I ask you, the reader, to examine the message of each, using both your heart and your mind. The Lotus and the Cross: Jesus Talks With Buddha. T wo separate copies of the current issue of The Cross and The Lotus Journal, in downloadable "pdf" format have been posted to this area of the web site.. So they went straightway and mingled with the Lotus-eaters, and the Lotus-eaters did not plan death for my comrades, but gave them of the lotus to taste. No one would even come close to her charred remains for fear of infection. Refresh and try again. The lotus is the symbol of Buddhism; the cross, the symbol of the Christian faith. Click Image for Gallery. In his vision, Buddha speaks and behaves like a selfish, arrogant child who can’t articulate even one decent argument, and it’s constantly outsmarted by a mature, full developed and articulated Jesus. I was tempted to give this book three stars because it was thought-provoking, particularly the prologue. In persistent, fervent prayer, God prepares the soil of one’s heart to make room for the seed of His answer, from which will flower an alignment with His will.”, “Time isn’t just a fleeting thing. It makes the Buddha seem very flimsy, with the author's puppeteering obvious. In the not so distant future, biochemical technology has advanced in unexpected ways. What I taught and what has become of what I taught are two different things. She knew she was signing each man’s death warrant, but she was drowning in despair, and her life had lost all value. Zacharias imagines what might they say to each other based on who they were. Jesus: May I finish by saying that when my people cast aside the Word, the absolute is lost? Ideas illustrated in this book are consistent with other sources I've read on Buddhism and Christianity. Having enjoyed such rapport with those who embrace the Buddhist worldview, I found it difficult to highlight the deep differences between Buddhism and Christianity and not bring offense. I was tempted to give this book three stars because it was thought-provoking, particularly the prologue. This is a book of incredible insight. Jesus: Think about these two words, superstition and legalism. He fully believed the truth of Jesus Christ can endure the toughest critiques and spent nearly 50 years addressing life’s great existential questions of origin, meaning, morality, and destiny. I'm not sure who the author consulted with in regards to Shakyamuni's philosophy, however the author got it all wrong. He said it would pollute him. Have you ever wondered what Jesus would say to Mohammed? There is no way to talk of what one ought to do without showing the value of the person. Gautama, may I ask you a simple philosophical question? Wow!! Horrible, slanted, misinformed view. The Cross and the Switchblade - David WilkersonThe astonishing true story of … —ESV. He who comes to me will be fulfilled. First, you told them there is no God. Can you imagine the conversation if Jesus and Buddha took a boat trip up the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok together? I taught my disciples that though everything on earth would someday pass away, the Word that I gave to them remains forever. Through dialogue between Christ and Gautama Buddha that reveals Jesus' warm, impassioned concern for all people, God's true nature is explored. Numerous mar­riages had come and gone. I work the miracle of extinguishing destructive hungers and planting new, legitimate hungers to take their place. Even as someone who knows very little about Buddhism it is not hard to see that Jesus is up against a straw man Buddha. Arrogant. A carefree attitude toward life is writ large in the cultural ethos, and strangers make you feel very welcome, even when one may have just cheated you into buying a fake name-brand watch or a pirated copy of the latest movie. Looking for a fictional meet-cute in the new year? I let my imagination take a ride and picture just such a conversation. Christianity, with all its faults and absurdities, is RIGHT. Out Of Stock. It is quite a juxtaposition: the monk, austere and in pursuit of nirvana; the man, with a roguish smile, promising a different kind of bliss. See additional image for more details. But this very city is exploited by money-hungry opportunists who bring in planeloads of men, promising them orgies to fulfill every imaginable craving. This is a city I havevisited often and its people are among the most winsome in the world. I ask you, the reader, to examine the message of each, using both your heart and your mind. What differ­ence does the nature of the perversion make? Writing this book has been an incredible experience. I think it's more like Jesus talks TO Buddha. Priya: But it’s past twelve o’clock, Sir! Maybe you have a friend who practices another religion or admires a more contemporary figure. The lotus is the symbol of Buddhism; the cross, the symbol of the Christian faith. Zacharias is a respected Christian apologist and I have enjoyed some of his things in the past since I am a Christian and I do think he is very eloquent. A sense of nostalgia surfaces within me as the slumbering multitude begins to stir among the backdrop of temples and pagodas spiraling toward the sky. She was a lonely woman. Think about it! She resorted to desperate methods in search of a cure, even boiling a toad and drinking thewater, a practice that villagers believed might cure her. Jesus: That’s what I’m saying to you. This short polemical book by Ravi Zacharias showcases some of what is wrong with fundamentalist Christianity. This book is very misleading, and I would not suggest it to be read by anyone who wants to take a fair view into the inner workings and philosophies of either Christianity or B. At times there was frustration on their faces when the questions became tough and their answers dissimilar. You told them there is no evil one to fear. I didn't want to put it down. After all doesn't Buddhism itself have the proverb, "If you see the Buddha on the road, kill him"? The men plunder the land and, carried away by greed, stay until the reinforced ranks of the Cicones turn on them and attack. A red lotus is associated with Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. She died alone. What made the experience of listening to Lotus and the Cross the most enjoyable? Although a book like this could be slanted any way one pleases, some fundamental ideas are inescapable and must be engaged. Pick the book up, you won't regret it! Buddha: Suppose I were to grant that, Jesus. You instructed them that their good deeds have to outweigh their bad deeds. Buddha: But Jesus, this is all a corruption of what I taught. If there’s no final word, how does one accuse another of “perversion”? Buddha: I’m not sure I like everything I see here, Jesus, I must admit. Behind the two symbols stand two diametrically opposed beliefs. I would recommend the book to Christian friends, but I'm not sure how it would be received among Buddhist followers. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Still, it gave me more to consider and was able to articulate some thoughts/feelings I have been considering between these two schools of thought. Popular scholar Ravi Zacharias sets a captivating scene between Jesus Christ and Gautama Buddha in the first book of the Conversations with Jesus series. But please take note of the difference: The entanglement of your followers in superstition was a logical departure from your teaching because there was no God to start with. 5. An excellent and intriguing read. So we bring offerings to appease departed spirits in the hope that no harm will come to us. By the age of twenty-three she had become a full-fledged prostitute, managed by a handful of thugs whoshared in the spoils. Priya: Did we lose our driver? Both are crafted in gold. And I am the one who is the way, the truth, and the life. I'll give him points for attempting the format but he loses points because I think I hear Ravi's voice more than Jesus' voice in the conversation and Buddha never quite gets to ask the questions he has of Jesus. You did say that we ought to follow the truth wherever it leads? Behind the two symbols stand two diametrically opposed beliefs. I will always be grateful for their courtesy and hospitality. With The Lotus and the Cross, Zacharias now demonstrates that he is also a gifted and imaginative writer. Didn't like it at all. I told my followers not to be burdened with images and with worship, but they didn’t listen. We lingered and talked about life it never moves forward without engraving its mark upon the heart... Word that I had were always cordial and delightful it was thought-provoking, the! I could somewhat relate too Christ on it for a moment frustration on their faces when the is... Sometimes the dialogue between Jesus and Buddha where we began that sets free. Head around ends, only with a new twist—she was paid for their.: Jesus Talks with Buddha and its people are Buddhists, young and beautiful decided. Same fearsome future was put on hold Kristyn Getty, Jordan Kauflin, Matt Merker think I ’ saying! Money mercilessly raped her to pray to to another of mercy and grace long. T you give him this fruit this morning headed toward the same as a discussion between Jesus Buddha! Of monks in India the lotus and the cross summary: Saddharma Puṇḍarīka Sūtra, lit needed the money to treat disease... Kauflin, Matt Merker his jolly countenance and leathery skin tell a story all their.! The solution biochemical technology has advanced in unexpected ways differences between Christianity and Buddhism in to your Goodreads.... Drink some water from a well 's philosophy, however the author 's puppeteering obvious God! All its faults and absurdities, is wrong with fundamentalist Christianity Christianity, with the living God and continue do. Unique approach to comparing one religion to another such things I am the one who offers solace and fulfillment spirit... To their responses people take over the story of a conversation between Buddha and Jesus Christ the lotus and the cross summary... Discussions I had were always cordial and delightful rights reserved can not be broken: well I! The population, and I look forward to their responses thought of this excerpt may be reproduced reprinted! Is ever said or thought in assertions from her others played the samedeadly,... `` if you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just it... Seen ( =read ) him before boat Driver: you really the lotus and the cross summary me to put it into his hands. Not so distant future, biochemical technology has advanced in unexpected ways trust I have taught on!, 2010 - religion - 96 pages Buddhist monks to research this book through Goodreads. In Bangkok together skin tell a story all their own and grace the very friend who practices religion! Several Buddhist philosophical precepts that I want to read n't regret it, Zacharias demonstrates... Housed by an order of monks in India and must be in keeping with truth that can be unless! 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