B
uddhism, based on the teachings of the Nepalese prince Siddartha Gautama, is the fourth-largest world religion and the fastest-growing religion among Western post-Christian people.
There are two main groups of Buddhism: Mahayana and Theravada. Buddhists believe that every good deed has a good result, and every evil deed has an evil result. This belief motivates them to do good deeds to get merit.
Some Buddhist Worldviews
- • Buddhism doesn’t have a supreme god or believe in a corrupt human nature; it’s a system for improving oneself.
- • Buddhists believe the Four Noble Truths:
Existence is dukkha (suffering and emptiness)
Dukkha is caused by cravings and desires
One can escape dukkha and the cycle of death and rebirth by achieving nirvana, a state of peace, perfection, and enlightenment
Nirvana is realized by following the Eightfold Path: right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration
Common Ground
Buddhists, like us:
- • Strive to live morally
- • Try to live in harmony with the world around them
- • Desire peace
- • Want to experience wellness of mind, body, and soul
- • Seek an experiential religion relevant to daily life
- • Care for the environment
Tips for Making Friends With Buddhists
- • Be a genuine, long-term friend
- • Invite them to activities with you and your Christian friends
- • Invite them to your small group where you pray and encourage each other
- • Offer to pray for God to bless them
- • Express how God is currently changing your life
- • Ask God to show them that He is real and cares for them