Buddhism

Abstract

Joseph P. Burkhardt’s 1989 essay offers a comprehensive overview of Buddhism, examining its historical origins, theological teachings, and cultural appeal, especially in the West. The paper begins by exploring the myths surrounding Buddha’s life, noting parallels with Christian narratives such as virgin birth, prophecy, and temptation. Burkhardt then outlines core Buddhist doctrines, including the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the concept of Karma, emphasizing Buddhism’s atheistic and self-disciplined approach to salvation. He discusses the Buddhist denial of the soul, the cycle of rebirth, and the goal of Nirvana, contrasting these with Christian views of divine grace and redemption. The essay concludes by reflecting on why Eastern religions attract Western seekers and how Christians might witness to those drawn to Buddhism. Burkhardt calls for compassionate engagement, recognizing the spiritual blindness of sin and the need for the Gospel’s light. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)