Generally, polytheistic religions are accommodative and changing. Monotheistic religions are not.
Religions such as Taoism, Hinduism and tribal religions accept many gods, even the Christian and Muslim God. 'New' gods are added over time.
That is not the case with Christianity. In the Bible, God has revealed Himself and His thoughts progressively. It is very clear when God said:
"I am your God. You shall have no other gods but me..."
"I am the Way, the Truth and the Life..."
The "10 commandments" are clear.
God is God. There shall be no idolatry. No compromise. Black is black and white is white. There are no grey areas concerning God.
Chinese religion is different. Chinese temples may have several gods and deities. Chinese religion adapts and accommodates gods of other faiths too.
Buddhism is also accommodating to changes. Jane Hope, in her book "Buddha For Beginners" wrote:
"In the Buddhist lineage, knowledge is not handed down like an antique. One teacher experiences the truth of the teaching and hands it down as inspiration to his students. That inspiration wakens the student who passes it on further. The teachings are always up to date, they are not thought of as 'ancient wisdom'."
"The Buddha encouraged his followers to put everything he said to the test, and therefore, through the ages, followers of the Buddha have trusted their own wisdom, rather than trying to interpret what might have been meant in old texts."
"The doctrine of change and impermanence which is at the heart of Buddhism constantly breaks any tendencies towards fundamentalism."
Buddhism is changing and adapting all the time!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment