Biblical Passages vs. Zen Buddhism

One of the main aspects of Buddhism is the belief that there are many gods in life - one for almost each component of life. Christianity, however, strongly believes in one God only. We worship no other idols, images, or shrines. We simply put our faith in the One whom we cannot see, but wholeheartedly follow.

Deuteronomy 6:4 (KJV) - "The Lord our God is one Lord."
Matthew 4:10 (KJV) - "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him ONLY shalt thou serve."

In fact, it is very clear, in many cases of the Bible, that worshipping idols and images is forbidden, and results in punishment. God will not stand for the worshipping of those under him, especially those whom people believe have more power than God, who will give them peace and healing.

Isaiah 42:8 (NIV) - "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols."


In addition, man cannot be divine and cannot become God, for there is only One in whom we worship. Unlike Zen Buddhism, we do not meditate to solve all of our needs in peace and healing, hoping that one of the gods will free us, rather we pray and intercede through Christ and trust in him to provide us our needs if we, in turn, give Him all the glory.

Ezekiel 28:2 (NIV) - "'I am a god; I sit on the throne of a god in the heart of the seas.' But you are a man and not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god."
Ezekiel 28: 6-10 (NIV) - "... Will you then say, 'I am a god,' in the presence of those who kill you? You will be but a man, not a god, in the hands of those who slay you."

(Picture: Experiential demension - Monks burn incense at An Sinh temple which worships Kings of the Tran dynasty.)