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Senza Buddha Non Potrei Essere Cristiano (2011)

by Paul F. Knitter(Favorite Author)

4.2 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

8864112391 (ISBN13: 9788864112398)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Fazi

review 1: My friend Brisa asked me not too long ago what my religious affiliation was. I replied that you could probably say that I was a Christian and a Buddhist, but in both cases not a very good one. It’s more complicated than that, but nevertheless it’s an accurate description, and for me there have been no conflicts with following both beliefs. After all I’m just a layperson. I came across Paul Knitter’s “Without Buddha I Could Not Be A Christian” [2009] last spring and thought it might be an interesting Lenten read for 2014. I’m glad that I did. Knitter is a former religious and a liberation theologian who finds that Buddhism is a spiritually satisfying pathway that enhances his mystical experience as a Christian.The first part of “Without Buddha” is used to ... moreestablish the common concepts of both beliefs. Knitter tries to present important Christian concepts in terms of Buddhist teachings. He ably shows how ideas like heaven (i.e. the kingdom of God), hell, the Holy Spirit and other sacred ideas can be understood in Buddhist terms. He also discusses the importance of Wisdom and Compassion to both religions.The author discusses differences between the two faiths as well. Of particular interest to me was his discussion of Christian prayer and Buddhist meditation. Knitter is a practitioner of meditation and recommends as an additional “silent sacrament” to all Christians.Knitter also discusses two stumbling blocks for him. First is how Buddhism differs from Christianity in addressing issues of social justice. As an advocate of liberation theology, he has spent decades being active in social justice programs in Latin America and around the globe. As a result, he has struggled philosophically with how Buddhists address these matters.The second stumbling block was the idea that by turning to Buddha to better appreciate Jesus, the author might be accused of being religiously promiscuous. This is an important issue for those who look to Buddhism to be better Christians, and how Knitter responded to this accusation was-at least for me-very satisfying.I’m glad that I read “Without Buddha I Could Not Be A Christian” this Lenten season and would recommend it. It was for me a great and timely read. It’s always nice to hear the tales of a fellow traveler who is on the same pathway. Actually over the last year I’ve met more than a few Christians who are using Buddhism or Buddhist practices like meditation and yoga to enhance their religious experience, and this book might help those people to better focus and combine these two complimentary beliefs. Ironically, the book also stimulated an interest in Christian existentialism and mysticism, but that might be something to look into next Lent.
review 2: I am attracted to this book, to Knitter, and to his "style." It is the kind of stuff I like. He starts with questions and personal challenges, shares them honestly, fairly, and straightforwardly...then works at them and shares that pilgrimage with us. He speaks my language.I thought of this book when a few days after finishing it (Jul 24) I read Frederick Buechner's comment on writing (Listening to Your Life, HarperColling: New York, 1992). "The writers who get my personal award are the ones who show exceptional promise of looking at their lives in this world as candidly and searchingly and feelingly as they know how and then of telling the rest of us what they have found there most worth finding. We need the eyes of writers like that to see through. We need the blood of writers like that in our veins." That's what I'm talking about!Knitter is Paul Tillich Professor of Theology, World Religions and Culture at Union Theological Seminary, NYC. He grew up in the Roman Catholic tradition. Born in 1939, at age 13 he determined to enter the priesthood. Ordained in 1966, he was assigned to study theology (University of Marburg) and then to teach theology (Catholic Theological Union, Chicago). He "was granted permission" to leave the priesthood in 1975 and married in 1982. (As he says, "what had looked easy when I was 13 became more of a nagging problem at 30: celibacy.") He taught undergrads at Xavier University in Cincinnati for "some 30 years."The book is highly structured but not dry or too erudite. In fact, he explains both Buddhist and Christian concepts and vocabulary as he goes--not to assume too much of the reader. (He is a teacher, after all.) Being more familiar with the Christian religion, of course I found his explanations of Buddhism to be especially helpful. If I live long enough, I may get around to rereading.There is a 4-page glossary of terms--mostly Buddhist and other world religions with a few Christian terms sprinkled in. Also, organized by chapter, there is a listing of sources and resources (bibliography) and a 7-page index.The book is dedicated "To my atheist brother, Don, who did his best to keep me honest." And the preface is entitled "Am I still a Christian?" Read it and decide--for him...and for yourself perhaps.As usual, I think of friends who might especially appreciate this book--J.R. and the guys my Saturday morning group (I got the lead from Ron), Jane W., David LaMotte.... less

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