A few weeks back, I wrote an essay published on this platform, entitled “Can a Christian Become a Buddhist,” and almost upon its completion I realized that the question is equally viable reversed, “Can a Buddhist Become a Christian,” and now, with Christmas just around the corner, and Santa on his way with a sleigh packed with gifts, the yearly phenomena is upon us wherein for the sake of gifts Buddhists are changing their allegiances in great numbers.
In all seriousness, however, there are deeper motivations that answer the question as to what might motivate a Buddhist to migrate toward Christianity. We can begin by asking ourselves why a Christian converting to Buddhism is far more common than a Buddhist converting to Christianity.
Buddhism is a pragmatic doctrine of self-reliance, but Christianity is a theistic doctrine wherein strong faith plays an important role. Christ said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Light,” and accepting that is at the core of Christian belief. The Buddha, by contrast, advised his disciples to figure it out for themselves, and salvation or otherwise is their own responsibility.
Where Christianity speaks of judgement according to deeds, Buddhism speaks of karma. Although these may seem like different rules of the road, it is merely terminology that differs. In practice, it boils down reaping and sowing, and that is karma as much as “the” judgement. If we believe in cause and effect, and both Christians and Buddhists do, it is a matter of which approach inspires us to be smart in our actions. It is irrelevant whether our choice be Christian or Buddhist—but it is not unimportant that we choose one or the other. It is an individual choice, and no more, but no-faith, should not be an option, especially since modern communication makes access to such a vast variety of teachers and traditions.
Buddhism is, of course, relatively new in Western cultures and has piqued the curiosity of many Christians to explore it, and many having done so have found its rational approach of self-reliance enticing. Western culture is, after all, a rational one, and the Buddhist approach of self-reliance strikes a natural chord within us. But if we are Christians, we are constrained to not cross Christ’s red line, and most don’t dare, but those who do, from the moment they do, must accept responsibility for themselves. That prospect is intimidating for many.
Paradoxically, it is this last requirement, being responsible for oneself, that confirmed Buddhists sometimes find too big a weight to carry. When this is the case, the nurturing aspect of Christianity is particularly appealing. In short, the Buddhist may feel a need to be nurtured and loved in a divine way that she finds absent in Buddhism. Such a wish to convert is by no means confined to novice Buddhists as exemplified by the conversion of one of Buddhism’s most notable authors. Even those well acquainted with Buddhist doctrine and its highest masters may find Buddhism neglects the human factor and as a consequence feel emptiness within (no pun intended) and seek the love of Christ.
How would a Buddhist master feel about a disciple leaving the flock? Well, this is where the beauty of Buddhist pragmatism shines in a positive way; the master will likely welcome his student’s choice if he feels it would make him a better person. In other words, a Buddhist master would understand the human element involved and reason that if his student feels a Christian path suits his disciple’s disposition better, he encourages it. It is extremely unlikely a Christian priest would condone a switch because the doctrine of Christianity itself would preclude it, an encumbrance the Buddha’s doctrine does not have.
At the end of the day, all that matters is that we are good boys and girls, and whatever helps us to do that should be enthusiastically welcome. For those of us in a faith other than one we feel suitable, options should be explored.
For myself, as a child, I tried Judaism, grew out of that as I entered my teens and opted for Christianity, was a Four-Square Assembly of God Pentecostal for a few years, then a few years into Hinduism, and then Buddhism where I remain, with not infrequent detours. For myself, all traditions have much to offer, and that is Santa’s gift for me.
~
This account does not have permission to comment on Elephant Journal.
Contact support with questions.