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Sharing Jesus in the Buddhist World WORKSHOPNOTES OCF July Camp, Port Sea, 2006 Trust in the Lord Always

Introduction: EvangelismandWitnessing
Guidelinesandprinciplesinexploring/understandingotherfaiths Why?

Meansoflearning Pitfalls Books accommodation& Peoplefromotherfaith AvoidingIt dilutionofdoctrine Media ScripturalTruth&Supremacy(1Tim4:6,Heb4:12) unacceptable Etc ChristianCommunity(accountability) incorporationofforeign Faithfulnessandcommitment practicesandfeatures ContextualizingthemethodNOTthemessage comparingreligions Upholdingtheuniqueness,supremacyandsufficiencyofChrist withoutgrounded conviction TRIVIAQUESTIONS 1. HowmanyBuddhistadherentsarethereintheworldtoday? 2. WhowasthefounderofBuddhismandwhenwasitfounded? 3. Whatwasthenameofthetreeandwhatisthesignificanceoftheeventthathappenedthere? 4. Whatarethe4nobletruths? 5. Whatdoestheeightfoldpathconsistof? 6. Whatbranches/denominationsofBuddhismhaveyouheardof/about? 7. ListkeywordsandexplaintheirmeaningwithregardtothefundamentaldoctrinesofBuddhism.
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Tohaveagoodbasicunderstandingofthe religionofothers Topresentthegospelinarelevantand understandableway.

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BuddhismSomeKeyPointsandHelpfulInformation AnalogyoftheSyncreticnature:ASmoothieBlendofFruits Theravada Majorschoolsandcults (thelesservehicle) ZenBuddhism Mahayana (thegreatervehicle) Dhammakaya Vajrayana (theTibetanway) BeliefsandBehaviours CommonBuddhistTerms Enlightenment,Karma,Mantra, THEFOURNOBLETRUTHS Sutra,Merit,Samsara,Zen, Thecondition,causeandcureofsuffering Mahayana,Theravada,Pali 1.Allissuffering(Dukkha) 2.Thecauseofsufferingisdesire(Tanha) 3.Thesolutiontosufferingistoextinguish alldesire(Nirodha) 4.Themethodtoeradicatedesireis ThroughtheEightFoldPath(Marga) NIRVANA: Aconditionofnon existence,emptiness andnothingness
KARMA Cause and effect

THEMIDDLEWAY: Thepathtoenlightenment Avoidingtheextremesof ascetism and affluence

BuddhaTheEnlightenedOne(SiddhartaGautama)6thC EnlightenmentreceivedwhilemeditatingundertheBoTree (1)Hesawhispreviouslivespassbeforehim (2)Hesawthecycle,birth,deathandrebirth(reincarnation) andthelawthatgovernsthecycle(karma) (3)Hediscernedthefourholy,ornobletruths Thegoalistodetachoneselffromallworldlypleasures, maintainingastateofneutralityandbalance Thereisnosuchthingsasasoul(anatta)absenceofself Upholdsthedoctrineofanicca(impermanenceor transitoriness) Karmacannotbeundone,altered,avoidedorforgiven Onehasnoknowledgeoftheirpastlife Nomerittransferenceexceptwhereitisimplicatedbythe presenceofBodhisattvas(everybodyforthemselves) Selfresponsibility

Buddha

Dharma Sangha (teaching)(community/order ofmonks)

THEEIGHTFOLDPATH Wisdom:UnderstandingtheProblem 1.Rightknowledge,understanding,views 2.Rightattitude,purpose,thought,motives EthicalConduct:LivingMorally 3.Rightspeech 4.Rightconduct 5.Rightwayofliving(livelihood),occupation MentalDiscipline:ExertingRigorousEffort 6.Righteffort 7.Rightawareness,mindfulness 8.Rightcomposure,meditation, contemplation

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Issues,ConcernsandChallenges Theappeal/attraction:

thedoctrineofcauseandeffectenablestheunderstandingandinterpretation ofmanyeventsandcircumstances/conditionintheworld thedoctrineofassimilationpromotesracialandreligiousintegrityand tolerancepeaceandharmonywitheachother thedoctrineofthemiddlewayemphasizesbalanceandneutralityinsteadof extremes thedoctrineofkarma/meritsgivesoneatangibleperspectiveonhowhe/she shouldtheirlife thedoctrinetoleratesbutdominatesotherlocalbeliefandculturesystems includingpluralism,relativism,animism,postmodernismandmanyotherisms.

ISSUES
commercialization,power struggle,corruption marginalizingwomen conceptofMaitreyaBuddha whowillsavetheworldvia sacrifice&redemption

AccuseChristianityofdisruptionofculture, changingsocieties Strengtheningtheirinfluences Responsetogospeltractsandmethods Buddhismisonthemove! AHELPFULTHOUGHTPROCESS: Possiblecomplications Issuesraisedaboutthe thatmayarisefrom Questionsgenerated situations suggestions/ideas/ thoughts

Resurgence,ResistanceandResponses:

Answersoffered

CompareandContrastwithChristianity: GatherinsmallgroupstoidentifyandevaluatetheCOWSofreachingoutandrelatingtoaBuddhist.(Brainstorm) Challenges Opportunities Weaknesses Strengths Suggestions

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SpottheDifferences(ComparingandContrasting) Christianity Divinerevelation ThenatureofGodpersonal Creator/controller ThenatureofChristGod/man

Buddhism Humanintuition,observation Impersonalnonbeing(likekarma)

Onlyhuman,redeemingsubstituteorimpotent tohelp Thenatureoflifeonesinglelife Versus Acircleofmultiplelivesviarebirth SinTrangression SinIllusion Themeansofsalvationfaith,grace, Salvationbyworks,karmicmerit,selfeffort divineprovision (focusisonthesubject) RelationshipwithGod Religionandworks Love,Grace,Mercy,Hope Selfdependence,futility,fatality Allknowledgeissubjectiveandillusionary AbsoluteTruth Similaritiesaresuggestedbutareoftenregardedasmostlysuperficial.Someofthem,however,maybecontactpointsliketheviewofsuffering, causeandeffectetcexploredmorelater.

ChallengesandComments: meaningdiscrepancyand varyingdefinitionofterms viewofGod:equatedwith karmaorignorance somecontactpoints suitable?

GospelSharing Whatweneedtorealizeabout (i) Challenges

Buddhismdominatesandintegratesmanylocalbeliefstructuresincludinganimismandotherisms,butdidnotdislodgenordestroythem.AgreatvarietyofBuddhist societiesarose.TheamalgamationofmanyreligiouselementsunderBuddhismproducedastrongnational,racial,andreligiousidentitywithBuddhism(pointof application:foraBuddhisttobecomeaChristian,therearecultural,familial,socialandreligiousconsequences!)

(ii)

EffectiveCommunication
realizethatperceptionsandunderstandingsofcommonorforeigntermsmaydiffer/vary realizethatthefocusshouldbeonwhatissaidandheard(checktheirunderstandingoftheintended meaningandpurpose realizethattheirfaithisoftenasyncreticmix(theymayhavesomeunderstandingofgod,heaven,hell) realizetheirmentality,perspectiveandmethodofthinking/conceptualization.SomemayseeconversiontoChristianity asapossibleassimilative/integrativedoctrine.Othersmightseethatthislifemaybeanopportunitytobecomeand understandtheChristianlifestyleandfaithintheirprocessofbecomingabetterperson

Itisimportanttodistinguish,clarify andexplainterms,conceptsand evensymbols!Eachofthesemay varyinmeaningalthoughtheyuse theysharecommonterminology andrepresentations.

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EngagingInConversationwiththeBuddhistMind(TacklingtheDifferences) Concepts/Doctrines Response

TheBiblicalconceptofasupremepersonalGodwhoexistsoutsideofHiscreation andwho,inpowerandglory,broughtallthingsintobeingisdeniedbyBuddhism. Ultimaterealityisanimpersonalvoidandemptiness.(sunyata) Allsupernaturalbeings,includingangels,demonsandallgodswererejectedbythe Buddha.Nocreator,noomnipotentlovingGod. Godissometimesequatedwitheitherignoranceorkarma Buddhistsoftendemandsomeformofatangibleproof/evidenceofGodsexistence. Counter:Askthemtoshowthescentofaroseordescribetheessenceofelectricity. Orhowthewindblows,unseenbutweseetheeffectsofit. Christian:AstheperfectGodman,ChrististheonlysinlessSaviouroftheworld. Buddhist:Jesusisoftenregardedasagoodman,aprophet,thefounderofthe Christianreligion,oreventheyoungerbrotherofBuddhaoraBodhisattva. TheconceptofChristsdeityisincomprehensibletotheBuddhistmind.Howwould youcommunicatePhillippians2:611andtheconceptoftheTrinity?(remembernotto getthemconfusedwithGodindifferentformsasdefinitionsvaryandimplicationsare significant) TheBibleteachesthatmanandwomanweremadeintheimageofGod.Allare spiritualbeingspossessingapreciouseternal.quality.Humansarelivingsoulswith personality,valueanddignity. TheBuddhadidnotholdtomankindhavingsoulorpersonality. Peopleareregardedasimpermanentandtransitory,everfacingtheproblemofhow toescapefromsuffering.Alllifeismeaningless. Counter:Christreceived,however,bringsrichfulfillmentandgivestruemeaningto life.(John10:10) ToaBuddhist,karmaistheironlaw.Nooneescapeseitherreincarnationor suffering.Thisengendersfatalisticattitudes. Counter:Christsgospeloffershope,salvationandoptimismforbothpresentand future,eveninthemidstofsuffering.Itgivesusanewviewandperspectiveof suffering.ThepowerofChristbringstransformation.Itisbygrace,mercyandlove. Differentconceptsofsin(starkcontrast!) Buddhist:SindoesnothaveanyconsequencesbeforeaholyGod.Itisnotdefinedby doctrine,fortothemexistenceissin.Theythinkthatdesireortransitorydeception issin.Popularly,siniskillinglifeinanyform.Sinisbelievedtobetheeffectofones karma.Atbest,sinisanillusion,thoughthekarmicconsequenceswillaccumulatefor thosewhofailtobreaktheendlesscyclesofreincarnation. Hardtopointoutthattheyareasinnerwhentheydonotacknowledgeit themselves.Itisdifficulttohelponewhodoesnotsenseaneed. Counter:Christianidentifiessinasaprincipleinallhumankind,aflawresultingfrom theFall.Inpractice,sinsareviolationsofGodscharacter,anaffronttoHimbyfalling shortofHisstandards,andsubsequentlymoralfailures.Realconsequencesexist.We havetwochoicesinlife,twowaystolive.Thesearethechoicesthatweareallfaced (andstuck)with.

1.ThereisNoGod (Malachi3:6,Heb11:6,13:8)

2.ChristsDeityDenied (Matthew16:1316)

3.ManisNotaSpiritualBeing (Gen1:2627)

4.KarmaistheIronLaw (Rom7:1525)

5.SinHasNoConsequences (Ref:2WaysToLive)

PrayingforBuddhistPeoples CommittingtoprayfortheBuddhists aroundus. Burden ThegrowinginfluenceofBuddhism. Thelostnessofpeople.(2Cor4:4) ToughWork MissionsworkamongBuddhistshas beenslowandmanyattimes discouraging.Itshardground.Pray forendurance,perseveranceand faithfulnessinsharingJesustothem. Whatcanweprayfor?(pg2830, BuddhismthroughChristianEyes) Somesuggestions: Prayforgospelpresenters,gospel faithfulness,gospelclarityandgospel opportunities. (challenges/barriers,fruit,openingof mindsandhearts,clearandreceptive understandingofthemessage, wisdomincommunication, discernmentintermsdefinitionand differences,repentance,boldand faithfulwitnessing,protectionand nurtureofnewbelieversfrom Buddhistcultures,themessageof Christsredemptionandsacrificebe preachedfaithfully,Christiansto exhibitholy,disciplinedlifestylesas examples,modelsreflectorsof Christ,fortrainingandequippingand confidence)

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Christian:SalvationispossibleonlythroughthegraceofGodthroughtheprovisionof Christ. Buddhist:Nosaviourexists.Buddhasaidhecannothelpanyone,hecouldonlypoint theway.Eachpersonmustdeliveronesself. Selfdeliveranceisbydoingmassivegoodworksandmakingmerit.Onemust overcomekarmabyselfeffort. TheconceptofsubstitutionislackinginBuddhist.Thatswhyitisdifficultto comprehendChristssubstitutionarydeath.(barrier) Counter:Usehelpfulanalogiestoillustratesacrificialloveandsubstitution.(analogies thattheycanidentifywith) InBuddhism,thereisnodifferencebetweengooddesireandbaddesire;evento desirelifeitselfistobeunenlightened. Lifeisoftenequatedwithpleasuresandattachment,hencesufferingentails. Impermanencevseternity,selfcenteredorientationvsaltruism. Mostglaringcontrast:UltimatehopeinBuddhismisdeathorextinction.InChristit iseternallife. Buddhistshavetheirteachingsfrommonksorspiritualleaders(dhamma).Some beliefinrecordingsbyBuddhasfollowers(sutra,pali). Buddhistsoftenquestionthereliability/authority/validityofourScriptures. Challenges:TobegroundedinthefoundationsofBiblicaltruthandshareitwithtrue knowledgeanddiscernment.Realizetheurgencyandcommittoreachingoutto Buddhistsinprayerandbylovingandmeaningfulministry.(1Peter3:15) Counter:ExplainingthesupremacyofScriptureviahistoricalevidenceandexplaining thewhat,who,why,how,when(afterDanBrownspush)withregardstotheBible.

6.SalvationThroughSelf: MeritVsGrace (Eph2:89)

7.EnligtenmentbyEliminatingDesire (John10:10) 8.HopeLiesinDeath,NotLife (John17:15,1Peter1:35)

9.BiblicalTruthandOutreach

ThegraceofGodsgospelisstillthe powerofGoduntosalvationto everyonewhobelieves(Rom1:16) OnlyinChrististhererealhopeand assurance,truelifeandmeaning. JoyandgratitudeinreceivingGods graceandbeingabletoenjoya relationshipwithHim. Byfaithalone.Notworks.Karmais ajudge,butkarmaandmerit cannotbalanceeachotherout.

SharingLifewithBuddhists ClarifyEssentialConcepts

HaveConfidence PracticeLoveandPatience

BetweenChristiansandBuddhiststhereexistsmuchmisunderstandingaboutthedefinitionand meaningsoftheterms,conceptsandevensymbols(asevidentwithitsmultipleinterpretations afterwatchingtheDaVinciCode),falselytakenasequivalenttoeachother.Patientdiscussionmay helpclarifythesefoundationalbeliefs.Christiansmustclearlyexplainkeyconceptsthataremost difficultforBuddhiststocomprehendoraccept.

TrustGodtodoHiswork.TheHolySpiritsroleinevangelism.ThetransformingpowerfulWordofGod proclaimed.FaithfulinfollowingChristsmodel(Acts10:38).GodlylivingwitnessofChristand demonstratingGodsloveandpeacetoBuddhists.BeavailableasGodsinstrumentsofservice,ready andpreparedtoministeralways.Behopeful,expectantandpositive.AlwaysdependentonChrist throughprayer,obedienceandfaith. Committopray.Respectfollowersofotherfaiths.ReflectmodelsoftheChristianhomewithmoral andethicalliving.Rigorouslyearntherighttospeakbecredible,honestandlovingwithintegrity andhumility.Recognizethegoodthattheydo.Rejectanyattitudetojudge,criticizeormakefunof othersbelief.Instead,openupdiscussionanddialoguewiththemonwhytheybelievewhatthey believe.RelatetothemintrueandgenuineChristiancare,concern,loveandaffection.Bereadyto shareChrist.GivethemGodsWordonappropriateoccasionorwheninterestarises.Resistthe temptationofpressuringthemtobelieveorlistentothegospel.Servethemsensitivelyand patientlyasopportunityaffords.Eg.prayforthemwhentheyaresick,encouragethemintrouble, helpthemincrisis.Rejoicewiththeminthegoodtimes,acknowledgeGodswork.

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DoctrineClash 1. Buddhabasicallytaughttheabilityofselftofreeoneselffromcorruptionandsuffering,toobtainastateofperfectnonexistence,withoutthe helpofGod.Inmodernterms,thissimplymeansmandoesnothavetoanswertoahigherauthoritythanhimself,andmanisbasicallygoodand canbecomegoodbyhisownefforts.ThishecandowithoutthehelpfromGod,oranyreferencetoGod.Likeotherhumaninitiatedreligions, Buddhism is a projection of human thinking out to the infinite. Christianity, on the other hand, stems from Gods self disclosure to man. This divinerevelationclimaxedinthebirthofourLordJesusChrist.ThegospelisthereforecenteredinatranscendentGod,revealingHimselfinterms ofmansowncultureandlanguage. 2. BuddhismrejectstheconceptofapersonalGodandforthatmatter,ofanyspiritualpersonality,eitherhumanordivine.GodintheChristian sense is unknown to Buddhists. In place of a personal Creator they hold the error of karma cause and effect as the exclusive principle to explain the universe. What or who initiated karma is undetermined. In modern times, God has been interpreted in Buddhist religious terminology. Again the danger of definitions and conceptualization is to be carefully discerned. This can happen by the subtle syncretism by takingtheChristianformofGodintoBuddhistwritings,whilemaintainingbasicBuddhistmeaning.(God=avijja=lackofknowledge,ignorance,the basiccauseofevilthepowerofnaturewhichcausedallthingstoexist,andassuchcausesuffering) 3. Thedoctrineofanicca(impermanenceortransitoriness),anatta(soullessnessorabsenceofself),anddukkha(sorrow,suffering).Simplelogic saysifwedonotstartwithGodweshallnotendwithHim,andwhenwestartwithHimwedonotendwiththosedoctrines.Contrastthiswith Christian doctrines: The existence of God means the existence of an order of life which is eternal (nicca permanence), it implicated the presence of a soul (atta) an identity guarded by Gods Sovereignty, and that sorrow dukkha is see to consist, not so much in the transitorinessofthings,asintheperversenessofourwillswhichseeksthesethingsinsteadofthethingswhichareeternal.Therefore,startwith God manrealizethatGodaloneaffordsthemostadequatebaseforamostmeaningfulexplanationoflifesmostsignificantevents.Buddha sawlifewasmeaninglessinitself,andsetouttorescuemenfromthismeaninglessness.JesussawlifecouldbecomemeaningfulinGod,andset outtocallmentosharethatmeaning(John10:10).InBuddhism,deathisthefinalcategory.Inthegospel,thefinalcategoryislife.Buddhists seektoshortenlife,toescapefromtheneverendingcycleofrebirths.Thegospelemphasizeseverlastinglife. 4. TrueChristianityiscenteredinaltruism.Becausekarmaencouragespreoccupationwithselfdependence,Buddhismbecomesselfcentered.This socialdifferenceissignificant.TheBuddhistsocialorderisdominatedbytheindividual,andthereisalackofsenseofrelation,mantoman,and mantoGod.Buddhistoftenaskwhenfacedwithkindnessorshownconcern:Whatareyougettingoutofthis?Moremerit,rewards?Orwhat? TheconceptofselflessconstrainingloveofChristforothersisforeigntoBuddhistthinkingweareoftenregardedasniceandgentlepeople. TotheChristian,thewayupisdown,takingtheservantrole,beingadoormattofellowmen.TotheBuddhistthewayupisselfpreoccupation. Tofocusonselfanduseopportunitiestoadvancethemselvesinthisscaleofkarma.NotethatevenamongChristians,suchattitudesmayprevail, buttheyarecontrarytothebiblicalgospel. 5. FortheBuddhist,theprincipleofsalvationrestsonselfeffortandrelianceontheirownhumanenergiesandability.Dependonlyonself.The gospel,however,declaresthatdependenceonselfandconfidenceinthefleshspellsdoom.WeareutterlyhelplessapartfromthegraceofGod inChristalone.SalvationcomesthroughdependenceonAlmightyGod,madeoperationalthroughthebelieversfaith(Eph2:89,Gal2:20,3:7, Rom3:28,4:128) 6. Buddhistkarmatendstoimplicatefatalism,hopelessness,selfexcusingandpessimism.Thereisnopossibilityofforgivenessonlytheironruleof karmaandweighingoutthegoodandthebad.ContrastthiswiththegospelofthelovingGodwhogivesforgiveness,hopeandanexchangedlife, madepossiblethroughthepowerofChristsshedblood.Christsatonementissufficientforcleansingfromthepast,powerinthepresentand hopeinthefuture.
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Associations:Grace,Culture,GoodWorks
TheconceptofgraceisunacceptabletoaBuddhist.Howcansomeonepayordealwithallmywrongdoings?Thatsnotfair.TheresnothingIdo onmypart.Isimplycannotacceptthat.Byundermininganddownplayingthesignificanceoftheroleofgoodworks,theyfeelworthlessor emptyandevenoutofcontrol.Itnegatestheveryfoundationsandprincipleofkarma.Therearesomeculturalassociationsseeninthisconcept aswellsuchtheAsianupbringingofhardwork=success.Thefollowingexpressionsillustratethispoint: Nothingisfreeinthisworld.Youreapwhatyousow.Youreresponsibleforyourownactions.Nobodycanhelpyouifyoucanthelpyourself. Nothingcomeseasy,youhavetoworkforit.Ifyouwanttoearn/achievesomething,youneedtoworkhard.Ifsomethingistoogoodtobetrue, itprobablyisnt.Selfeffort,dependonlyonself,youcanttrustanyoneelse.Ibelieveintheselfmademan/woman!

CommunicatingtheGospel Foryourownnotes WhatitisNOT! TheConverter,TheDebater NotintegrativesyncretismorfullyadaptingthegospeltotheBuddhistcontextto makeitmoreappealingeitherbyselectivetheologyorcherrypicking. WhatisSHOULDBE! ItistobefaithfulandtruthfulpresentationoftheWordofGod,clothedin meaningfulcommunicationandfaithfulwitnesstoChrist.Weoughtto communicatewithouractions,wordsandthoughtsbeingreflectorsofChrist throughthedemonstrationofarighteousandpurelifeandlifethatdisplayslove.

Somesuggestionsforquestionsthatraiseinterestsand provokethoughts: 1. Whatisthepurposeofyourlifedoeslifehavea purpose? 2. AllreligionsleadtothesameGod,isthatpossible?Canit workoutthatway? 3. Doyouthinkyouregoodenoughtoearnaplacein Heaven?Salvationbyworksdoesitwork? 4. IsthereanafterlifeoraGodtobebotheredaboutcozif itdoesitsureconcernsyouandhowyouchoosetolive yourlife.

Amidstculturalrelativism,situationalethics,secularismandhumanism,itisIMPORTANTtoclearlydefine(presentGodsWordforwhatitis), defend(upholdingScripturaltruthsandstandingbyit),anddemonstrate(liveitoutpracticallyandrelationally).Thiscalltodeclarethegospel mustNEVERundermineorreducetheUniquenessofChrist,theAuthorityoftheBibleandtheNecessityoftheGospel.Thisshouldencompass therevelationofGod,thecrossofChrist(itsdailydiscipleship,missionandmessage)andtheministryandworkoftheHolySpirit.However,we shouldalsohaveasympatheticunderstanding,asensitivityoftheBuddhistsituation,issuesanddilemmas.Ourapproachshouldbeoneof wisdom,sensitivity,humilityandlovingpersuasion.OurcentralfocusshouldbeonthetestimonyofJesusChrist.Communicatingthisgracious relationshipacrosseffectivelyisvital.Weshouldbealivingdemonstrationofthegospel.

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EffectiveCommunication Understandingthecontexthelpsyoupresentthegospelinaclear,understandable,wise,sensitiveandmeaningfulmanner/way. (i) Contextualbarriers:culture,socialassociation/solidarity/integration identity.Educationandupbringing.Buddhistterms, connotationsandconcepts. (ii) SaidVsHeard:Thereshouldbeacleardeliveryandreceptionofthecommunicatedmessage.Considertheuseandclarificationof terms.OtherwiseyoumightjustendupwithaBuddhistgospel! (iii) Problemofmeaning:Receptionandunderstanding.Varyinginterpretations.Meaningmightalsobeformedwithinaculturalgrid. Encouragefeedbackandinteraction,checkunderstandingandcommunicateonthesamewavelength(simplynotwithtoomuch jargon).Beagoodlistener.Theircomprehensionisoftenbasedonpresuppositions,assumptions,premisesandpreconceivedideas. Repeatingandparaphrasingisagoodskilltolearnasyougo. (iv) DontforgetthattheconvictionofsinandtheenablingofthepersontounderstandandreceivethemessagerequiretheHoly Spiritswork.Soremembertodoitprayerfully,dependentonGodsstrength,guidanceandwisdom.

METHODS/STRATEGIESOFAPPROACHES
Itisimportanttopresentacompleteandclearviewofthegospeli.e.Godswrath/judgmentandHisgrace,love

THEAPOLOGETICAPPROACH

contrastingandexploringinconsistenciesindoctrinesandapplicationofthatknowledge,formingabasis forargument. logicallyconvincingaBuddhistofthegospel. centersaroundthetruthandpersonofGodasCreatoroftheworldandmen(Genesis),theproblemwith thehumanconditionaftertheFallandthesolutionwhichisforgivenessandremissionofsinsthrough ChristJesus. clarifyingtheirinterpretationofGodasavijja,discussingconceptslikevinyaan(soul,spirit)andnipaan (nirvana)leadthemtoanunderstandingoftherealsourceofignorance,sufferingandevil. usuallyeffectiveamongthinkingandeducatedBuddhists.MostBuddhistsarenominalespeciallythose fromaBuddhistfamilybackground.Theyknowjustthebasicconceptsandcanexplainnofurther.Mostof themarguefromascientificorphilosophicalpointofviewsetagainstapluralistic(postmodernistic) mentality.Tothem,knowledgeissubjectiveratherthanobjectiveandabsolute. morevaluableinteachingChristianstounderstandtheirfaithincontrasttotheBuddhistwayofthinking. carefullypresentingtheargumentsensitively,wisely,meaningfully,clearlyandconvincingly.Bewinsome! bewarythatdifficultquestionsmayberaisedregardingChristianity.Thismayincludequestionsregarding creation,explanationforGodandsuffering,theinconsistenciesofteachingandcharacter,evidencefor God,theauthorityofScriptureandtheconceptofgrace,judgmentandendoftheworld.

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POINTSOFCONTACTAPPROACH
Otherpointsofcontact: meritsvsmercy theviewofsuffering reincarnation,deathandlife hopevsfutilityandfatality causeandeffect,fallennature sacrificevsselfpreservation dependencevsdetachment truepeace motiveofdoinggood worldview,perspectivesonlife eternallifevsnirvana Etc

theuseofBuddhismasasteppingstonetoexplainingandsharingChristianity. therearesomeethicalandmoralsimilarities karma:whenweexplaintheworkofChristonthecrossaspayingthepenaltyforoursins,we canpointoutthateveryreligionbelievesthatpeoplehavetopayfortheirwrongdoing.The Buddhistscallitkarma,theChristianscallitjudgmentforthebeliefisuniversal.Thesolutionto theproblem,however,isdifferent(i.e.howthoseconsequencesareovercome) pointthemtotheimpossibilityofselfredemptionandthatwearenevergoodenoughto achievethat.Whentheyrealizethehopelesscondition,pointthemtoChrist,raisequestions regardingtheideaofonedyingforanotherssinsandthenexplainitasitisaforeignconcept. drawonredemptive,substitutionary,sacrificialanalogiesandillustrations. aimtoengageinmeaningfulconversation,stirringandraisinginterestingandimportant questions.Clarifytermsandconcepts. aninterestawakeningquestionorstatementisapointofcontact dangers:syncretism,promotingpluralism.Donotbeafraidorashamed,insteadproclaim humblytheSupremacyandUniquenessofChristandmaintainingtheauthorityoftheBible. othercontactpointsincludemerittransference(alms,gooddeeds,relatives,Bodhisattvas) pointthemtoGodsloveandwhocaneffectivelytakeawayoursin

THESHAMETHEOLOGYAPPROACH
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shamevsguilt.LosingfaceanditsAsianculturalroots. shameisoftenderivedfrompurelyselfishreasons,especiallyintheindividualistic culturalsetting. notethetheologicaldifference.Onedrawsattentiontoself,theotherpointstoa shortfallofasetofstandards. beawarethatculturaldifferenceexist. mainaimistoovercomeBuddhistpreoccupationwithselfandacceptanceof accountabilitytoGod. drawingfocusawayfromselfandovercomingtheselfrevolvingsyndrome. directitinsteadtoourresponsibilityandconcernforothersandespeciallytoGod. therearepointswhereshamedoeshaveawiderorientation. PointthemtowhatChristhasdone(howChristsworktakesawaytheirguilt&shame)

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THESCRATCHWHEREITITCHES APPROACH

cateringtoappropriateneedsofindividuals/group. thegospelisrelevanttotheirneed(s),applyingthegospelwherepeople hurt(solution) practicalandrelationalChristianity:demonstrationofgoodworks,loveand

upholdingintegrityandpurity.Establishingcredibilityandbeingcommitted tofaithfulChristianliving. beingsensitivetotheheartbeatofothers. theology(gospelpronouncement)goeshandinhandwithsocial service/charity/mercyministry atwhatpointdoesthegospeltrulyministerstothosedeepseatedfears andaspirationsoftheBuddhistheartsneeds?Patienceisrequiredasthe processisslow. gospelsaturationhelpsbreaksignoranceandbarriersoveraperiodof time. bearinmindthatmanyhavenotheardthegospeloritsviews,howthen cananimmediatedecisionbenecessarilyexpectedofthem,allowthemto considerthetruthandgravityofthisdecision(useofscaleofawareness)

THEPOWERENCOUNTER APPROACH

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Buddhistsoftenhaveavagueconceptofagod.Mostmakeassociations withBuddhaastheyregardhimwithdeeprespectandhonour. theirrecognitionandacknowledgementofpowerthroughritualsand symbolsareoftenderivedfromafundamentalconcernforprotection, security,vulnerabilityorevenpoweroverothers. ourroleistopointthemtotheSupremacyofourLivingSaviour,Jesus Christwhohaspoweroveralltheseelements.OnlythroughChrist,isthere trueandrealpeace,hopeandfreedom. becommittedtosharingfromtheBible:(giveillustrationstohelpexplain) (John1:13,Col1:1617 Gen1:2627,2:725 Gen3,Rom5:12,John8:34, Eph2:13 John1:14,18,29 John1:1013,15:26,16:1215 Acts1:8,Ezek 3:1920) rememberthesocialandculturalimplicationsforaBuddhistconverting Itsachoicewithsignificantconsequences.Trulythesuperiorityofthe powerofChristaboveeverythingelseinourlivesisadynamicapproach thatwillbringBuddhiststoalivingrelationshipwithChrist. recognizethatitisthepowerandgraceofGodthatthechurchreceivesits stability,sustenanceandpermanenceinthemidstofasociallyantagonistic society.

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OtherIssues:
Communicatingthegospelwithyourparents Thisisahardoneasthecloseryouaretosomeone;itseemsmoredifficulttosharethegospelastheotherpersonknowsusintimately.Alife thatisconsistentandafaithfulwitnesstoChristthroughthedemonstrationoflove,care,concernandresponsibilityisoftenthewinsome factorinthisrelationship.Parentsareusuallyconcernedabouttheirchildrenspersonalcharacterdevelopmentandwantthebestfortheir children.Ourlivesbearsignificantinfluencetoourparentsourwordsandactions.Prayforwisdomandopportunitiestosharethegospel. Bearinmindtodososensitivelyandwiselywithrespect.Anothersuggestionistoraisequestions(outofcuriosityandinterest)aboutyour parentsfaith.Thisshouldbedonecarefullyinawaythatyouwanttogenuinelyunderstandandexplorethereligion/faithyouwerebrought upwith(contactpoints).Also,youcantalkaboutGod,prayduringmealtimes.Parentskeepacloseobservationoftheirchildrenslife.How weappraiseanddealwithlifesproblems,challengesandtrialsisoftenatestimonytothemofthedifferenceChristhasmadeinus.Parents areoftensimplyconcernedthattheirchildwillbecomeanextremistorareinvolvedwithcultgroups.So,simplyput,theeffectivewitnessis yourverylifestyle. ACommentofIdols TheBibleholdsastrongviewagainstidols(Acts17:29,Rom1:25).However,weshouldrealizethatalthoughsomeBuddhistsregardidolsof Buddha,KwanYin,godofprosperity,protectionetctobeobjectsofworship;manyothersregardthemassymbols,monumentsthatserveas areminderoftheirfaithandresponsibilities.Itgivesthemasenseofidentity.Forsome,itmightserveasanobjectofsecurityordependence (askinglessergodsforsmallfavours).Theseapparentcontradictionsoffundamentaldoctrinesexistbutbearinmind,theassimilativeand integrativenatureofBuddhism.(ittoleratesanddoesnotdislodgetheotherelementsitabsorbsthisiswhatmakesitappealingtothe individualandthepluralistic/postmodernisticculture).Pickandmixtosuityourtasteandneeds.

Conclusions: I. Acknowledgetherealityofspiritualwarfareandbarriers/challengestogospelsharingamongBuddhists. prayandacknowledgetheworkoftheHolySpirit,GodsSovereigntyandproclaimChristsfinal,completeandperfectworkof redemptiononthecross. II. BearinmindthesocioculturalclashandBuddhismsassimilativenature. Buddhismhaspermeatedandintegratedintocultures,traditionsandvariousotheridentities.Itisintrinsicallylinkedwithculture, upbringingandcharacter.Eg.Itisawayoflife.TobeThaiistobeBuddhist. WhatimpactdoesaconversionofaBuddhisthaveintermsofthesocialconsequences. Christianityisnotandshouldnotbeassociatedwithanyoneculture.Itiscrosscultural(inallsensesofthephrase) III. Thereisaneedfordiscernmentandclarificationoftermsandconcepts.TodistinguishthedifferencesthatexistbetweenChristianity andBuddhism.Dispelandavoidstereotyping.
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IV. Beawareofthechallengesandbarriersofgospelcommunication: socialpressure,identity,asenseofbetrayal,disloyalty fundamentaldifferences syncretismandmix social,doctrinalandpracticalresistance associationofChristianitywithWesterncultureandinfluence,colonizationaforeignreligion,historicalandpreviousexperiences, presuppositionsandpreconceivedideas rejectionofculturalvaluesandpractices.TheideatheChristianitydislodgesanddisruptstraditionandchangessocietalvaluesand systems).Promotionofdisharmonyanddisintegration. retainingonesoriginalcultureandpractices(whatisandisnotacceptable) chargeofarroganceandintolerance Previousbad,unpleasantexperienceandencounterswithChristians.Misconceptionsandbadpressaboutthechurch. V. RecognizethenecessaryboldandhumbleconfrontationofthegospelwithBuddhism. ContrasttheLivingSaviourwiththesleepingBuddha. Combinethetruthcenteredapproachwithapersoncenteredapproach EffectivecommunicationanddeepBiblicalfoundationswhilebeingsensitiveandwiseinconversation. RememberthatChristslovecompelsusandourdesire/concernisforthelosttocometoknowJesusandhavesavingfaiththroughHim. ThereisonlyonewayanditisfoundinChrist(John8:32,14:6).Thedifferencebetweenreligionandrelationshipshouldbeconsidered. Christianityisnotanalternative.Thereisobjectiveandsubjectivetruthi.e.theauthorityoftheBibleandtherevelationofGod.

Questions&Answers
Sharing(whattheyvelearntandputtingitintopractice),discussionandprayerinsmallgroups Encouraging,supportingandbuildingeachotherupinthegospelministry. Realizingthatitisapartnership(Phil1:2730) Challenge:
WritethreenamesofBuddhists(friends,family, coursemates,colleaguesetc)youwanttocommit toprayforandsharethegospelwith:

1. 2. 3.

Thecallforintegrity,stability,truth,unityandendurance

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ReferencesandBibliography:
Recommended books Buddhism and the Claims of Christ by D.T. Niles, 1967. Buddhism through Christian Eyes by Alex Smith. OMF International. Buddhism In A Nutshell: Edward Conze, Buddhism: The Mahayana in R C Zaehner (ed), A Concise Encyclopedia of Living Faiths (London: Hutchinson, 3rd edn, 1977) Christmas Humphreys, Buddhism (Harmondsworth, England: Pelican Books, 1951) The Worlds Religions: A Lion Handbook (Oxford, England: Lion Publishing, paperback edn, 1988) Christianity at the religious roundtable: evangelicalism in conversation with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam By: Tennent, Timothy C.. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002. Publication Type: Book Review of the book: Sharing Jesus in the Buddhist World. Journal of Asian Mission 6:2 (2004) Sharing Jesus in the Buddhist World, David Lim and Steve Spaulding, eds. (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2003). Paper, x+210 pp., ISBN: 0-87808-506-8, Sharing Christ in the Tibetan Buddhist World by Marku Tserine. Interserve. A practical guide, in 220 pages, explaining Buddhism, particularly the Tibetan form that has come to the West in the Dalai Lama, with ways to communicate with and minister Christ to Buddhists. Sharing a language of faith by Charles W. Swain, Christian Century, December 9, 1981, pp. 1282-1285 Sharing the Truth in Love: How to relate to people of other faiths by Ajith Fernando Discovery House Publishers, 2001 ISBN: 971-92796-4-8 Tearing Down StrongholdsPrayer for Buddhists by Elizabeth Wagner. From Christian Literature Crusade. Phone: 800-659-1240. A 60-page booklet giving an overview of Buddhism, including how to pray for Buddhists. The work of an evangelist : International Congress for Itinerant Evangelists, Amsterdam, The Netherlands By: Douglas, James D. (Editor). Minneapolis, Minn : World Wide Pubns, 1984. Publication Type: Book Websites One Billion Wait. www.onebillionwait.org Resources for undertanding Buddhism and ministering to them, by OMF International Buddhism, a Christian perspective www.gospelcom.net/oci/buddhism.htm General introduction to Buddhism, by Josh McDowell www.greatcom.org/resources/areadydefense/ch25/default.htm General explanation of Buddhism and Christian faith, by Christian World. www.christianeuropeonline.org/world/Apologetics/Religions/Buddhism/ Videos "Buddhist Teachers Resource Packet." A packet of resources on Buddhism to use in the church to understand and minister to those involved. It includes two videos, overheads, Bible studies, brochures, and prayer guides. OMF International. Organization whose focus is on ministering to Buddhists OMF International (AUST) www.au.omf.org OMF Website: www.au.omf.org Brief summary article on: The Buddhist billion Chinese religions People sources (verbal): Various sources are quoted and used in this article. The sources include a variety of Buddhist adherents or former Buddhists from different cultures and backgrounds.

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