Tiger Woods' Statement

[ManOfWord]

Originally Posted by notofworks

I agree, Timmy. Buddhism has helped and bettered many people. It's core values are nearly identical to the principles of Jesus. I believe Jesus will honor the following of his principles regardless of the system someone is in. And Buddhism has been a stepping stone for many people to ultimately following Jesus Christ.

So personally, I was glad when he said he wanted to return to the values of Buddhism. He is on a spiritual journey and I'm glad he's starting somewhere.

Does that mean that you believe a Buddhist will be saved w/o Jesus Christ? Not wanting to pick a fight, just wanting clarity on your statement.

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

Does that mean that you believe a Buddhist will be saved w/o Jesus Christ? Not wanting to pick a fight, just wanting clarity on your statement.

If Buddhists are in heaven, I won't be upset. In heaven, we'll be surprised by two things: 1) Who is there; and 2) Who isn't.

I know a few Buddhists and they all are pursuing God and pursuing a spiritual journey. I respect that. I also know people that have reached Jesus Christ by following Buddhist principles.

I passionately believe in Jesus Christ for my salvation. But I don't believe Buddhism is an "empty cistern" as you called it. Buddhist principles are sound and fairly well completely in line with the principles of Jesus Christ. When one follows the principles of Jesus Christ, through any form, one will make great strides forward.

[Ron]

Originally Posted by notofworks

If Buddhists are in heaven, I won't be upset. In heaven, we'll be surprised by two things: 1) Who is there; and 2) Who isn't.

I know a few Buddhists and they all are pursuing God and pursuing a spiritual journey. I respect that. I also know people that have reached Jesus Christ by following Buddhist principles.

I passionately believe in Jesus Christ for my salvation. But I don't believe Buddhism is an "empty cistern" as you called it. Buddhist principles are sound and fairly well completely in line with the principles of Jesus Christ. When one follows the principles of Jesus Christ, through any form, one will make great strides forward.

They will still be lost!

[matthouston]

Originally Posted by Ron

They will still be lost!

My my, aren't we the one to judge?

I'm glad I don't have the responsibility or authority that you have.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by matthouston

My my, aren't we the one to judge?

I'm glad I don't have the responsibility or authority that you have.

Reminds me of a sermon I heard on the radio many years ago by Bishop S.C. Johnson. He told about passing an automobile accident on the side of the road and how the woman involved in the accident had gone to hell. He then said, "How do I know she went to hell? She had on nylons."

[ThePastorsCoach]

Originally Posted by Sam

Reminds me of a sermon I heard on the radio many years ago by Bishop S.C. Johnson. He told about passing an automobile accident on the side of the road and how the woman involved in the accident had gone to hell. He then said, "How do I know she went to hell? She had on nylons."

One of the great Apostolic Fathers!

[ManOfWord]

Originally Posted by notofworks

If Buddhists are in heaven, I won't be upset. In heaven, we'll be surprised by two things: 1) Who is there; and 2) Who isn't.

I know a few Buddhists and they all are pursuing God and pursuing a spiritual journey. I respect that. I also know people that have reached Jesus Christ by following Buddhist principles.

I passionately believe in Jesus Christ for my salvation. But I don't believe Buddhism is an "empty cistern" as you called it. Buddhist principles are sound and fairly well completely in line with the principles of Jesus Christ. When one follows the principles of Jesus Christ, through any form, one will make great strides forward.

I respect a lot of people but it doesn't mean they are saved or that I think they are. I also agree with your #1 & #2, however, my question still stands unanswered: "Do you believe Buddhists will be saved w/o Jesus Christ?"

A simple answer is sufficient. I'll give mine first, I don't. Jesus said that He was the way the truth and the life and that no one could come to the Father except through Him. I am the last one to be judgmental with people, but I can't dance around the scripture. I also believe that God will not make a mistake in judgment, but w/o Jesus, it appears we're toast. If He wants to make an exception to what His word appears to say, I certainly won't argue! I just "calls 'em like I sees 'em!"

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

I respect a lot of people but it doesn't mean they are saved or that I think they are. I also agree with your #1 & #2, however, my question still stands unanswered: "Do you believe Buddhists will be saved w/o Jesus Christ?"

A simple answer is sufficient. I'll give mine first, I don't. Jesus said that He was the way the truth and the life and that no one could come to the Father except through Him. I am the last one to be judgmental with people, but I can't dance around the scripture. I also believe that God will not make a mistake in judgment, but w/o Jesus, it appears we're toast. If He wants to make an exception to what His word appears to say, I certainly won't argue! I just "calls 'em like I sees 'em!"

You said a key word in your post that leads to the answer I'll give. You said (highlighted), "But without Jesus, it appears we're toast."

Appears.

That one word you included makes me answer, "I don't know" and that's just the most honest, sincere answer I can give. I would seriously give consideration to the words of Billy Graham when he says, "People follow the light they see and they are saved", and "There's a wideness to God's mercy that we don't understand."

I'm unwilling to say, "Absolutely, Buddhists are saved", but I'm just as unwilling to say, "Absolutely, Buddhists are lost." I know you're willing, Ron is willing and ndavid is willing. I'm not.

But honestly, I hope they are saved. I'm passionately following Jesus Christ and every single day is an adventure living in His grace. I wouldn't trade it for anything and consider living for Jesus Christ to be the greatest honor I could ever have. But if God has other ways of revealing Himself, it's perfectly fine with me.