Download - Religions of the World
Dharma Wheel
Lotus blossom
The Vase
The Eternal Knot
Conch Shell
Largest religion in Asia
Began in India - 560 BC.
Grew out of Hinduism
Founder was Gautama Buddha
Growing rapidly around the world
One Buddhist temple in Augusta
Buddha - legends of early life Born to wealthy king - in India “Seer” predicted he was to be great ruler If he saw four things he would become
the founder of a new religion[1] Disease[2] Old age[3] Death[4] Monk who had renounced world
Married and had a son Practiced the Hindu religion
Buddha - When he was about 30 Saw the 4 things that changed his life
[1] Disease[2] Old age[3] Death[4] Monk who had renounced world
Renounced his family Became a mendicant [beggar] monk
Buddha - Wandering years Studied “Hindu” religion Rejected Tried “ascetism” for 6 years Became a living skeleton - near death Five monks were his followers Meditated 40 days and 40 nights Experience - called bliss of Nirvana
Buddha - His religion was born Experience described as “bodhi” Gautama became the “Buddha” The one who had become fully awake “From good must come good,…” Five monks followed him again Taught them the meaning of life Enlightenment in your heart
Built on fundamental principles of HinduismKarmaReincarnationNirvana
Rejects some parts of HinduismHighest “caste” could end cycleRejected authority of Vedas & Upanishads
Four Noble Truths
(1) Existence is suffering
(2) Cause of suffering
(3) How to end suffering
(4) Cessation of suffering
Noble Eightfold Path1.Right views2.Right intentions3.Right speech4.Right behavior5.Right occupation6.Right effort7.Right contemplation8.Right meditation
13 Major divisions 2 Main divisions
Theravada - Hinayana
Mayhayana Buddhism
Zen Buddhism
Theravada - Hinayana Three groups - “Tripitaka” Vinaya Pitaka
Sutta Pitaka Abhidhamma Pitaka
Mayhayana Buddhism No fixed group 5,000 volumes and growing
CosmosDeityManMan’s PlightSalvationConductDestiny
Cosmos Prakriti - matter = physical world Purusha Deity Denied belief in any god Believed in many deitiesMan Reborn - reincarnation No soul
Man’s Plight Holds in bondage to rebirthSalvation Middle way of lifeConduct Right thought, speech - eliminate desireDestiny Nirvana To die away - cease to exist
1. Do Not Believe in God
Founder called “Lord Buddha”
Bible teaches… God is eternal, immutable, omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent God created all things Gen. 1:1 God loves man
2. Man is worthless
Man will cease to exist
Bible teaches… Man is made in image of God Gen. 1:27 Man has body, soul & spirit 1 Thes.5:23 Man will live eternally Heaven/Hell
3. Human body is miserable hindrance
Living in flesh is not a happy existence
Bible teaches… Body is creation of God - Gen. 2:7 Body is temple of Holy Spirit
1 Cor. 6:19-201 Cor. 15:51-54
4. Reincarnation
Born and die many timesBuddha lived 530 lives
Bible teaches… One life and one death Heb. 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”
5. Spread by Political Power
Adapted to the countryAppealed to man’s laziness
Bible teaches… Gospel is spread by preaching truth
Romans 10:15
6. Offers no hope
Doctrine of Annihilation
Bible teaches… Hope of eternal home in heaven John 14:1 Hope is anchor of the soul - Heb.6:18-19
7. Incorrect view about suffering
Suffering caused by desireEliminate desire and eliminate suffering
Bible teaches… Sin is the cause of suffering - Gen. 2-3 Death brings disease, and suffering Cure - obey the gospel Promise - home in heaven - no suffering
False religion - not revealed in the BibleStarted by a man He died at 80 - buried - body remains there
Christianity is far superiorChrist died at age 33Raised after 3 daysAscended back to heaven
They teach that life is a drudgery
Christianity gives meaning and purpose to lifeRom. 8:37John 10:10Best way of life possible on this earth
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
Sermon by Arthur Pigman
Evans Church of Christ
515 Gibbs Road
Evans, Ga. 30809
706-855-1249
[email protected]@bellsouth.net
www.evansgachurchofchrist.orgwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org
Sunday Evening April 17, 2011