God!
Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 12:58 pm
I have been brought up as a Christian, however, recently I feel a very strong draw towards Buddhism, hence why I am reading lots of Buddhist books, and posting on this forum! If anything I feel like a "Christian Buddhist" but given that is probably not possible (or is it?!?!) can you help me reconcile the 'spiritual' questions below that I am encountering in considering the two faiths!
Everything I have read so far about Buddhism makes perfect sense, but I am a bit confused on the 'God' issue.
My understanding from some things I have read is that Buddhists deny the existance of God, but other Buddhist publications say that God is all around us (e.g. in a beautiful flower, in a nice view, in a thunderstorm, even in us!)
My question is, which of the above, (if either) is correct.
Also, if there is no God, who do you thank when you see a beautiful view or other pleasing event and just feel great to be alive, and so thankful for what you have - who do you pass the feeling of gratitude onto!? Finally, how do you deal with painful times, if there is no one to ask for help.
If any of you can assist, perhaps even those who have made the transition from one faith to another, I would love to know how you feel.
Thanks for answering these questions, I appreciate it!
Everything I have read so far about Buddhism makes perfect sense, but I am a bit confused on the 'God' issue.
My understanding from some things I have read is that Buddhists deny the existance of God, but other Buddhist publications say that God is all around us (e.g. in a beautiful flower, in a nice view, in a thunderstorm, even in us!)
My question is, which of the above, (if either) is correct.
Also, if there is no God, who do you thank when you see a beautiful view or other pleasing event and just feel great to be alive, and so thankful for what you have - who do you pass the feeling of gratitude onto!? Finally, how do you deal with painful times, if there is no one to ask for help.
If any of you can assist, perhaps even those who have made the transition from one faith to another, I would love to know how you feel.
Thanks for answering these questions, I appreciate it!