Christian In A Nutshell

[newbie99]

Could anyone explain if a person brought up as a Buddhism and wanted to be converted to follow the Christian religion require to break Buddha ornaments?

As Christian lead held the ceremony, he broke all the Buddha ornaments that is normally used for praying.

Is this normal?

[naomi24]

No. What church does your teacher belong to?

[ummmm]

No...I have Buddha ornaments and I'm an atheist.

[Peter Pedant]

No - but he could if he wished to show that he no longer venerated the Boddhisatva ( that's the name for the image of B isnt it?)

For an RC - it is just the convert stands up and declares to all and sundry he now adheres to the teachings of the bishop of Rome in all things.....but that cd be Christian to Christian

[newbie99]

No, I am not aware of a proper church. The group tends to use meeting rooms / offices. I am wondering if the person is following a genuine Christian leader.

[naomi24]

What do they call themselves?

[nailit]

The nutty type evangelical Christians will break/burn/destroy anything that is not of their faith.

[ummmm]

Nailit, mate, are you okay?

[newbie99]

I don't know what they call, but I don't think they have links to local churches.

The person that has been converted is no longer welcomed to the family home. I think the reason is that there seems to be some sort of argument going on with regards to disrespectful to Buddha, smashing up the ornaments.
I tend to keep out of religious beliefs to avoid these fall out.

[Kidas]

Personally, I would say it is not appropriate.

There are commandments in the old testament to say 'you should not worship any apart from the Christian God'

To my mind there is a difference between worshipping and retaining a Buddha statue out of respect for one's fellow men.

But there are preachers out there who would see such an act of desecration as a demonstration of the commitment to the new faith.

There again, I think even the Buddha may have taught that representations and icons are only wood and stone. They do not represent the Buddha himself, nor does their destruction represent the destruction of the Buddha or his ideas.

Peace to you, brother.

[newbie99]

Thanks to all the replies and peace to all and respect to all.

[naomi24]

My advice to anyone who is involved with this group would be to distance themselves from it immediately.

[nailit]

//Nailit, mate, are you okay?//
I'm ok thanks ummmm. Why do you ask?? Anything do with my cr appy family posting on FB last night?

(sorry about the diversion newbie)

[nailit]

Just seen ur PM ummm.
Apologies again newbie.

[jourdain2]

I went to Bangkok in January. I was very impressed with the welcome and acceptance I found in Buddhist wats and generally speaking. A monk in the street, smiled at me as I took off my sandals to show respect and he gave me a blessing.

I wanted to bring a Buddha figure back, but was advised that that could be considered disrespectful and that there were conventions regarding the placing of figures in houses (usually upstairs and isolated in an elevated space). My musing about an outdoor statue in the garden brought looks of horror - that would be horribly insulting it seems - and so I have no image.

I belong to a Christian church (CofE) and there is no such injunction. 'Graven images' of other gods are one thing, but Buddha was not a god and insisted that he should never be thought of as one.
I am at one with naomi on this - I would distance myself from this group, I don't like the sound of it. If you want to convert to Christianity we will most certainly welcome you, but go to see a vicar, or a recognised leader please. :)