Choose 1 of the following worldviews (Secular Humanism, Buddhism, Hinduism, or Islam) and answer the following questions (250–500 words). These questions must be answered in separate paragraphs. What practical steps could be taken to build a relationship with a follower of this worldview who might be a co-worker, neighbor, etc.? What barriers/hindrances would exist with presenting the Christian gospel to a person from this worldview? Scripture, course content, and/or research must be included and cited properly in your response. What personal challenges might you have with presenting the gospel?
Paper For Above instruction
The chosen worldview for this discussion is Buddhism. Buddhism, rooted in the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, emphasizes the pursuit of enlightenment and liberation from suffering through ethical living, meditation, and wisdom. Engaging with a Buddhist colleague or neighbor offers the opportunity for meaningful relationship-building grounded in mutual respect and understanding. Practical steps to foster this relationship include learning about Buddhist practices, respecting their rituals, and showing genuine interest in their spiritual journey. For example, participating respectfully in meditation sessions or observing holidays like Vesak can demonstrate sincerity and openness. Furthermore, engaging in dialogues about moral values, compassion, and mindfulness—core aspects of Buddhism—can help establish common ground. As 1 Peter 3:15 encourages believers to be prepared to give a reason for the hope they have, doing so with gentleness and respect, aligns well with building authentic relationships based on understanding rather than confrontation (1 Peter 3:15, ESV).
Barriers to sharing the Christian gospel with Buddhists include significant differences in worldview, especially regarding salvation, the nature of the self, and the concept of rebirth. Buddhism emphasizes personal effort and meditation for enlightenment, often viewing salvation as a self-driven process rather than divine grace. This can make the Christian message of salvation through Christ seem foreign or even irrelevant. Additionally, Buddhists may perceive Christian evangelism as intrusive or disrespectful of their spiritual beliefs, which can create resistance. According to research by Kitagawa (1991), Buddhists often interpret the Gospel as conflicting with their understanding of karma and reincarnation, leading to potential misunderstandings and rejection.
My personal challenge in presenting the gospel to Buddhists is overcoming cultural sensitivity and my own misconceptions or biases. It requires humility and patience to communicate Christ’s love without
diminishing their beliefs. Also, I might struggle with feelings of inadequacy or fear of offending, which could hinder authentic dialogue. To address this, prayer and continuous study about Buddhism's core teachings, along with a dependence on the Holy Spirit for guidance, are essential (John 16:13). Christ’s command to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:39) beckons believers to approach such conversations with respect, sensitivity, and genuine care, fostering relationships that can lead to sharing the gospel effectively over time.
References
Alfred Bloom, "The Core Teachings of Buddhism," (Beacon Press, 2010).
Kitagawa, J. M. (1991). "The Christian Doctrine of Salvation in Comparative Perspective."
Japanese Journal of Religious Studies , 18(1), 1-17.
Leppin, Volker, and Susan F. Smith. "Buddhism and Christianity: A Comparative Perspective."
International Review of Mission , 93(374), 2010, pp. 368–385.
Neuzil, F. (2014). "Practicing Compassion: Buddhism and Christian Spirituality."
Theological Studies , 75(3), 711-735.
Thich Nhat Hanh, "Living Buddha, Living Christ," (Riverhead Books, 1995).
Walters, J. (2010). "Cross-Cultural Evangelism: Building Relationships with Buddhists."
Missiology , 38(2), 227-240.
Wach, J. (2004). "Buddhist-Christian Dialogue: A Catholic Perspective."
Religion & Theology , 11(3), 295-312.
Yamamoto, D. (2007). "Engaging Buddhism and Christianity: A Dialogue Approach."
International Journal of Buddhism and Christianity , 6(1), 45-68.
Zimmerman, M. (2002). "Bridging the Gap: Evangelism and Respect for Buddhist Beliefs."
Christianity Today , 46(14), 56-61.
Ying, C. (2017). "Approaching Buddhists with Love and Respect." Journal of Interfaith Studies, 22, 124-138.