Jesus was really a Buddhist.

Jesus preacheed re-incarnation (born again) but his direct references were taken out of the bible b/c it didn't sit well with the society at the time. His teachings (and remeber he was born about 500 yrs after Buddha) were very similar to Buddha's teachings. What do you think? (Or do you think at all?) LOL.

Crikeys...typo's....sorry 'bout that.

Prove it!

Born again and reincarnation are not the same thing LOL! Not even close. Yes! LOL!

What do you think? (Or do you think at all?) LOL.

Your ugly!

Ugly down here in the South means your not being very nice.

I think there are commonalities among almost every single religion. If you look hard enough and analyze long enough, you're going to find them. I must say though, I've never heard of this theory that Jesus' words relating directly to reincarnation were taken out of the bible. I would be interested to hear more about that. Has it been proven that that happened? Have they found the old original texts?

Yes, they have original texts...the scrolls of Thomas to name one. Born again obviously has a different meaning today than in the context of Jesus' teachings back then. When the man himself was talking about being born again, he was referring directly to reincarnation....hence being born again....you know...born....again...reincarnation.....so it IS the same thing. The scrolls of Thomas was written in the time of Jesus. The catholic church has the originals but will not release them for public viewing b/c it will shatter the structure of the christian religion as we know it. You would probably be able to find some extracts over the net.

I find it strange that it would be such a hard concept to believe even with jesus teaching it...does it really change anything at all...oh yeah...the whole heaven hell thing...well you get to 'heaven' in the end anyway after all your incarnations...so really the church could look at it as continuing revenue....just means ppl don't have such an easy ride as they thought they would...would take a little longer.

There was more taken out of the bible..about other things as well not relating to this topic. Don't forget, the bible was only written by MEN who wrote about what they could see around them at the time...the society and the way they lived are reflected and it is only a human prespective. The only thing that I know of written by 'GOD" himself was the ten commandments. Oh, and you really don't have to look to hard b/w religions. The Koran pretty much mirrors the bible in all but a few areas...and that is due to a cultural thing rather than a difference of religious veiwpoint.

Lastly, just to add. I wrote this as a topic for conversation. While I personally believe Jesus was a Buddhist (and let me add that is not from a Buddhism position but mine) I am not going to try to convince anyone here. Merely is a topic for discussion.

The scrolls of Thomas was written in the time of Jesus. The catholic church has the originals but will not release them for public viewing b/c it will shatter the structure of the christian religion as we know it. You would probably be able to find some extracts over the net.

You're full of butter! That is and absolute lie and you have no basis for saying it. If the Catholic Church had it, they would have produced it. They can't because it doesn't exist.

Being born again means a desire to change your heart. Stop trying to play with words. It has nothing to do with re-incarnation!

"The catholic church has the originals but will not release them for public viewing b/c it will shatter the structure of the christian religion as we know it. You would probably be able to find some extracts over the net."

LOL!! Yes, you can find the answer that has eluded thousands of the most brilliant theologians, PH.D's, and archelolgists for hundereds of years by one google search! Give it up!

They have millions of peices of artifacts that have been carbondated and substaniate the bible, especially pottery; found by archelogist who wereinspired by God to find it!!!

You will always have people who want to debase Christianity. This country was founded on Christianity. It is why we have all the personal freedoms that we do. It is Christianity that has changed this country and the world for the better. It was a Christian who ended slavery(Abraham LInclon), it was a Christian who created all the civil rights we have today (Martin Luther King) it was a Christian who took out Hitler, Moussalini and took down took down the Berlin Wall. This is a Christian nation and that is why you have the persoanl freedoms you do.
It is why you can read any book from witchcraft to evolution. Some places in the world Chrisitanity is a crime and reading about it is too!

"There was more taken out of the bible..about other things as well not relating to this topic. Don't forget, the bible was only written by MEN who wrote about what they could see around them at the time...the society and the way they lived are reflected and it is only a human prespective.

So, they were men that were inspired by God! It was professional scribes that did the actual writing, with the exception of Paul who did pen his own!

You can say the same thing about any ancient history that has been scribed! Why is this ancient history any less believeable.

The Koran pretty much mirrors the bible in all but a few areas...and that is due to a cultural thing rather than a difference of religious veiwpoint.

You obviously have never read through either one. They are nothing alike. The Koran is the creation of one man Mohammed. He had no special gift or healing powers. He went in to the desert had a vision and wrote it down, the end! The only thing alike is that they are books.

" The only thing that I know of written by 'GOD" himself was the ten commandments."

Well, that was from Gods lips to Moses ears and from Moses you have his first book which is called
'Genisis' all the way to his last which is called
'Dueteronomy' and the he died.

" am not going to try to convince anyone here. Merely is a topic for discussion."

Good! Because I have seen more credible testimoney from a jail house snitch!!! You have nothing but alot of same old stale arguements that can be slapped down and have but still get used like the the town whore.

You ought to stick to questions like- why is the water colder in the bathroom then the kitchen. Once you have solved that then progress into something more challenging, but dont go to far!!! PLEASE

What I find on throughout this board that is disturbing is the lack of tolerance for my beliefs! I have had people refere to Jesus as a theif, and Catholic Church as liars and conspirators, and the bible

"I find it strange that it would be such a hard concept to believe even with jesus teaching it...does it really change anything at all...oh yeah...the whole heaven hell thing...well you get to 'heaven' in the end anyway after all your incarnations...so really the church could look at it as continuing revenue....just means ppl don't have such an easy ride as they thought they would...would take a little longer."

You can dwell on this forever! The point is you are never gonna know for sure! HAH! So waste your time and wondering. YOU WILL NEVER KNOW!! UNDERSTAND! NO ONE CAN HELP YOU OUT WITH WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DEATH! Listen to the people that have had near death experiences and they can give you some insight.

You conspiry theorosists are so boring! Always the same broken record. The religion would continue and has with or without money! Why? Because of God!

"So up yours side ways, ya fat losers!"

That was ugly, sorry! Imus made me do it!

Ok...Suzy Q...I couldn't even be bothered reading your post after the first few lines.

Heather...this is the example of 'brainwashing' and 'non thinking' that I was referring to previously.

While I can respect a persons opinion, the lack of ignorance in not questioning things that may be contrary to a belief or opinion can be rather frustrating. The blind leading the blind.

You should read it LawGoddess,

I like to see people draw blood occassionaly, but it is not for the faint or weak of heart. It takes someone with equal sparing ability to be able to make it worth while and I don't see it happening here!

I like your style Lawgoddess!

this is interesting lawgoddess, but where did you find this from? i really wanna know. I was thinking about going to church(christian) but then like i dont know.. i wanna study other religions before actually jumping into the whole i am chrstian and i will only believe the christian way thing. So can you teach me? lol :x and and, how do you know catholic ppls didnt just say that just to destroy the religion of christianity, i dont know. Im just curious and asking questions. So can you tell me more? 😄

maybe he WAS buddhist..and then he wanted to teach other ppls what he learned and then ppl started takig his teachings and made them into some other religion(such as christianity..) and maybe some parts man didnt like so... they threw it away! :O i dont know -_- just thinking, not saying YES IT HAPPENED THAT WAY.. but its always good to wonder at times.

and you know how it says that if man changes the word of god then he will be like treetr*nkin punished, yeah. *cough* well what if man just put that to ppl can believe that the man couldve never changed the words of god? who knowS~!! $ @_*@ $ _#*#@)#@* $ #)*# $

so ppl*

but in a way, i dont want to be just one religion, and i heard that in buddhism that you can believe in other things. Is buddhism a guide? Cus my cousin used to tell me about the teachings of buddhism and it really got me interested. I just want to learn things and if it fits me then its all good but i know some ppl are gonna be like "no, you cant always do whatever fits you, because you dont know if what you're doing is right." Thats true, but if it doesnt fit me then how am i going to stay true to the religion or wutever? I dont know. I'm sure everyone here has learned and believed what you guys thought was the most right and believable thing. So i guess in away, im doing the same thing. Or maybe im not suppose to...AGH!! i ask too many questions!!lkasdjflajsldj

Whoa a minute...I just want to make one thing clear....Jesus NEVER said he was a Buddhist...I am the one saying I believe he was, but believe he didn't recognise the fact. All he did was teach peace and it wasn't until years after his death that the term 'Christianity' was used and accepted.

I am not an expert on my intitial statement..obviously. But I have come across much evidence to support the claim he spoke of re-incarnation and other things not relating to christianity as it is known today. When I get the time (studying for exams at present) I shall do some more research and post the web addy's here and you can check for yourselves.

And Luz...your religion or spirituality is something you will have to find on your own. Your spirit obviously has awoken so all I can suggest is, if you are unsure then attend a few beginner classes at the different religions and then see what you connect with most. Buddhism was not something that I decided I wanted to do. I just went to a beginners class (which wasn't really) and asked questions. I had already established my OWN belief system and was amazed that every answer to my question was mirrored in that religion. When asking the question to Rinpoche of "all you have said is what I already believe in. Does this mean I am Buddhist?" His reply was, "only you can answer that". One thing though, Tibetan Monks have a killer sense of humour! Good luck...

Buddism is a lovely religion. All religions are lovely!! And they all have a commonm denomanator.

The Native Americans were star gazers and they too have similar philosiphies. So, basically we are all wired up to acceptance of a single entity as a The 'Higher Power'

Black Elk said:


Ho! -- and so it is that Ikche Wichasha from long ago have
known the thoughts of Wakan Tanka, and his rules.
They do the will of Wakan Tanka on earth
What is done in the heavens -- that too.
And so because Wakan Tanka made everything
they believe these things are wakan
And so what Wakan Tanka made, we speak to in ceremony.

"We say that Wakan Tanka created the Heart of Everything That Is to show us that we have a special relationship with our first and real mother, the earth, and that there are responsibilities tied to that relationship. Wakan Tanka placed the stars in such a manner so what is in the heavens is on earth, what is on earth is in the heavensw in the same way. When we pray in this manner, what is done in the skies is done on earth in the same way. Together, all of creation participates in the ceremonies every year."

Hello everyone...glad to share with you again.

Lawgodess...yes I see you point here and agree with you on many levels.

I love the way you described the bible as the interpretation of the people who wrote it at the time they did and hence it dipicts the time and society of it's creation...that much is very true and is so very, very important to remember...nice one.

O.k so I have never read the bible comprehensivley but I'm willing to make an educated guess...

I'll bet that Jesus called himself nothing other than a son of God...so why do people call themselves christians or catholics or presbetarian when they all worship the same God. This habbit we have of interpreting ancient words according to current times is the only reason.

What you said about the 10 commandments is so very true and I totally agree...these commandments are echoed throughout all sorts of religions...and why...because these were God's words.

I can call myself many many things but only one thing is true and that is that I am as you are...a child of God. Why then should I call myself anything else based on what I practice through my devotion to him...—

Why are we as humans so willing to accept differant cultures and different societies within the world but not religions. The fact that I am S.African and you are American makes no differance to the fact that I am just as you are. We are subject to the same laws of nature and can all be equally successful in life but not because you are one thing or I am another.

I am entitled to the same as you because I AM the same as you but we have the distinction of being American or S.African which we accept. Why then do we not accept other religions...they are simple names. How is it any differant that I call myself X or Y but am actually preying to the same God as everyone.

This is why I read and believe the the ancient vedic literature of Krsna Conciousness. Krsna is merely a way of writing the word "God" in another langauge so Krsna Conciousness is very simply translated...GOD conciousness. It does not proclaim to be right or wrong it merely teaches the awareness of your spirit and what man's real and only duty is is life...to become aware of his soul and reunite it with God.

To all of you out there who now judge me (oh he's one of those Hare Krishna wallies) and also for those who are intrigued...do yourselves a favour and read a book written by an American peace corp back in the 70's.

Perfect Questions - Perfect Answers by Bob Cohen is a book of conversations held by the Bob Cohen with a divine person of Ksna conciousness. He askes his divine grace many everyday mondane questions and the answers he recieves are frighteningly simple and easy to understand.

In conclusion I'd like to add that so long as we are willing to accept a God in one way or another...we are on the right path.

Love and light to all and always...
Durrie.

Lawgoddess,
I have heard more than once that the Catholics have books of the Bible that they never published. The Catholic Bible also reads differently than that of Lutherans...I know because I have copies of both...it is not a significant difference.

I was told of the omitted books by disgruntled members of the Catholic faith...where they got the info, I don't know!

I am seen as a Lutheran by the Lutheran Church and a Catholic by the Catholic Church...which the Catholics would normally never allow...but, I attend neither...

I do consider myself Spiritual as I believe in God/Jesus Christ. I also believe in reincarnation, and I do not see why it is such an issue with some churches! My daughter is a very unusual person who can see auras without trying ( I have to work at it!) and remembers her past lives...it is not something we dwell on...
But, I have found that when someone has this knowledge of their past or can see something that others normally don't...they think everyone can or does...so, it took awhile before I realized she has more metaphysical awareness naturally.

Suzy! Sometimes you make me think you are on drugs!! LOL! But, you must admit that you are like two different people...all nasty and then everything is rosy??!! I know you hate criticism...but, get a grip.

Star,

No, you are wrong about me. I have an odd and sick sense of humour and I am very opininated but I said NO to drugs along time ago!!

I dont think you understand me that well, but that is ok. Not too many do, and I dont seek approval from strangers. The only time I get nasty is when I am restricted in saying what I want!

Personal criticism to me is like water off a ducks back!!!! You can say anything and it wont bother me. If you try to go after something I believe in(God) or try and take something from me or want to insult something I care about(loved ones), then you are open game and I will go after you ruthlessly!!

Suzy,
I wasn't serious about the drugs! But, I do agree...I don't understand you all that well...
I am Aqua and we like to try to analyze people (really just understand them).

I don't seek approval from strangers either.

But, seriously, there were times when I thought someone else was typing at your computer, using your ID! LOL!
I suppose some do not always understand me either...

Humor can be very tricky when it is in writing only...for instance, I grew up in a funny, but sarcastic household. I can be very sarcastic...which I try to watch because it can sound mean.

I don't intend to be mean...

Durrie,

I am an Aussie, not American. I really can't generalise about us and religion here, other than only 20% of Aussies actually go to church. I would hazard a guess and say that for most Aussies, god is never a consideration. We just live our lives and do the best we can. It's a little weird for me though, b/c I am Buddhist and while it is perfectly normal for me I tend to forget that others may be freaked out by it b/c they don't have any knowledge on Buddhism. I don't call myself a child of god, and Buddha himself was only a man and the concept of an all encompassing omnipotent being isn't really in the equation. It is just about being...yet there is the conumdrum.

This is a really interesting conversation. I myself don't classify myself as anything. I don't even verbally refer to myself as a child of God, though if I think about it, that's how I think about myself when pondering spiritual stuff. The only religious text I'm somewhat familiar with is the King James bible, written in modernized English ("New Living Translation"). I am weird, I go through periods of intense fascination with the bible, and reading it religiously (no pun intended, lol)...to completely forgetting about it...I can go as long as two days without thinking about God or the concept of God, but I never go a day or night without thinking about death. I think about whether the spirits of deceased loved ones are around me at least once a day, usually more. I used to want to work in a morgue, which people are usually shocked to find out, but really, it's because I used to have a fascination with death...not so much anymore perhaps because I've had to deal with the emotional side of death lately. But I still watch the autopsy shows they have on MSNBC/the discovery channel/the learning channel...I always worry that by watching shows like that, it must mean I'm a morbid person. But I don't think I am, I think spirituality and death all fall under the same umbrella: The Mysteries Of Existence. (My own little umbrella I just made up, lol)--anyway, I wish I could feel strongly enough about one single religion to honestly affiliate myself with it...but I can't find myself agreeing with or believing enough of the bible to definitively declare that I am indeed a Christian.

I almost became a "Christadelphian" once...anybody know anything about that? Any opinions?

Heather,

FASCINATING..I have always wanted to witness an autopsy (although not of a child). Not that I have an obsession with death, but its more from a medical perspective.

Para,
Thanx for the input...the point about the reincarnation and being born again is the exact issue I am referring to..there are some (including myself) that believe the teachings WERE of incarnation but society has adapted it to be socially acceptable (for the time) b/c the truth of what he was saying wouldn't quite 'gel' with many ppl b/c they just didn't have the mental capacity to understand it.

Thanks to all who have given isight! I do appreciate it!

Heather, from what I have read of Scorpio, this is natural for your Sun sign...

Hmmm... interesting subject for discussion and even more interesting how people react to it. I suppose that since the Christians and Buddhists have had their say I'll add that of an Atheist's.

I personally do not believe that Jesus was the son of God, or that there is a God at all. I'm not about to argue that Jesus didn't exist. I think that he was an intellectual and, seeing the corruption the was in religion at the time (and still exists today), he wanted to change it. Maybe Buddhism did influence him, maybe not. I do not put it past the Catholic church to hide something that would have hurt its power. The chrhc is only human, remember, and we have many fault one of which is greed (another being closemindedness).

"So long as we are willing to accept a God one way or another... we are on the right path" said durrie

I don't mean to be mean- and I don't think (or I hope) you don't either- but just because a person is an Atheist doesn't mean they don't believe in at least some of the ten commandments if not all (such as the one about not worshipping idols.) I personally have very high moral standards. Just to make this clear- I'm not in anyway against religion either.

i agree gwen er..with the last paragraph, i think ppl are capable of having "right" set of morals even if they're not religious, not all ppl need religion, some ppl are fine just the state they are suck as you gwen. :]

or just plain morals that they like to go by, i think everyone has their own morals to how they wanna live life, even it might be disagreable with other ppl but that doesnt matter as long as you can live by it.