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Throughout the gospels, Jesus places great emphasis on several character traits. Although he often links them explicitly to teachings that cannot be separated from their religious context (including in the beatitudes when he speaks about whom God will bless), I think trying to embrace these traits can lead to a happier, more generous and more rewarding and fulfilling life.
1. Humility.
2. Forgiveness.
3. Love.
4. Charity.
Okay, a good start, although I'd have to see some actual New Testament bible verses to fully discuss these.
Okay, a good start, although I'd have to see some actual New Testament bible verses to fully discuss these.
1. Humility.
In Luke 14:10-11, Jesus says “Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
2. Forgiveness.
In Matthew 18, when Peter asks if he should forgive someone who has wronged him seven times, he says "not seven, but seventy times seven."
3. Love.
The emphasis on love is found throughout the gospels, such as when Jesus says to love your neighbour as yourself. Love and forgiveness are are also directly linked in Luke 7 when Jesus says "I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little."
4. Charity.
Luke 3 says, 'And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”' Matthew 5 says, 'Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.'
Now again, Jesus rarely gives reasons for embracing these traits that would satisfy a secular person. Rather, he says that those who exhibit these traits will be given rewards in the kingdom or heaven; hardly a persuasive reason for those who do not believe in such a kingdom. Nevertheless, I think trying to cultivate these traits will lead to greater contentment in one's own life and promote greater well-being in the lives of others.
1. Humility.
In Luke 14:10-11, Jesus says “Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
2. Forgiveness.
In Matthew 18, when Peter asks if he should forgive someone who has wronged him seven times, he says "not seven, but seventy times seven."
3. Love.
The emphasis on love is found throughout the gospels, such as when Jesus says to love your neighbour as yourself. Love and forgiveness are are also directly linked in Luke 7 when Jesus says "I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little."
4. Charity.
Luke 3 says, 'And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”' Matthew 5 says, 'Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.'
Now again, Jesus rarely gives reasons for embracing these traits that would satisfy a secular person. Rather, he says that those who exhibit these traits will be given rewards in the kingdom or heaven; hardly a persuasive reason for those who do not believe in such a kingdom. Nevertheless, I think trying to cultivate these traits will lead to greater contentment in one's own life and promote greater well-being in the lives of others.
Peace.
If I read those passages without any reference as to who said them or the source for the text, I would still say that they are wise...with a little hesitation to the first one. But, I can buy into all four of those examples. Not because Jesus said them. But just because they are wise. (As I said earlier today in another thread, for the most part, Jesus was a fine teacher).
What I don't buy into is part of your last paragraph -- where essentially...well not essentially...where you actually say that a reason to do those things is to buy your way into heaven (I'm sure you would say earn your way). But, as you go on to say, if you cultivate those behaviors you will lead a more content life for yourself and others.
And interestingly, that is very much a karmic concept.
In fact, if I do a Google search for "What does Buddhism say about ___________ (humility, forgiveness, love, charity)", I can find similar teachings. I wonder if the same can be said about Hinduism, Islam, and other religions?
With a very few exceptions, we didn't get many christians willing to talk about NT principles.
To those who did -- thank you!
To the rest of you -- I can only translate your silence as admitting that your chrsitianity is not based on principles, but on blind faith. Your bad.
It that like when you avoid talking about your positions? we can assume when you disengage that you understand your position is based on blind faith or you know your positions are clearly less valid?
It that like when you avoid talking about your positions? we can assume when you disengage that you understand your position is based on blind faith or you know your positions are clearly less valid?
No matter what the reason, I'd still like to see christians start discussing (as opposed to preaching) actual principles.
I question this, phet. You seem irritated rather than pleased when what you consider Buddhist principles are being adopted by Christians, all because Christians believe in God and Theravada Buddhists do not. Where does your love of principles reside?
I question this, phet. You seem irritated rather than pleased when what you consider Buddhist principles are being adopted by Christians, all because Christians believe in God and Theravada Buddhists do not. Where does your love of principles reside?
That's not correct.
Making a Buddha (which by the way is a supposed FUTURE Buddha) part of christianity is NOT principles.
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