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Here's some famous Buddhists: Add more if you can.
Brad Pitt
Sharon Stone
Richard Gere
Keanu Reeves
Leonard Cohen
Uma Thurman
Leonardo Dicaprio
Harrison Ford
Steven Segal
Jet Li
Ricky Martin
Alanis Morissette
Courtney Love
Sting
Tina Turner
Oliver Stone
Patrick Duffy
Herbie Hancock
Wayne Shorter
Buster Williams
Larry Coryell
Susanne Vega
Nestor Torres
Ernestine Anderson
Laurie Anderson
Kate Bosworth
Orlando Bloom
Susan Blackmore
Cora L. E. Christian
Goldie Hawn
Becky Johnston, George Lucas, Jennifer Lopez, Michael Stipe, Tina Turner, Mark Wahlberg, Adam Yauch, etc.

Feel free to add more names.

This isn't a "let promote Buddhism" thread is it?

And by the way, many of those people may draw on Buddhist principles, but that doesent make them buddhist.

You are a troll and you will never convert anyone, ever. If I ever find religion, I swear it's going to be to a non-Christian faith, just to spite your useless ass.

I like how not one of the Christians on your list is anywhere near as famous as the Buddhists on Wonderer's list. Given how many famous Christians there are out there, I'm going to have to ascribe it to gross incompetence on your part.

OH god you gave him ideas....

Yeah, we understand Christian Fascism is a very appealing Idea for many.

List of Christians in entertainment and media

A
Don Adams actor, Maxwell Smart Get Smart,voice of Inspector Gadget.
Kim Alexis model,
Athlete
Alan Autry former NFL quarterback, actor "Bubba" In the Heat of the Night, Mayor of Fresno, California.

B
Bono real name Paul Hewson, lead singer for the band U2
Stephen Baldwin actor
Justine Bateman, "Mallory Keaton" of Family Ties
Daniel Bedingfield singer
Natasha Bedingfield singer
Noah "Wuv" Bernardo, drummer of P.O.D.
Jodi Benson, singer and voice actress
Hugh Beaumont actor and minister
Pat Boone singer, author
Steve Borden aka "Sting", Sports Entertainer
Jason Bortz actor, director
Gary Burghoff "Radar" M*A*S*H*
George W. Bush

C
Chamillionaire- rapper Mother was Christian and Father was Muslim. Despite these settings he is a Christian as he said on songs such as Rain and Void In My life.
June Carter - wife of Johnny Cash, according to the film Walk the Line and as told by many documentaries, supposedly led him to Christ and was a Christian herself.
Johnny Cash legendary Musician, had many religious songs, and was identified as a born-again Christian in his Autobiography Cash: The Autobiography, the book The Man Comes Around: The Spiritual Journey of Johnny Cash and 2005 bio-pic Walk the Line... among many other sources
Candace Cameron actress Full House: Her website discusses the importance she puts in "my walk with Jesus Christ."
Kirk Cameron actor Growing Pains has own ministry.
James Caviezel actor The Passion of the Christ
Kelly Clarkson singer, she has stated that she has a strong relationship with God and uses her faith to keep her grounded in the music business.
Curt Cloninger, actor and comedian
Carroll O'Connor actor All in the Family, Archie Bunker's Place, In the Heat of the Night
Stephen Colbert - host of The Colbert Report.
Alice Cooper - originator of shock rock, hosts a charity golf tournament for his Solid Rock Foundation

D
Charlie Daniels, Musician, Has professed his faith in many songs and interviews
Traa Daniels, bassist of P.O.D.
Chris Daughtry, musician, references God in his work
Ted Dibiase, pro wrestler, now runs a Christian based pro wrestling federation.

E
The Edge real name Dave Evans, guitarist for the band U2
Dale Evans actress, singer (did some gospel)

F
Jeff Foxworthy Comedian
Chris Fedun singer from christian rock group Jump 5
Randall Franks bluegrass singer, actor "Officer Randy Goode" In the Heat of the Night

G
Mel Gibson actor, producer, director
Lecy Goranson (1974 - ) film/television actress ("Roseanne"
Amy Grant, singer
Andy Griffith actor, singer, comedian
Eddie Guerrero Professional Wrestler

H
Taylor Hicks singer/musician, Season 5 American Idol winner
Brandon Hargest singer with christian rock group Jump 5
Brittany Hargest singer with christian rock group Jump 5
David Hart actor "Parker" In the Heat of the Night
Dolores Hart actress who became a Mother Superior.
Patricia Heaton actress, convert to an Evangelical Presbyterian church, and member of Feminists for Life
Charlton Heston actor
Christian Hosoi pro skateboarder

I
Kathy Ireland

J
Victoria Jackson actress, former Saturday Night Live cast member
Ben Jones (US) actor "Cooter" The Dukes of Hazzard
Dean Jones, actor

K
Richard Kiel actor
KJ-52, hip-hop rapper, comedian

L
Larry the Cable Guy, country comedian and actor
Kerry Livgren, former songwriter/musician with Kansas (band) and Christian solo artist
Brian Littrell, Backstreet Boy member and Christian solo artist

M
Larry Mullen, Jr, Drummer for the Band U2
DJ Maj, DJ and rapper
Nancy Marie, author
Mr. T actor The A Team
Shawn Michaels Professional Wrestler, real name is Michael Hickenbottom
Amanda Michalka actress, Disney Channel profiled in Christianity Today
Alyson Michalka actress, Disney Channel profiled in Christianity Today
Lesley Moore singer with christian rock group Jump 5
Tia Mowry, actress
Tamera Mowry, actress
Jesse McCartney (1987 - ) pop singer and actor, initially came to fame as a member of the boy band Dream Street, and subsequently branched out into a solo career
Brittany Murphy, actress

N
Chelsea Noble actress
Nichole Nordeman singer
Chuck Norris martial arts champion, actor

O
Jennifer O'Neill actress
Stacie Orrico

P
Don Pooley, professional golfer
Dolly Parton, Singer, Actress

Q

R
Rascal Flatts country music group
Ronald Reagan actor, the 40th President of the United States
John Reuben
Christina Ricci http://www.style.com/w/feat_story/081606/full_page.html
Chris Rice singer
Roy Rogers actor, cowboy singer
Cliff Richard British Singer, Actor

S
Samoa Joe Professional Wrestler
Rebecca St. James, singer
Deion Sanders
Sonny Sandoval, singer, rapper, frontman of rock band P.O.D.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, actor and politician.
John Schneider, actor "Bo Duke" The Dukes of Hazzard
Tom Shadyac, director of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Liar, Liar, Bruce Almighty, and Evan Almighty
Martin Sheen actor
Earl Simmons, AKA DMX
Michael W. Smith singer
Will Smith
Sons of the San Joaquin Cowboy singing group.
Jimmy Stewart, actor
Dr. Tonea Stewart, actress "Aunt Etta" In the Heat of the Night Professor University of Alabama
Kirsten Storms (1984 - ) film/television actress
AJ Styles Professional Wrestler

T
John Tesh musician, talk show host Entertainment Tonight
Keith Thibodeaux child actor, "Ricky Ricardo Jr" of I Love Lucy
tobyMac
Randy Travis singer who also had a few minor acting roles.

U
Carrie Underwood, American Idol winner and country singer

V

W
Brian Welch aka "Head", former member of the nu metal band Korn, left the band to pursue a solo career focused on Christian values
Kurt Warner, NFL quarterback
Kanye West
Lisa Whelchel actress The Facts of Life
Michelle Williams, singer Destiny's Child
Demond Wilson, actor Sanford And Son
CeCe Winans singer (Most of the Winans family would also fit)
Paul Wright

X

Y

Z
Efrem Zimbalist Jr. actor

Is being a worthless troll against the forum rules? Because I think it should be.

I love how you put the President of the United States in "entertainment and media." I mean how the people who wrote the Wikipedia article did. You yourself are too ****ing stupid to compose a list like this.

This is about famous buddhists, stop trolling, open your own thread about famous Christians if you want.

didn't do very well promoting religious tolerance did he?

given that you seem happy to go into every non christian thread and insult anyone who doesn't share your beliefs by telling them that they worship false Gods and that the only way to salvation is to do what you tell them

thats religious tolerance at its best

hmmm, i dont know any buddhist personally..... the population of buddhist in trinidad is real real small. But i gonna help add to the list

JIA, GO away
Mods cant you warn him bout trolling this thread?

Film celebs
Martin Scorsese
Phil Jackson
Tiger Woods

The only thing left to do with JIA's posts there is find out if any of those individuals are actually practicing Christians, or if they are just on the roles.

Originally posted by Wonderer
Here's some famous Buddhists: Add more if you can.
Brad Pitt
Sharon Stone
Richard Gere
Keanu Reeves
Leonard Cohen
Uma Thurman
Leonardo Dicaprio
Harrison Ford
Steven Segal
Jet Li
Ricky Martin
Alanis Morissette
Courtney Love
Sting
Tina Turner
Oliver Stone
Patrick Duffy
Herbie Hancock
Wayne Shorter
Buster Williams
Larry Coryell
Susanne Vega
Nestor Torres
Ernestine Anderson
Laurie Anderson
Kate Bosworth
Orlando Bloom
Susan Blackmore
Cora L. E. Christian
Goldie Hawn
Becky Johnston, George Lucas, Jennifer Lopez, Michael Stipe, Tina Turner, Mark Wahlberg, Adam Yauch, etc.

Feel free to add more names.

George Lucas, Orlando Bloom, Oliver Stone, Tina Turner, Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCRAPio, Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Lopez arn't Buddhists, there's probably more on that list that arn't either

JIA If we had a thread that was to list famous black people, it would be inappropriate to respond with a list of famous white people. This is no different, it is inappropriate and rude to reply with a list of Christians on a thread to list famous Buddhists.

Budha

Yes, its likely that Siddartha was a practicing Buddhist.

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
JIA If we had a thread that was to list famous black people, it would be inappropriate to respond with a list of famous white people. This is no different, it is inappropriate and rude to reply with a list of Christians on a thread to list famous Buddhists.

My thoughts exactly.

...while we're at it though...

Famous Bad-Asses Throughout History:
1. Chuck Norris
2. Bill Brasky
3. Mr. T
4. The Vagina (which has whipped more men throughout history than everyone on this list combined).
5. Rasputin
6. Ghengis Khan
7. Khan from Star Trek
8. James T. Kirk
9. James T. Hook
10. Batman

....that should about cover it.



...

On another note, I didn't know all those people practiced some form of Buddhism. Good stuff, thanks for the info.

Originally posted by Darth Kreiger
George Lucas, Orlando Bloom, Oliver Stone, Tina Turner, Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCRAPio, Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Lopez arn't Buddhists, there's probably more on that list that arn't either

Tina Turner is the one of the most famous artist that took up buddhism.
.......... or the story of her embracing the faith is well known

Originally posted by fini
Tina Turner is the one of the most famous artist that took up buddhism.
.......... or the story of her embracing the faith is well known I am the same type of Buddhist that she is.

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
I am the same type of Buddhist that she is.

A black one?

Originally posted by Bardock42
A black one?

No, a Nichiren Buddhist.

Originally posted by Darth Kreiger
George Lucas, Orlando Bloom, Oliver Stone, Tina Turner, Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCRAPio, Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Lopez arn't Buddhists, there's probably more on that list that arn't either

George Lucas calls himself a "Buddhist Methodist," whatever that is. Several news sources have claimked that Reeves is a Buddhist, for whatever they're worth. Jennifer Lopez converted to Buddhism after starring in a movie with Richard Gere, or so I've read. Oliver Stone has said in an interview that "I'm a student , but don't consider me a good one necessarily.." Orlando Bloom? Definitely a Buddhis (also Nichiren, I think).

I think you might be right about Ford and DiCaprio.

With Hollywood, everythings a FAD.

Yeah like the Khabala faze, lol

But some of them do actually stick with it. Turner has been a buddhist for close to 30 yrs..... Gere is really really into it. So who are we to question their faith?

At least the stars are turning to Buddhism and not Scientology.

Originally posted by Imperial_Samura
At least the stars are turning to Buddhism and not Scientology.

Buddhism is cheaper, even cheaper then Christianity.

Stars turning to your religion makes it lose credibility...not that Buddhism really ever had any...

Originally posted by Alliance
Yes, its likely that Siddartha was a practicing Buddhist.
I don't think a person can follow himself. Buddha was a Hindu, just like Jesus was a Jew.

Originally posted by Alliance
Stars turning to your religion makes it lose credibility...not that Buddhism really ever had any...
What a nonsense statement.

Originally posted by Wonderer
What a nonsense statement.

Originally posted by fini
Tina Turner is the one of the most famous artist that took up buddhism.
.......... or the story of her embracing the faith is well known

I remember her story on the movie entitled....What's Love got to do with it?!! when i was in High School...

Originally posted by Wonderer
What a nonsense statement.

Well, I have to throw wood onthe fire sometime...

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
I am the same type of Buddhist that she is.

I guess, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter listed above are also same fellow Nichiren Buddhists...

I still question that lists integrity.

Originally posted by Alliance
This isn't a "let promote Buddhism" thread is it?

And by the way, many of those people may draw on Buddhist principles, but that doesent make them buddhist.

We are all Buddhists, regardless if we're aware of it or not, or just simply choose to deny it for the sake of being worthless and ignorant trolls like the idiot going by the JesusIsAlive handle

Originally posted by Alliance
With Hollywood, everythings a FAD.

Yeah. The fun part of Buddhism, is that you can call yourself one and never really have to know anything about it.

Originally posted by Devil King
Yeah. The fun part of Buddhism, is that you can call yourself one and never really have to know anything about it.

However, isn't that also true for Christianity.

Religions like "claiming" famous figures that are either ambiguous in their beliefs or at one point had ties to their religion. If I became famous, I have no doubt Catholicism (and militant Catholics making spam threads on discussion boards) would list me as a famous Catholic. "Mark {insert last name} does it, and he's sexy as hell! You should too!"

Then I'd be like "Wtf" and post a dur smilie and a pic of a dog getting pwned or somesuch.

...

Long story short, I'll guarantee that list (or any) isn't terribly accurate. Except for this...

Originally posted by DigiMark007
Famous Bad-Asses Throughout History:
1. Chuck Norris
2. Bill Brasky
3. Mr. T
4. The Vagina (which has whipped more men throughout history than everyone on this list combined).
5. Rasputin
6. Ghengis Khan
7. Khan from Star Trek
8. James T. Kirk
9. James T. Hook
10. Batman

...which I actually forgot I ever posted. Fun stuff.

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
However, isn't that also true for Christianity.

Oh yes. It just isn't as popular with celebrities.

Originally posted by Devil King
Oh yes. It just isn't as popular with celebrities.

Well, anyone who goes into a religion because it's popular, is doing it for the wrong reason.

Originally posted by Devil King
Yeah. The fun part of Buddhism, is that you can call yourself one and never really have to know anything about it.

How is that possible?

In order to adhere to and practice a religion, you have to know about it.

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
Well, anyone who goes into a religion because it's popular, is doing it for the wrong reason.
Agreed.

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
Well, anyone who goes into a religion because it's popular, is doing it for the wrong reason.

And thats why Buddhist conversions in the West are 1% serious.

Originally posted by Devil King
Yeah. The fun part of Buddhism, is that you can call yourself one and never really have to know anything about it.

Case and point.

Originally posted by Alliance
And thats why Buddhist conversions in the West are 1% serious.

It all depends on the type of Buddhist. I would say the most of the people who become Nichiren Buddhist are serious. We teach the person how to chant and do Gongyo before they get their Gohonzon.

Well yes, but I was looking collectively.

Originally posted by Alliance
Well yes, but I was looking collectively.

Collectively you are correct, however, that is a little unfair.

But, it saves me from listing every cult of Buddhism.

Originally posted by Alliance
But, it saves me from listing every cult of Buddhism.

So that's it: You are just lazy.

Do YOU know every cult of Buddhism?

Besides, if people know enough to suscribe to a specific cult...they probably fit into my category of "1% real converted Buddhists in the West"

Originally posted by Alliance
Do YOU know every cult of Buddhism?

Besides, if people know enough to suscribe to a specific cult...they probably fit into my category of "1% real converted Buddhists in the West"

I do know there are a lot of them; just like Christians. But I didn't make the unsupported claim.

Its not unsupported (personal observation ), its just not falsely differentiated as you would have it.

Originally posted by Wonderer
I don't think a person can follow himself. Buddha was a Hindu, just like Jesus was a Jew.


Buddha was not following himself. Siddhartha was a Buddhist. Do you know what a Buddhist is ? It's not someone who worships Buddha....

Originally posted by Alliance
Stars turning to your religion makes it lose credibility...not that Buddhism really ever had any...


What do you mean ?

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
What do you mean ?

He does not know what he is talking about.

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
He does not know what he is talking about.



True, True

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
True, True

The problem is that he is unaware of his ignorance.

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
The problem is that he is unaware of his ignorance.


Yes, but it's a little more than that. He sees things in Black and White. To him, things can only be one way or the other.



-If something is not 100% successful, then its a failure. If you are for something, you are for it 100%. If you are against it, then you are against it 100%.


-If you dissaprove of a religion, then you also are bigotted against the people who practice it.

-It's okay to disapprove of Buddhism, but God forbid you disapprove of Islam, then you're a Bigot.



Oh the Hypocrisy

people try to draw too many parallels between buddhism/non theistic faiths and their own faith. they try to interpret the PHILOSOPHY from the structural standpoint of their traditional organised relegion.

{ud be surprised at how many people have asked me why i wud follow PARTS of buddhism when it doesnt worship anything and have clear cut inflexible dogmas about life}

I love many of the philosophies of Buddhism, and I read up on what I can every day. But I also beleive in the Law of Attraction.


Buddhism does not say you have to only adhere to what you learn on the teachings of Siddhartha, it also encourages you to learn and understand everyone and everything else.

Quality of Life is the ultamate goal of Buddhism.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
What do you mean ?

I honestly don't know why I wrote that. I can't think of what I meant.Originally posted by Shakyamunison
The problem is that he is unaware of his ignorance.

That is something that is untrue. Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
Yes, but it's a little more than that. He sees things in Black and White. To him, things can only be one way or the other.

THAT is a bullshit statement.

-QUOTE=9440288]Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
It's okay to disapprove of Buddhism, but God forbid you disapprove of Islam, then you're a Bigot..

There is no hypocrisy. Your interpretation of Islam is VASTLY uninformed, as is your interpretation of Buddhism (assuming you haven't converted (as an athiest no less) to another religion in 4 days). Assuming you still hold the same interpretation of Buddhism as it was when we last talked, then I find that insulting to the hundreds of millions of people who are REAL Buddhists as opposed to angsty teenagers thinking they know something about the faith.

Thus, I don't dissapprove of Buddhism more than I disapporve of any other religion (they all have flaws, imo). However, I do dissapprove of Buddhist wannabes who insult the faith with thier casual disregard and overglorification of just another of the worlds religions. Unfortuantely, I think you fall in that category.

Originally posted by Alliance
...That is something that is untrue...

How would you know?


To a limited extent you are correct; there are a lot of people in the west who do not understand Buddhism, but say they are Buddhists. However, your 1% is just a number you pulled out of the air. I think you believe it, but it is just something you made up to convey your opinion on the matter.

I'm generally not ignorant on most things. I've lived in Buddhist culture and some of my best friends are born and bread Buddhists. I know how its actually practiced, and practiced in the East.

1% is an arbitrary number and I thought that was obvious. It was given to demonstrate a point (and it was successful).

Originally posted by Alliance
I'm generally not ignorant on most things. I've lived in Buddhist culture and some of my best friends are born and bread Buddhists. I know how its actually practiced, and practiced in the East.

1% is an arbitrary number and I thought that was obvious. It was given to demonstrate a point (and it was successful).

You should avoid arbitrary numbers. What was your point?

Very few buddhist conversions in the West are credible. Most people I know who go around sayin' "I'm Buddhist" actually aren't.

Originally posted by Alliance
Very few buddhist conversions in the West are credible. Most people I know who go around sayin' "I'm Buddhist" actually aren't.

The same could be said of those who proclaim to be "Born Again," and "Saved."

Originally posted by Alliance
Very few buddhist conversions in the West are credible. Most people I know who go around sayin' "I'm Buddhist" actually aren't.

In your opinion, what are the requirements for being a credible Buddhist?

Originally posted by Alliance
Very few buddhist conversions in the West are credible. Most people I know who go around sayin' "I'm Buddhist" actually aren't.


Just because I don't walk around in a robe all day doesn't mean I'm not Buddhist.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
Just because I don't walk around in a robe all day doesn't mean I'm not Buddhist.



Edit: And for your information, Alliance, before I converted to Buddhism, I had been studying it for years. Through books, through courses, through any media I could possibly get my hands on.

Buddhism encourages you to learn and understand the ways of others as well. So no, I'm not "hardcore" Buddhist like those in the East who make Buddhism the way of thier entire life, but then again there are a lot of Christians who don't adhere to the prime fundamentals of Christianity either.

And you know what? That's ok !


There are plenty of things about Buddhism I like but question. And Buddhism allows that, it does not call for an act of blind faith and acceptance in Siddhartha's teachings, so taking the Buddhist texts as your own is fine, as long as you do not deviate from the cor teaching-absolute compassion for all living things.


As of now, I am studying the sciences and philosophies behind The Law of Attraction. Something I find very fascinating, something I believe in so far.


**************************************************
*******


As for my stance on Islam, let us squash this once and for all:



-I do not Hate Muslims
-I have Muslim freinds-some in school, one on KMC even
-I admire thier self-Discipline, something I yearn to acquire
-I do not think Islam should be eradicated. It as a religion has every right to exist, just like Christianity and Buddhism do.



What I have issues with is the Quran itself, the same way I have issues with the Bible. The Quran itself has many passages, like the Bible, which promote violence and sexism. You know this.


I , nor any other person, need to tolerate that aspect of the religion.


You argued that religion is strictly a Practice, but you are incorrect. It is ALSO A BELEIF SYSTEM, and thier beleifs are BASED on the QURAN. You may not "give a shit" about the Quran, but MUSLIMS do.


And Islam, according to many Muslims, is not just a religion. It is what they base thier entire lives on. Atleast, they are supposed to.

To deny the Quran is to deny Allah.

To question the Quran is to question Allah.


According to Muslim Theology, Allah created the human race for the sole purpose of being worshipped. Ask any Muslim, and they will tell you so. That is why we exist.


Islam, by the Quran, promotes idealogies, some of which are very noble, and some of which are very harmful. Once, Again, you KNOW THIS.




Violence against women is justified, by the Quran, if the women:

-committed adultery
-denied the words of her husband
-walks in public without being covered
-walks in public without a male escort
-has stolen or broken some law
-denies the word or existance of Allah


Violence against men is justified, by the Quran, if the men:


-are homosexual
-have stolen
-deny the word or existance of Allah



**************************************************
********


Now...Obviously, Islam can be practiced far cleaner and without violence, if the texts which promote violence are ignored. That is why I think it should still exist, as any other religion. Christianity has evolved, and eventually so will Islam.


However, as of now, Islam still promotes violence in the lands where it originated.


That Violence is not Justified.




So, to conclude this age old argument once and for all.....



I do not respect a Religious Practice which promotes violence on any person. I don't have to ! ISLAM NEEDS TO CHANGE and CATCH UP WITH THE REST OF US- the Middle Ages are OVER - we don't need to practice such intense violence against others anymore.



Islam, like any religion, is at core, an Idealogy.


And to me, the lives and happiness of people are worth 10000X times more than any idealogy that exists on this world.

Originally posted by Adam_PoE
The same could be said of those who proclaim to be "Born Again," and "Saved."

I see your point, but people don't convert to these specific cults of Christianity to remain faithless. their faith may be shallow, but they remain religious.

Budddhism is the only religion that I'm aware of where people can "convert" and remain areligious.Originally posted by Shakyamunison
In your opinion, what are the requirements for being a credible Buddhist?

I don't have a seven point plan, its an attitude. Buddhism is HEAVILY steeped in ritual. Its a religion, not a walk down philosophy lane.Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
Just because I don't walk around in a robe all day doesn't mean I'm not Buddhist.

Have you ever tried to become a monk? Its something that many Buddhists are expected to do during their lifetime. If you actually want to change your life...thats the way to do it.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
So no, I'm not "hardcore" Buddhist like those in the East who make Buddhism the way of their entire life,
Then you're not Buddhist. BUDDHISM IS A WAY OF LIFE. Apparently in your extensive studies you forgot to learn that elemental fact

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
-I do not Hate Muslims
I feel your words speak differently, no matter what you protest.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
Quran itself has many passages, like the Bible, which promote violence and sexism. You know this.
SO WHAT?

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
You argued that religion is strictly a Practice, but you are incorrect. It is ALSO A BELEIF SYSTEM, and their beleifs are BASED on the QURAN. You may not "give a shit" about the Quran, but MUSLIMS do.
So, Muslims can't believe anything if its not in the Qur'an?

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
And Islam, according to many Muslims, is not just a religion. It is what they base their entire lives on. Atleast, they are supposed to.
Only to fundamentalists.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
To deny the Quran is to deny Allah.
Only to fundamentalists.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
To question the Quran is to question Allah.
Only to fundamentalists.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
violence against women is justified, by the Quran
The damn book was written 1400 years ago. Islam was also the first religion to grant women the right to divorce and the right to own property. When it was founded, it was ahead of its time.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
However, as of now, Islam still promotes violence in the lands where it originated.
Saudi Arabia?

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
I do not respect a Religious Practice which promotes violence on any person. I don't have to ! ISLAM NEEDS TO CHANGE and CATCH UP WITH THE REST OF US- the Middle Ages are OVER - we don't need to practice such intense violence against others anymore

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
Islam, like any religion, is at core, an Idealogy.

Then how can you call yourself Buddhist if you ignore the ideology, let alone the practice?

Originally posted by Alliance
I...I don't have a seven point plan, its an attitude. Buddhism is HEAVILY steeped in ritual. Its a religion, not a walk down philosophy lane...

I'm trying to understand. Please try to give me more about what make a "true" Buddhist too you.

Originally posted by Alliance
Have you ever tried to become a monk? Its something that many Buddhists are expected to do during their lifetime. If you actually want to change your life...thats the way to do it.


You seriously don't know what you are talking about.


You don't have to become a monk to be Buddhist, and being a monk is not the fulfillment of Buddhism. Buddhism is meant to integrate to anyone's lifestyle, can be applied so.






Originally posted by Alliance
Then you're not Buddhist. BUDDHISM IS A WAY OF LIFE. Apparently in your extensive studies you forgot to learn that elemental fact


We had a similiar argument about Islam. You claimed that one can be Muslim without practicing everything the Quran teaches. Yet, Islam is about submission. Islam does not allow for one to question or challenge the Quran in any way, shape, or form.


So which is it ?


Can one be Muslim without adhering to the Quran 100% ? You contradict yourself again, Alliance.








Originally posted by Alliance
I feel your words speak differently, no matter what you protest.


SO WHAT?


So, Muslims can't believe anything if its not in the Qur'an?


Only to fundamentalists.


Only to fundamentalists.


Only to fundamentalists.


The damn book was written 1400 years ago. Islam was also the first religion to grant women the right to divorce and the right to own property. When it was founded, it was ahead of its time.


Saudi Arabia?




Read the Above. There is something you are NOT understanding.






Originally posted by Alliance
Then how can you call yourself Buddhist if you ignore the ideology, let alone the practice?


Who said I ignore the idealogy and the practice ?


You have no idea what you are talking about. Please stop making this a personal issue. If you are going to ask me something, ask me something intelligent, and have some kind of support for your claims.

All of your claims are empty.

Alliance, SGI (Nichiren Buddhism) does not have monks or temples. We all have alters in our homes. There is a form of Nichiren Buddhism that does have monks and temples, but because of corruption, we separated from them.

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
Alliance, SGI (Nichiren Buddhism) does not have monks or temples. We all have alters in our homes. There is a form of Nichiren Buddhism that does have monks and temples, but because of corruption, we separated from them.


He seems unaware of the different sects/forms of Buddhism. There are Nicheren and Theravata for example.

Also, each introduce new teachings. For example, Shakymunison was not made aware of the Five Aggregates in his studies, but at the same time, I wasn't aware of the Concept of the Ten Worlds until he brought it to my attention.

Some forms of Buddhism teach that Life is naturally suffering, because that is the nature of the world, while other forms of Buddhism teach that Life is Suffering because we have made it that way and allow it to persist.



Alliance, claiming that becoming a Monk is the endgoal of Buddhism, shows how much he doesn't know.

And btw, Alliance Buddhism is not a religion where you become "born again" and all of a sudden you are enlightened to the path. It takes years of practice, study, and discipline to attain the wisdom and benefits of Buddhism.

Just because someone is new to Buddhism, and still studies other idealogies and has an original perspective, does not mean they are not Buddhist.


I thought you would know that, but I guess I was wrong.

Originally posted by Quiero Mota
How is that possible?

In order to adhere to and practice a religion, you have to know about it.

Oh, it's possible.

How often do you hear a celebrity held to task when they make a statement about their religion? (or anything else, for that matter.) Celebrities have the luxury of often being taken at face value.

Originally posted by Devil King
Oh, it's possible.

How often do you hear a celebrity held to task when they make a statement about their religion? (or anything else, for that matter.) Celebrities have the luxury of often being taken at face value.


There are many Christians who don't know anything about the Gospels, much less most of what the Bible says.

I just find it alarming.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
There are many Christians who don't know anything about the Gospels, much less most of what the Bible says.

I just find it alarming.

In some sects of Christianity learning is at best restrictive, or at worst discouraged.

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
In some sects of Christianity learning is at best restrictive, or at worst discouraged.


That is true.


But at the same time, some Christians reject the existance of Hell.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
That is true.


But at the same time, some Christians reject the existance of Hell.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
But at the same time, some Christians reject the existance of Hell.

Jews for Jesus?

Originally posted by Devil King
Jews for Jesus?


Not even. Some straight up Christians, such as some Jehovah's witnesses and even Evangelicals, reject the idea of Hell.

Originally posted by Alliance
I see your point, but people don't convert to these specific cults of Christianity to remain faithless. their faith may be shallow, but they remain religious.

How is a fair-weather Christian different than a fair-weather Buddhist:

Originally posted by Alliance
Budddhism is the only religion that I'm aware of where people can "convert" and remain areligious.

Originally posted by Adam_PoE
How is a fair-weather Christian different than a fair-weather Buddhist:


Because I happen to be Buddhist

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
You don't have to become a monk to be Buddhist, and being a monk is not the fulfillment of Buddhism.

I never said any of those things. TRY AGAIN!

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
Buddhism is meant to integrate to anyone's lifestyle, can be applied so.

No, thats your perversion.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
We had a similiar argument about Islam. You claimed that one can be Muslim without practicing everything the Quran teaches. Yet, Islam is about submission. Islam does not allow for one to question or challenge the Quran in any way, shape, or form.

You fail to see the difference between ritual and faith.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
Read the Above. There is something you are NOT understanding.
Just why you wont stop bleeting your failed policies.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
You have no idea what you are talking about. Please stop making this a personal issue. If you are going to ask me something, ask me something intelligent, and have some kind of support for your claims.

All of your claims are empty.

Wrong. You can't answer my questions.

You're the only one who's EVER made this personal and crying about it all over KMC.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
He seems unaware of the different sects/forms of Buddhism. There are Nicheren and Theravata for example.

Wrong again. There is Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Nicheren is a subsect of Mahayana.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
Also, each introduce new teachings. For example, Shakymunison was not made aware of the Five Aggregates in his studies, but at the same time, I wasn't aware of the Concept of the Ten Worlds until he brought it to my attention.

Some forms of Buddhism teach that Life is naturally suffering, because that is the nature of the world, while other forms of Buddhism teach that Life is Suffering because we have made it that way and allow it to persist.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
Alliance, claiming that becoming a Monk is the endgoal of Buddhism, shows how much he doesn't know.

You're perhaps the biggest bullshitter on these forums. Never said anything remotely like that. You're the king of strawmen.

Originally posted by Adam_PoE
How is a fair-weather Christian different than a fair-weather Buddhist:
I don't understand the question.

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
Not even. Some straight up Christians, such as some Jehovah's witnesses and even Evangelicals, reject the idea of Hell.

I really do understand. But is there any reason NOT to bring up Jews for Jesus, at every given opprotunity?

Originally posted by Devil King
I really do understand. But is there any reason NOT to bring up Jews for Jesus, at every given opprotunity?


I guess not hahhaaa

Originally posted by Alliance
I don't understand the question.

How is one who holds Christian beliefs but does not practice them any different than one who holds Buddhist principles but does not practice them?

Originally posted by SpearofDestiny
Not even. Some straight up Christians, such as some Jehovah's witnesses and even Evangelicals, reject the idea of Hell. Well that's because they believe in annihilation.

Originally posted by Adam_PoE
How is one who holds Christian beliefs but does not practice them any different than one who holds Buddhist principles but does not practice them?

I don't think Christianity demands such the same type of practice as Buddhism does.

Originally posted by Alliance
I don't think Christianity demands such the same type of practice as Buddhism does.

Christianity demands more stringent practice; a Buddhist who does not faithfully practice the principles of Buddhism is simply a bad Buddhist, whereas a Christian who does not faithfully practice the principles of Christianity is not a true Christian.

See Who Is a Christian?

Originally posted by Alliance
I don't think Christianity demands such the same type of practice as Buddhism does.


It depends what sect of Christianity you belong to.


Evangelicals focus on Repentance. They beleive that once they repent, they are cleaned of all "original sin", and to push it even further, beleive that thier thoughts and actions are inspired by the Holy Spirit, since they invited God into thier life through repentance.


Catholics, in general, do not focus so much on repentence, since they beleive that Baptism has already cleansed them. They tend to focus more on actions, then on the idea that they are already saved. Yet, many are still motivated by the Fear of Hell.


I am not to sure about Mormons and Jehovahs witnesses, so I won't comment on them.


Buddhism requires a strong self-discipline. Every Buddhist is taught about the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold path. Practice and Discipline is definately an aspect of all variations of Buddhism.


However, unlike Christianity, you don't "become a better person" over night just by converting. Buddhism takes practice and dedication, consistancy. You have to remind yourself of what you are practicing through various practices and meditation.

Some Buddhists practice Nam Myo Renge Kyo, others don't. Some Buddhists beleive in No-Self, while others do beleive in a spiritual identity. Some Buddhists beleive in God, others don't. And for our earlier example, some Buddhists become monks, other's don't.


There are variations, but none must deviate from the center core of Buddhism: Respect and Compassion for All Living Things. As well as the goal of Buddhism: The Cessation of Suffering.


You cannot truly call yourself a Buddhist if you do not hold respect and compassion for all living things. You also have to understand that the cause of all suffering is Attachment/Desire.

Whether you choose to adhere to attachments and embrace desire is your choice, as long as you understand that these can and do lead to suffering.

Many Buddhists question thier Faith, and struggle with some of the teachings. There is nothing in Buddhism that forbids that. In fact, Buddhism welcomes questioning, because that is the path to understanding.

At the same time, Buddhism can work with other Faiths as well, you can still beleive in God and be Buddhist, you can still hold other customs and be Buddhist.

**************************************************
*********

What I am asking you, Alliance is what do you think qualifies one as a "real Buddhist", and who are you to make such a claim ?

Originally posted by Alliance

Saudi Arabia?


And Pakistan, and Yemen, and Iran, and Mali.....

Originally posted by Alliance
I never said any of those things. TRY AGAIN!



No, thats your perversion.



You fail to see the difference between ritual and faith.


Just why you wont stop bleeting your failed policies.



Wrong. You can't answer my questions.

You're the only one who's EVER made this personal and crying about it all over KMC.



Wrong again. There is Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Nicheren is a subsect of Mahayana.





You're perhaps the biggest bullshitter on these forums. Never said anything remotely like that. You're the king of strawmen.


I don't understand the question.

Some Muslims drink, some Hindus eat meat, some Jews eat shrimp, big deal.

My point: Just because some one doesn't follow every little insignificant rule, doesn't mean they're not a member of any given religion.

Originally posted by Quiero Mota
Some Muslims drink, some Hindus eat meat, some Jews eat shrimp, big deal.

My point: Just because some one doesn't follow every little insignificant rule, doesn't mean they're not a member of any given religion.



Okay, someone gets my point


I even recall you, yourself, correcting me on the fact that Muslims don't have to follow the violence in the Quran to be "real" Muslims, a fact that now sinks in with me.


Alliance is making this more of a personal attack than an objective argument, and I hope one day he sees how much time he is wasting with that. I hope he finds something better to do.

Where is admin?
It is important.
Regards.

Originally posted by Adam_PoE
Christianity demands more stringent practice; a Buddhist who does not faithfully practice the principles of Buddhism is simply a bad Buddhist, whereas a Christian who does not faithfully practice the principles of Christianity is not a true Christian.

See Who Is a Christian?

I think that depends which Buddhists (and indeed which Christians) you are talking to.