by Steve Hays
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Steve Hays' "Buddhism" is an exploration of Buddhist philosophy from a Christian perspective. This work considers the intricacies of Buddhism, providing a thorough critique while examining its existential and metaphysical claims. Hays approaches Buddhism as a significant missionary field, highlighting the need for Christians to engage with Buddhists on their own philosophical grounds. He contrasts Buddhism's pre-Christian atheism with modern atheism, noting that Buddhism represents a more straightforward acknowledgment of life in a godless universe.
Hays discusses the Buddhist concept of the transient nature of existence, where all physical and mental phenomena are in a constant state of flux, leading to a perpetual cycle of growth and decay. He critiques the Buddhist view of life's inherent void and insubstantiality, suggesting that Buddhism's aim to achieve detachment from suffering is an acknowledgment of its grim reality. Hays argues that Buddhism, with its focus on renunciation and detachment, ultimately offers a pessimistic and fatalistic worldview, one that is fundamentally at odds with the Christian message of redemption and hope.
Moreover, Hays examines the Buddhist approach to reincarnation and its various philosophical problems, such as the logistics of memory retention across multiple lives and the evidence for transgenerational birthmarks. He provides a detailed analysis of how these beliefs align or conflict with Christian theology, particularly in the context of personal identity and the afterlife.
In "Buddhism," Hays effectively addresses the emotional and existential aspects of Buddhist philosophy, pointing out its limitations and offering the Christian Gospel as a more hopeful and redemptive alternative. This book is not just an academic critique but also an invitation for Buddhists to consider the transformative power of the Christian faith. Hays' insightful and compassionate approach makes this book a valuable resource for those interested in apologetics, interfaith dialogue, and understanding the profound differences between Buddhism and Christianity.
-----
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Unrequited longing
Dialogue with a Buddhist philosopher
Carnival mirror
Escape from time
Reflections on reincarnation
The view from the prison cell
The logistics of reincarnation
Does every religion have its own Superman?
Birthmarks and reincarnation
A flickering firefly in the night
Christ & Buddha
Possession & reincarnation