noble Eightfold Path. The Buddhist view of humbleness as emptying oneself is very similar to the incarnational model of Jesus Christ (cf. Philippians 2). Although God himself, Jesus did not demand and cling to his rights as God. The key concept of Jesus’ humility is portrayed well in Philippians 2:3. He “emptied” himself or made himself nothing. Jesus was our Suffering Savior who died for us in our places because of our sins (Isaiah 53). He humbled himself, and became obedient to the point of death on the cross–a Christian aspect Buddhists tremendously admire. 

In short, Buddhism is a religion of “self power,” whereas Christianity is a religion of “other power.” In Christian faith, God rejects auto-soterism (salvation by self). When in dialogue with Buddhists, it is imperative to emphasize that there is no power within people that can save them. Salvation by human efforts, however sincere they might be, is a futile attempt that ends in despair and result in eternal damnation. Buddhism may offer temporary relief from suffering, but it does not offer liberation from death, the ultimate test of authentic religion.

Based upon my experiences with Buddhists, the most effective way of reaching them with the gospel is demonstration of Christian love in person, on a long-term basis. Some of my relatives in Korea are devout Buddhists. I had been sharing the message of Jesus with a cousin of mine for a few years. A perennial Buddhist on her (my) mother’s side, my family’s Christian action (forgiveness and love) toward her family in the past had touched her.

When her son (my nephew) came to study at a Christian school in Washington State two-and-a-half years ago, I took care of his needs (spiritual, emotional, and legal) as much as I could. Two years after his arrival, in the fall of 2009, she accepted Jesus, was baptized in a church, and is growing in the knowledge of Christ.

Before the baptism, she made sure she removed all her Buddhist amulets, paintings, and artifacts from her house. It was not the Christian message initially, but the prayers and actions of Christian family and friends eventually motivated her and her son to make the decision to leave Buddhism and follow Christ.

According to one survey I did with Korean Buddhists, many Buddhists respected Jesus and his teachings, but they got turned off by Christians’ “arrogant” attitudes and “discrepancies between Christian faith and lifestyles.” Christians’ insensitivity, arrogance, impatience, lack of love, and our lack of grace offend them.¹⁰ The common denominator between Christianity and Buddhism is self-giving for the benefit of others, as Jesus did on the cross.¹¹

Both Christians and Buddhists are called to pursue selflessness or self-offering for other humans as a goal and virtue in life. God saves and glorifies through suffering. Let us intentionally step into the broken world to save and encourage suffering humanity, one person at a time, thereby fulfilling the Great Commission and the Great Commandment, honoring God and loving our neighbors.

Endnotes

1. Newbigin, Lesslie. 1978. Open Secret. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 206.

2. Barnes, Michael. 2002. Theology and the Dialogue of Religions. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 148.

3. Neill, Stephen. 1978. Call to Mission. Philadelphia, Pa.: Fortress Press, 9.

4. Stott, John R.W. 1975. Christian Mission in the Modern World. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 77.

5. Newbigin, 1978, 208.

6. Fernando, Antony. 1991. Buddhism and Christianity: Their Inner Affinity. Kelaniya, Sri Lanka: Empire Press, 182.

7. Gowans, Christopher W. 2003. Philosophy of the Buddha: An Introduction. New York: Routledge, 119.

8. Dhammapada, trans. Juan Mascaro. 1973. New York: Penguin Classics, 336.

9. Yandell, Keith and Harold Netland. 2009. Buddhism: A Christian Exploration and Appraisal. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 181-212.

10. Im, Chandler H. 2008. “Korean Christians and Won Buddhists in Dialogue on Suffering.” Ph.D. Dissertation. Pasadena, Calif.: Fuller Theological Seminary, 195-196.

11. Im, 2008, 167-168.

Dr. Chandler H. Im is director of Ethnic Ministries at the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College. He also serves as director of the Ethnic America Network and is adjunct professor of missions at Faith Evangelical Seminary (Tacoma, Washington, USA).