Christianity
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How does the Protestant idea of Sola Fide differ from shinju nambutsu in Pure Land Buddhism?
In the Pure Land school of Buddhism, especially in Japan, there is an idea which sounds very similar to Protestant soteriology, especially *Sola Fide*, which is basically the idea that one can be "saved" only and entirely by putting one's trust in the saving power of the work of Amitabha Buddha. Thi...
In the Pure Land school of Buddhism, especially in Japan, there is an idea which sounds very similar to Protestant soteriology, especially *Sola Fide*, which is basically the idea that one can be "saved" only and entirely by putting one's trust in the saving power of the work of Amitabha Buddha. This is the practice of *shinju nembutsu*, or "*nembutsu* only", was taught by Honen in the 12th century and especially by his disciple Shinran.
Now, there are obviously myriad fundamental differences between Buddhism and Christianity. However, I am wondering if any Protestant scholars have commented on the difference between the understanding of faith encapsulated by *Sola Fide* and the understanding of "*nembutsu* only" in Pure Land Buddhism. *Note: I am not asking about differences between Buddhism generally and *Sola Fide*. Also, I am most interested to hear from sources that have actively studied the teachings of Honen and Shinran; if this is your first time hearing about Pure Land Buddhism, please do not answer unless you first studying it thoroughly or cite sources which have already done that work for you.*
A brief review to see why I'm interested:
**Sola Fide** is the Protestant idea that faith alone is necessary for salvation. Our good works contribute nothing to our justification. It is intimately tied to the idea of *Sola Gratia*, which is that salvation is accomplished solely by the grace of God.
**Shinju Nembutsu** is based on a statement in the *Sutra of Infinite Life* wherein the Amitabha Buddha makes a series of vows before becoming enlightened. The eighteenth of these vows is
> If, when I attain Buddhahood, sentient beings in the lands of the ten quarters who sincerely and joyfully entrust themselves to me, desire to be born in my land, and call my Name, even ten times, should not be born there, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment. Excluded, however, are those who commit the five gravest offences and abuse the right Dharma.
Since Amitabha did attain enlightenment, the followers of Honen and Shinran taught that this statement must true that all who sincerely trust in Amitabha will be born into his land (where they would later be able to attain enlightenment). The more radical idea of "*nembutsu* only" is related to the Buddhist concept of Dharmic decline, which basically means (for Shinran), that in the present age it is not possible to attain enlightenment by good works, and thus the only hope for mankind in the present age is the work of Amitabha. Hence, one must only say "*namu amita butsu *" (I trust in Amitabha) with true faith, and one will be saved. As a further parallel with Protestant soteriology, Shinran also apparently taught that this faith is a gift from Amitabha to the believer, and not something which arises from within the believer himself.
Dark Malthorp
(4706 rep)
Feb 22, 2025, 09:03 AM
• Last activity: Mar 14, 2025, 06:38 AM
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Can any person be a Holy Spirit?
**Can a Buddhist monk or a yogi be a Holy Spirit?** As far as I understand, they're masters in doing deep breathing and meditation.  For me, there are only a few monks/nuns who have mastered the technique above. Unfortunately, I cannot find any Christians, pastors, or priests who know anyt...
**Can a Buddhist monk or a yogi be a Holy Spirit?**
As far as I understand, they're masters in doing deep breathing and meditation.
For me, there are only a few monks/nuns who have mastered the technique above. Unfortunately, I cannot find any Christians, pastors, or priests who know anything about it, but normally they will respond by citing [*Sola Fide*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sola_fide) (faith alone) or with the advice to just pray everyday so eventually the skill will be awakened by itself. Not even psychologists, psychiatrists, or regular medical doctors know about it, or they only have very basic knowledge.
A few high level monks I *did* find meet all 11 personal characteristics of the Holy Spirit listed in [this article](https://get.tithe.ly/blog/characteristics-of-the-holy-spirit) , placing a nice bow on this topic:
1. He’s referred to as a Person (John 6:63; 14:26; Rom. 8:11, 16, 26; 1 John 5:6).
1. He speaks (2 Sam. 23:2; Acts 1:16; 8:29; 10:19; 11:12; 13:2; 21:11; 28:25–26; 1 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 3:7–8; Rev. 2:7; 14:13; 22:17).
1. He witnesses (John 15:26).
1. He searches (1 Cor. 2:11).
1. He can be grieved (Isa. 63:10; Eph. 4:30).
1. He loves (Rom. 15:30).
1. He has a mind (Rom. 8:27).
1. He has intelligence (1 Cor. 2:10–11).
1. He can be tested (Acts 5:9).
1. He can be resisted (Acts 7:5).
1. He has a will (1 Cor. 2:11; 12:7–11).
**Can I get their advice and learn their technique of deep breathing and meditation, providing I do them under the conditions below?**
1. The technique is not related to religion but rather to science or logic.
2. I am not required to worship any form of Idol or Gods (only the Mahayana version of Buddhism may have a theology of worship, but the original Shakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, didn't mention anything about worshiping).
3. I am not being invited or forced into Buddhism.
**They also don't try to convert me, but instead**:
1. They praise and respect Christianity.
2. They wish me well in Christianity and allow me to share the Gospel in the Monastery.
3. They offer help whenever there is a need, such as co-operating in doing charity work.
4. Buddhism members are willing to join my cell group to learn about or even to one day (soon?) join Christianity.
5. Buddhism members are willing to cooperate in a mission filled with Sharing the Gospel activities when my church needs additional man-power.
Wei Peng You
(7 rep)
Jul 2, 2024, 09:09 AM
• Last activity: Jul 4, 2024, 03:56 AM
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Coincidence ... or not ... or both ... perhaps neither? Indian Skepticism & Doubting Thomas
[Doubting Thomas (Apostle, Patron Saint of India)](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle) was the naysayer who just wouldn't believe in the miracle that defines Christianity (the resurrection). There are paintings that depict the Apostle Thomas poking his finger (ouch!!) into the risen...
[Doubting Thomas (Apostle, Patron Saint of India)](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle) was the naysayer who just wouldn't believe in the miracle that defines Christianity (the resurrection). There are paintings that depict the Apostle Thomas poking his finger (ouch!!) into the risen Christ's cruxifixion wounds, symbolizing the lack/absence of faith.
Many, many, years earlier, [Sanjaya Belatthiputta](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanjaya_Belatthiputta) , an Indian ascetic was expounding a radical brand of skepticism (the five-fold denial, if you're interested) that took Buddhist skepticism and went to town with it. Rumors go that skepticism (*doubt* in all its forms) has Indian roots; at the very least, there's an uncertainty as to whence skepticism sprang from, Greece? India? Both? Neither? 😌
Coincidence ... or not ... or both ... or neither?
Hudjefa
(141 rep)
Aug 14, 2023, 08:57 AM
• Last activity: Aug 17, 2023, 05:48 AM
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What are Christian explanations for the similarities between ecstatic spiritual experiences of Christians and those of other religions?
My question is motivated a recent realization of a concrete example. In Tibetan Buddhism there is a spiritual practice known as *Tummo*. According to [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tummo): > Tummo is also a tantric practice for inner heat, developed around the concept of the female deity....
My question is motivated a recent realization of a concrete example.
In Tibetan Buddhism there is a spiritual practice known as *Tummo*. According to [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tummo) :
> Tummo is also a tantric practice for inner heat, developed around the concept of the female deity. It is found in the Six Dharmas of Naropa, Lamdre, Kalachakra. and Anuyoga teachings of Vajrayana. The purpose of tummo is to gain control over body processes during the completion stage of 'highest yoga tantra' (Anuttarayoga Tantra) or Anuyoga.
> ### Practice
> Inner heat (gtum mo, skt. \chandali, literally meaning "fierce, hot or savage woman") practice is the foundation for the rest of the six dharmas and is the first of the six dharmas. This practice works with the subtle body (also known as the vajra-body) system of channels (nadis), winds (lung, vayu), drops (bindus) and chakras. Through inner heat, the vital winds are caused to enter into the central channel (avadhuti), causing the four blisses or joys which is then unified with the wisdom that understands emptiness.
>
> This practice is a kind of pranayama, that generally involves sitting with a straight back, visualizing the channels, holding the breath deep in the abdomen for extended periods (called "vase breath", kumbhaka), then applying visualization of a fiery short stroke AH syllable on the navel. This practice leads the vitals winds into the central channel, where they are said to melt the drops (bindus, which are tiny spheres of subtle energy) causing great bliss. This powerful bliss experience "is said to constitute a similitude of the actual bliss experienced in spiritual awakening (byang chub, bodhi)."
>
> According to Glenn Mullin, tantric scriptures state that the tantric bliss experienced in this practice is "a hundred times more intense than ordinary sexual orgasm, [and] gives rise to a special state of consciousness." This ecstatic state of mind is then used to contemplate emptiness. This "ecstasy conjoined with (the wisdom of) emptiness" is what is referred to as Mahamudra ('Great Seal').
> Tilopa's verses of the six dharmas briefly outlines the practice as follows:
>
>> The yogic body, a collection of energy channels, coarse and subtle, possessing the energy fields, is to be brought under control. The method begins with the physical exercises. The vital airs [i.e., energies] are drawn in, filled, retained and dissolved. There are the two side channels, the central channel avadhuti, and the four chakras. Flames rise from the chandali fire at the navel. **A stream of nectar drips down from the syllable HAM at the crown, invoking the four joys**. There are four results, like that similar to the cause, and six exercises that expand them.
Notice the emphasized sentence: *A stream of nectar drips down from the syllable HAM at the crown, invoking the four joys*. I couldn't help but notice a striking similarity between this description and the way some Christians describe the ecstatic experience of "the anointing of the Holy Spirit" being poured over their heads. Below some examples:
> [blog post extract]
>
> Now I know some people reading this may not have experienced one of those beautifully sweet times when the Holy Spirit broods over worship. He’s light permeating the darkest recesses of your soul, **warm oil anointing your head, and love overflowing your heart. No words fully describe the naked encounter of your person with the person of the Holy Spirit**.
>
> [comment by one of the readers]
>
> STEVE MILLER
> Dan, Thank you for all you have written here. I teach Bible students, and have been sharing some written testimonies with them of moments when the anointing or presence of **the Holy Spirit has been experienced by believers as like warm oil or honey falling on the head physically**. So I am engaged with your phrase **“warm oil anointing your head”**. May I ask: **Are you saying you have felt the Holy Spirit as if like oil poured physically on your head**? Do you know others who speak this way about feeling the Holy Spirit as if He can sometimes be physically felt like warm oil? It would help me in my work to learn more about what you write here. Best, Steve Miller, Canterbury, UK
>
> ([source](http://ceruleansanctum.com/2007/02/when-the-spirit-falls.html)) (blog post + comments)
> [...] and **I felt the anointing**, I felt like **warm oil that just went from my head all the way down to my body, all the way down my legs, it was just like warm oil, and all of a sudden I had waves and waves of pure joy just bubbling out of me** [...]
> ([source](https://youtu.be/J9UKjLzaqzw?t=153)) (video + timestamp)
> [...] as soon as I said it I got the most amazing feeling [...] **it was like someone pouring oil or warm honey from the top of my head and it just sort of slowly moved down my body**, **and as it was going down I just felt the warmth, just pure love, pure joy, pure peace**. I'd never felt it [...]
> ([source](https://youtu.be/4bRh9ETHGx4?t=868)) (video + timestamp)
> [...] when I felt that sun on the back of my head it was **nothing but joy**, [...] **and I felt the oil all over the top of my head and going down my neck and my shoulders**, and I literally remember taking my hand and, like, feeling, like making sure ... **it literally felt like there was physical oil on me**, that's how it felt, **so warm, and it was like it was pouring all over the top of my head**, and I kid you guys not, in my whole 31 years of life, I never experienced anything like that. And, I just get emotional thinking about it [...]
> ([source](https://youtu.be/NaP46VivN0g?t=411)) (video + timestamp)
#### Question
How do Christians view and explain these similarities?
I see some possibilities:
- Tibetan Buddhism's interpretation is right, and Christians who have reported the "anointing" experience were unknowingly tapping into their *subtle body (also known as the vajra-body) system of channels (nadis), winds (lung, vayu), drops (bindus) and chakras*.
- Christianity's interpretation is right, and Tibetan Buddhists have been unknowingly experiencing the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
- Both interpretations are wrong, and there is a common neurophysiological explanation for these similar experiences across different religions.
- Some other explanation.
Of course, one could generalize this discussion to any other spiritual experiences that are similarly described across different religions (experiences of joy, love, etc.)
____
**Related questions**
- https://christianity.stackexchange.com/q/86124/50422
- https://christianity.stackexchange.com/q/84362/50422
- https://christianity.stackexchange.com/q/84545/50422
user50422
Jun 30, 2022, 12:09 PM
• Last activity: Jul 3, 2022, 02:10 AM
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Are there published testimonies from former Zen Masters or advanced Buddhist Monks in general about their conversion to Christianity?
Are there published testimonies from former [Zen Masters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen_master) or advanced Buddhist Monks in general about their conversion to Christianity? To illustrate what I mean by "advanced Buddhist Monks", here are a few examples I'm familiar with (follow the links for de...
Are there published testimonies from former [Zen Masters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen_master) or advanced Buddhist Monks in general about their conversion to Christianity?
To illustrate what I mean by "advanced Buddhist Monks", here are a few examples I'm familiar with (follow the links for details):
- [Thích Nhất Hạnh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%ADch_Nh%E1%BA%A5t_H%E1%BA%A1nh)
- [Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yongey_Mingyur_Rinpoche)
- [Matthieu Ricard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthieu_Ricard)
- [Shinzen Young](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinzen_Young)
**Note**: Why do I think that Zen Masters in particular (or advanced Buddhist Monks in general) converting to Christianity would be remarkable? Because I struggle to see how a missionary could possibly go about converting someone like [Thích Nhất Hạnh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%ADch_Nh%E1%BA%A5t_H%E1%BA%A1nh) or [Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yongey_Mingyur_Rinpoche) in an effective way. In my opinion, these gentlemen seem to be notable instances of [virtuous pagans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtuous_pagan) , with decades of training in advanced Buddhist techniques for personal development.
Are there published accounts of missionaries successfully converting virtuous Zen Masters or similar Buddhist Monks with decades of training? Or what about accounts of Zen Masters being visited by angels or encountering Jesus in miraculous ways, leading to their acceptance of the gospel?
______________
Related questions:
- https://christianity.stackexchange.com/q/84362/50422
- https://christianity.stackexchange.com/q/81375/50422
- https://christianity.stackexchange.com/q/87092/50422
- https://christianity.stackexchange.com/q/87067/50422
user50422
Jan 1, 2022, 02:14 PM
• Last activity: Jan 5, 2022, 06:50 PM
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Are there Christian equivalents for the four sublime attitudes or brahmaviharas of Buddhism (metta, karuna, mudita, upekkha)?
The [brahmaviharas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmavihara) are four sublime mental states recognized by Buddhism and for which there exist different meditative practices designed to cultivate them. Concretely, the brahmaviharas are: 1. [Metta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maitr%C4%AB) (*loving...
The [brahmaviharas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmavihara) are four sublime mental states recognized by Buddhism and for which there exist different meditative practices designed to cultivate them. Concretely, the brahmaviharas are:
1. [Metta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maitr%C4%AB) (*loving kindness*): wishing the happiness / well-being of all conscious beings.
2. [Karuna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karu%E1%B9%87%C4%81) (*compassion*): wishing the end of suffering for all conscious beings.
3. [Mudita](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudita) (*sympathetic joy*): rejoicing when a conscious being (oneself or other) is experiencing well-being (the opposite of envy).
4. [Upekkha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upek%E1%B9%A3%C4%81) (*equanimity*): *"To practice upekkha is to be unwavering or to stay neutral in the face of the eight vicissitudes of life—which are otherwise known as the eight worldly winds or eight worldly conditions: loss and gain, good-repute and ill-repute, praise and censure, and sorrow and happiness"*. I understand that it is also associated with the ability to stay in the present moment, in a state of serene mindfulness.
**Question**: Are there equivalent concepts in Christianity for the four brahmaviharas?
My own educated guess would be that *metta* and *karuna* have probably a lot of overlap with the concept of *love* in Christianity, but I'm not really sure if we can call that a perfect equivalence. Likewise, I'm not quite sure if we can find perfect equivalences for *mudita* and *upekkha*. I know that *joy* exists as a virtue in Christianity, it is in fact explicitly mentioned as part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), but can we really say that the Christian concept of *joy* is similar to Buddhism's *sympathetic joy*? Perhaps praising God could be seen as a form of sympathetic joy towards God, as one rejoices about God's good qualities? And what about the sublime state of *equanimity*, and all this present moment awareness and mindfulness that are so popular nowadays? What would be its equivalent in Christianity?
user50422
Mar 19, 2021, 05:57 AM
• Last activity: Nov 23, 2021, 06:31 AM
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Did Thomas Merton write "I see no contradiction between Buddhism and Christianity" ? If so, in which writing?
Did [Thomas Merton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Merton) write the following: > "I see no contradiction between Buddhism and Christianity" If so, in which writings? I read this in many places [such as this one](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Merton) but am unable to find the original w...
Did [Thomas Merton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Merton) write the following:
> "I see no contradiction between Buddhism and Christianity"
If so, in which writings?
I read this in many places [such as this one](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Merton) but am unable to find the original writing of Merton in which it is mentioned.
Siju George
(599 rep)
May 1, 2019, 05:45 AM
• Last activity: Jul 13, 2021, 02:18 AM
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Did the teachings of Buddha influence Jesus?
I have heard that Buddha preceded Christ by approximately 500 years and that it may have been possible for the teachings of Buddha to have reached the ears of the young Christ and inspired his revelation. The parallels in their lives, teachings, and even metaphors are uncanny. Further reading that s...
I have heard that Buddha preceded Christ by approximately 500 years and that it may have been possible for the teachings of Buddha to have reached the ears of the young Christ and inspired his revelation. The parallels in their lives, teachings, and even metaphors are uncanny.
Further reading that supports the claim:
* "Living Buddha Living Christ" - Thich Nat Han
* "Was Jesus a Buddhist? " - this document flows in a way to support the Idea of Jesus knowing about Buddhism.
* The movie The man from Earth . Scene script: (man-from-earth-jesus-is-cro-magnum-man )
That said, I'm looking for definitive points of similarity or disagreement between the two. If direct historical lineage can be proved, or fundamentally definitive points of departure could be pointed out to *disprove* the link, that would help any answers.
Okky
(179 rep)
Mar 18, 2013, 12:08 PM
• Last activity: Sep 3, 2020, 03:07 PM
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Is there evidence that Jesus was a Dalai Lama?
The stories of the wise men from the East giving gifts to the baby Jesus seem remarkably similar to the way a new Dalai Lama is found. For example... Magi, or astrologers, look in the stars to guess who would be the next reincarnation of Buddha. Perhaps some astrologers from Tibet, or somewhere, rea...
The stories of the wise men from the East giving gifts to the baby Jesus seem remarkably similar to the way a new Dalai Lama is found. For example...
Magi, or astrologers, look in the stars to guess who would be the next reincarnation of Buddha. Perhaps some astrologers from Tibet, or somewhere, read the stars and deduced that the next Dalai Lama would be born in Bethlehem. So, "following the stars", they set out on their camels to where they predict the baby was and they found Jesus in a stable. They offered gifts (which were the possessions of the previous Dali Lama) to see if the baby would recognize them.
Then they took the baby back to Tibet, where Jesus trained as the Dalai Lama until he was 30. Whereby perhaps for some reason he had to leave so he went back to Nazareth. There he began to preach what he learned. His stories inspired by Buddhist teachings. "Do unto others..." etc.
Then the Jews said "You must be the new Messiah" as foretold. And Jesus said, "Well you said that, not me."
Well there it kind of breaks down because Jesus was teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven and not reincarnation or enlightenment.
Is this a common belief that Jesus could have been chosen as a Dalai Lama type person by Eastern astrologers?
zooby
(351 rep)
Jun 26, 2019, 03:59 AM
• Last activity: Jun 26, 2019, 09:35 PM
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Was Judas based on the story of Buddha and Devadatta?
To oversimplify greatly, Devadatta was a cousin of the Buddha when he was teaching his core disciples. Devadatta and the Buddha had many disagreements on things such as Asceticism. This cause and divide to the point Devadatta attempted to kill the Buddha and cause a schism thereafter. So, *scholars...
To oversimplify greatly, Devadatta was a cousin of the Buddha when he was teaching his core disciples. Devadatta and the Buddha had many disagreements on things such as Asceticism. This cause and divide to the point Devadatta attempted to kill the Buddha and cause a schism thereafter.
So, *scholars strongly believe Jesus was a Buddhist for a large part of his life, and the facts surrounding Judas are shaky at best.
So answer away!(Asked in Buddhism as well).
hisairnessag3
(105 rep)
Apr 12, 2018, 07:53 AM
• Last activity: Apr 12, 2018, 10:28 AM
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Why do Catholics consider praying to Buddha to be idolatry and praying to Mary is not?
Mary and Buddha are both human and lived on earth (Mary 20BC and (Buddha 563 BCE). But why is it praying to Mary's statue called veneration and praying to Buddha an idolatry? Why Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to venerate the statue of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. Did apostles and early...
Mary and Buddha are both human and lived on earth (Mary 20BC and (Buddha 563 BCE). But why is it praying to Mary's statue called veneration and praying to Buddha an idolatry?
Why Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to venerate the statue of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon.
Did apostles and early 33AD Christians pray to early prophets like Moses, Elijah? Just like the Catholics did to statues of Mary and apostles today?
LayoutPH
(200 rep)
Jun 3, 2016, 06:44 AM
• Last activity: Jun 3, 2016, 07:52 AM
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Have any Protestant leaders in Korea expressly supported the destruction of Buddhist statues?
In its discussion of inter-religion relations in South Korea, [Wikipedia states](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Christianity_in_Korea&oldid=701620267#Religious_conflict): > Buddhist statues have been considered as idols, attacked and decapitated. [...] Such acts, **which are supported by...
In its discussion of inter-religion relations in South Korea, [Wikipedia states](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Christianity_in_Korea&oldid=701620267#Religious_conflict) :
> Buddhist statues have been considered as idols, attacked and decapitated. [...] Such acts, **which are supported by some Protestant leaders**, have led to South Koreans having an increasingly negative outlook on Protestantism.
The text in bold is not currently cited. What is the basis for it? Have any Protestant leaders in Korea explicitly expressed support for the criminal destruction of Buddhist statues?
I'm not interested in statements like "You should convert from Buddhism and destroy your idols." Rather, I want to know if any Protestant leaders have encouraged Christians take it upon themselves to destroy Buddhist statues found in public places or that belong to other people.
---
*Protestant leader* is admittedly a wishy-washy term, and I don't know what the Wikipedia editor had in mind when the text was added to the article. No criteria will be perfect, but I'd prefer someone who is known for something *in addition to* making these statements. A pastor, leader of a denomination, etc., who is significant enough to have been quoted in periodicals (Christian or secular) on other topics as well, perhaps.
Nathaniel is protesting
(42928 rep)
Jan 25, 2016, 11:53 AM
• Last activity: Jan 26, 2016, 10:21 PM
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Does Catholicism have a notion of "the God in me"?
While being interviewed on the NPR radio show "On Being," lobbyist, lawyer, and nun Sister Simone Campbell said of developing compassion for her political opponents ([at around 31:30](http://www.onbeing.org/program/simone-campbell-how-to-be-spiritually-bold/7654/audio?embed=1)), >A few years ago on...
While being interviewed on the NPR radio show "On Being," lobbyist, lawyer, and nun Sister Simone Campbell said of developing compassion for her political opponents ([at around 31:30](http://www.onbeing.org/program/simone-campbell-how-to-be-spiritually-bold/7654/audio?embed=1)) ,
>A few years ago on retreat, my retreat director did push me to realize that I have a list that, of folks that I call 'mistakes of God' and, you know, [jokingly] people that should have been voted off the island, it was God on an off day, [the audience laughs and she continues in a serious tone] but you know what? I came to realize that _if I was at odds with the God in them, then I'm at odds with the God in me_.
This last statement struck me as something a Buddhist or Hindu practitioner would say, not a Catholic. Do any Catholic doctrines or Traditional teachings explain a Catholic notion of _the God in you_ and _the God in me_, where recognition of the divine aspect of or in another person demands or motivates compassion?
Andrew
(8195 rep)
Jun 15, 2015, 04:49 AM
• Last activity: Jul 18, 2015, 07:02 AM
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