Coveting Luke's Faith

I Just wanted to share this article from the New York Times posted Saturday, August 22, 2009 written by Dana Tierney. Click here.

Coverting to Buddhism

Recently I have experienced challenges to my Christianity which have caused me to think about faith in new and deeper ways. these challenges have raised questions for me such as, "What would it take to convert me to Buddhism?" and "What would the consequences of such a choice mean for me?"

I was raised in church, but I've only been a Christian for 13 years. In that time I've had opportunities to explore my faith and question it in ways some Christians don't out of fear of judgement. Because of this I feel able to say I am a follower of Jesus Christ who doesn't practice a blind faith. While I don't have answers to every question regarding faith, in my experience I have found satisfying answers for numerous questions people raise concerning Christianity. So what would it take for someone like me, who is convinced of his beliefs, to convert to Buddhism?

Imagine I have a co-worker who is Buddhist. He is a good man in many respects. He is always conscientious and kind. He takes extra time to help other workers when their productivity is falling behind. He is humorous and fun to be around. We become friends. I begin to talk to him about deeper things. One day, he says he wants to share something with me. He reaches into his pocket and pulls a small book. He says, "Humanity has done many bad things and has brought bad karma upon itself, therefore our existence is in danger. Following the Buddha's teachings is the only way to go to Nirvana and avoid the pain of being something lower in the next life. We must each follow the Buddha's plan so that we can reach Nirvana." He shares some of Buddha's teachings. After twenty minutes of explanation he tells me his personal story. He was an addict and bad to his family but finding Buddhism had changed his life and given him self-control and peace for the first time. After meeting with him he asks if I am ready to become Buddhist.

If that actually happened, and I converted to Buddhism what would it cost me? My career path? Peace with my friends and family? Even if my friend was nice and I liked him, every reason for converting to Buddhism would be subjective. (His personal testimony and religious doctrines are both subjective). If I had some problems that he could solve for me or if I were lonely perhaps I might convert based on the strength of my respect for him but if he disappointed me, I might turn from Buddhism and return to my former ways. None of these reasons would be good enough to become Buddhist. If however, he could give me logical evidence from history, science, mathematics, archeology, and logic that Buddha was real, Buddhism was true and Christianity was false I would, since I love truth and want to know and follow it, be willing to believe even if it cost me everything.

this is also how I thought about winning a convert to Christianity, but I was forgetting one important teaching. Jesus said it is hard to believe, that men love the darkness more than the light, that following Him will cost you greatly in this life. If that were not enough He promised that Christians will face persecutions and sufferings in this world. Few will find what Jesus calls "the narrow road", but those who do are heirs to glorious promises, some of which will not be fulfilled until heaven. Many people are unwilling to endure hardship for a future reward. It is difficult to willingly accept hardship or persecution. In fact apart from the grace of God's Holy Spirit drawing men no one would become a Christian. While a strong defense of the faith is important, a great personal story of change is good, and the evidence of a changed life is helpful, apart from God's Holy Spirit drawing people, none would become a true follower of Jesus.

this is a truth that has been difficult for me. Because of my experience I often feel responsible to say the right things in an effort to convince someone to believe. I desire to be an agent of change in peoples lives. My struggle proves to be fruitless, except that God is showing me I have no power to build the church. Christ himself builds the church. I need to get out of His way and let Him work. If he chooses to use me, then praise His holy name.

Joanna and I found an interesting story in the PARADE magazine insert of the Sunday paper. It was featuring the young actor Shia LaBeouf.
See article: http://www.parade.com/export/sites/default/celebrity/2009/06/shia-labeouf-mixed-up-life.html_71192264.html)

For his age he has been incredibly successful and has already made millions of dollars working with some of Hollywood's biggest names. At 23 and on top of the world this young man confesses his insecurities,

"I know I’m one of the luckiest dudes in America right now,” LaBeouf says. “I have a great house. My parents don’t have to work. I’ve got money. I’m famous. But it could all change, man. It could go away. You never know."

Parade writes, "When LaBeouf is feeling insecure, he sometimes stops his bike on the side of a busy road to see if people passing by recognize him. He is scared that they won’t. " Shia adds,

"Actors live dependent on being validated by other people’s opinions."

This insecurity is masking a form of pride with which we all can struggle. We love ourselves and want to be loved by others to such an extent it begins controlling our actions. How interesting that Shia has everything Americans seem to desire including fame, fortune, popularity, youth, and an exciting career, and yet he is still insecure. Wait a second, aren't these very things (fame, fortune, popularity, youth, etc.) what we desire as solutions to our problems? If only I had a better job...If only I was rich...if only.... But Shia has all these and he is still fearful.

"Sometimes I feel I’m living a meaningless life,” Shia LaBeouf says, “and I get frightened.”

Is it possible that even after obtaining all that life has to offer a person could still live a meaningless life? Shia LaBeouf isn't the only one who thinks so. Jesus said, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26)

"I don’t handle fame well,” LaBeouf says. “Most actors on most days don’t think they’re worthy. I have no idea where this insecurity comes from, but it’s a God-sized hole. If I knew, I’d fill it, and I’d be on my way.”

According to worldly standards Shia has everything! No wonder he doesn't know how to fill it. None of what he has accomplished or obtained has filled it, and again, he has everything. How interesting that he recognizes what is missing as a God-sized hole. Incidentally, we all have a hole similar to his. It comes from a broken relationship with God, and no amount of worldly stuff or effort on our part can ever fill such a hole. Shia could buy any item, act in any film, date any woman, use any drug, and the hole would remain. It's a God-sized hole and only God can fill it.

Jesus said to another rich young man years ago who also wanted to fill that hole, "One thing you still lack; sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me" (Luke 18:22). This young man went away sad. Jesus was not saying he could buy his way into heaven, he was identifying how the things of the world were keeping him from coming, following, and obtaining what truly matters, eternal life.

Shia is ready for the Gospel. Are you? It is the only way to fill the hole. Understand, all people have sinned, (Rom 3:23) thereby creating the hole. The penalty for sin is death (eternal separation from the one who can fill the hole) (Rom. 6:23). Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins (Rom. 5:8). He is the one who can restore you with the God the Father.

Jesus calls us,"come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest...and you will find rest for your souls." (Matt. 11:28-30).

"Jesus Christ is a Savior who is now alive in heaven, and each [person] should think of Jesus as speaking directly to him or her, saying 'Come to me...and I will give you rest'. This is a genuine personal invitation that seeks a personal response from each one who hears it." --Wayne Grudem

How will you respond?