Fraid not...

Jesus was called Immanuel, meaning God with Us

not a little fat man

Was Jesus ever referred to as Immanuel though? Wouldn't that just be considered another prophetical error?

I'll have to look for the scripture, can't recall it off the top of my head, but roughly says, "call him Immanuel" told to his parents

really to early for me to go crackin' a book at the moment, still trying to wake up good


You might not find many that think this but I believe he was God with us in the flesh, leading by example and not requiring us to do anything that he wouldn't. An example for us to follow

Oh I know. I was not arguing of course. Peace. From what I remember, it was a prophecy that Jesus would be named Emmanuel but of course he was not. He went by Jesus his entire life as his mother had named him. So its simply an inaccuracy in the prophecy itself and it did not come to fruition as far as his name I would assume or we should have been looking for an Emmanuel. Oh no...

You must agree that Jesus was enlightened. "The Buddha" translates to being enlightened.

Now the little fat man you describe was a simple monk that had tremendous wisdom because he was enlightened. While he existed before Jesus, I am sure that the prophet that you see as the son of god in his missing years had learned a few lessons from Buddhism.

Or do you know where Jesus was in his missing years?

The possiblity is there and many scholars agree with this conclusion.

I know nothing about Buddhism (though I find it interesting) but you always see the pot belly Buddha in Chinese restaurants so people tend to think he is the only Buddha. There can be many Buddhas of course and its only a title. Isn't he called the "reclining Buddha" sometimes? Im not sure where that Buddha came from. I just assumed China or the Far East.

Yes the Chinese made the image of a fat Buddha popular. That was their artwork.

It is also true that there are many Buddhas. A lot of people have the wrong impression that there was just one. Although historically Siddhartha Gautama is considered to be the individual that gave rise to the tradition of Buddhism. Siddhartha was not fat, on the contrary at one point he had fasted for 40 days before being tempted by a demon (sound familar?).

Most people have no clue of the actual story of Siddhartha and how it parallels much of what Jesus was supposed to have done.

This gave rise to the original Theravada Buddhism (the Old School) and that came to be around 500 B.C.E.

Theravada Buddhism gave rise to Mahayana Buddhism which is also known as "The Great Vehicle". Mahayana Buddhism taught mainly in parables. This is the Buddhism that would have been popular in Jesus' day and the Buddhism that he would have been exposed to had he learned of Buddhism.

In fact, with the Mahayana Buddhism the idea of a Bodhisattva came into being. In fact, at that time the Buddhist monastaries required that their monks vow to become Bodhisattvas.

What's a Bodhisattva?

A Bodhisattva is a Buddhist that devotes his life to the enlightment of others!

Thus if Jesus had become a Buddhist at this time he would have taken the vow to become a Bodhisattva, which would have meant that when he returned to his homeland he would need to devote his life to trying to enlighten others.

And this would have been done in the face of any threats (such as the threat of being crucified for his efforts).

I'm totally convinced that Jesus was a Mahayana Bodhisattva.

He fits the role perfectly, not only in his actions, but in his teachings.

Moreover, Jesus was in complete disagreement with the teachings of the fictitious God of Abraham. Even the Gospels are a living testament to that fact.

Many of the words that are attributed to Jesus are in perfect harmony with what he would have done and said had he been a Mahayana Bodhisattva.

It's my guess that the words that are attributed to him that attempt to support the idea that he was "The Christ" are nothing more than demagoguery added by men who wanted that to be true.

Jesus was not "The Christ". It's clear to me that he didn't even agree with the God of Abraham, much less was his son sent as a sacrifical lamb to pay for the sins of man. All of that is total nonsense and demagoguery added by the over-zealous authors of the New Testament.

I'm certain of it. Jesus didn't even agree with the teachings attributed to the God of Abraham, even the Gospels make that quite clear.

Buddha may have even studied or even practiced some Shamanism

Hm, have you really read through the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, ans John?)
Jesus wasn't preaching to live a good life here on earth and that's it! He had His eyes set forward towards the cross, knowing that through His death and resurrection many, by grace through faith, would be saved from sin and eternal death (apart from God). (Check out John 3: 1-21). Jesus didn't come to bring peace on earth; He came to reconcile man with God (actually, throughout the whole Bible runs this theme), but all will not receive ( Matthew 10: 34-39, John 14:6). Everything Jesus did, He did for a purpose. This world is going to pass away; our bodies can't keep from aging; ten out of ten people die. This life we live here on earth is not the only life we'll be living. There is an eternal life that each and every one of us is going to live once we breath our last breath, this side of eternity; the question is, where will you spend it? That is the big picture. You're just looking at the details, that, yes, are good, but will not give you passage to heaven.

I encourage you to really read through the Gospels because I really do think you'll come out with a different view.


(of course, there are so many ways to branch out from what I've written above, but I'm just focusing on the question at hand. Fill free to message me or ask questions! :-)

How silly and incorrect(not in the sense of what you say the bible says), yet what you believe to be true. You are young and perhaps will realize that there are far more peaceful spiritual practices that doesn't contradict, prostelyze, give judgement, and use stories that belittles mankind.

Perhaps one day you will see that Buddhism is a far older spiritual practice and belief system that shows more compassion and real answers to common human behavior.

One should also see that in Jesus's missing years it is very possible that he may have been introduced to a more peaceful practice and wanted to show his people when he returned that there is a way to coexist in peace amongst each other without for example throwing stones at children who didn't listen to their parents at the time or believe one would get perished to a hell if one didn't follow the instructions of the author's of the bible.

The bottom line is that his efforts on showing a new lifestyle to his people was punished by jealous leaders by being nailed on a cross against his will.

Why?

Because the Roman Emperor was threatened ( he believed he was a God himself) and the Jews who followed the old Testament where losing members. Both of their rule was being threatened by a simple man of peace and wisdom. Therefore the Roman Emperor with the help of the Jews who followed the Old Testament warned all Roman citizens not to follow Jesus's lead or one will be nailed on a cross. Many who where suspected of believing in Jesus's wisdom where also nailed on a cross. Jesus wasn't the only one nailed on a cross.

Fear works good in governments. Look at how Bush and his religious zealouts did it the last few years and how this once great country is one of the hugest debtors in the world today.

So in the end I would suggest for you to study some history, theology, and cross examine mythology with religions to see its similiarities of stories told from a earlier time period. Also don't hesitate to ask some deep questions sometimes such as, "Do I want to follow a book that judges others and calls them infidels, heretics, or embezzles if they don't follow a Abrahamic religion?"

Good luck on your search of knowledge and wisdom.

Hey, thanks for your response!

I do see where your coming from, but there's more!
Looking on the outside, one would only see from that angle.
It's in gettting to know Jesus that my perspective is coming from.
It's one thing to know all the facts about someone; it's another thing to get to know the person on a more intimate level.
Jesus spoke with authority because He was God in human form. In the book of Matthew, He shows that authority as He speaks to the crowds with, "you have heard it said...but I tell you...".
This is a matter of Truth (obviously, Buddhist philosophy and Christian doctrine disagree on the crucial issues. They contradict!). And, that's what I'm after--Truth.
C.S. Lewis once said, "If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair". I'm sure Buddhist thought has brought up some good and useful ideas about living here on earth, but, I'm looking for more. There's got to be more than just this life spent here on earth. Christianity does the best job in explaining the hard and important questions. Doesn't mean I'll understand everything (I honestly don't think our brains could handle understanding everything), but what I need to know, I'd rather let God worry about keeping the earth spinning at the right degree away from the sun, my heart beating, and the world events fall into place.
Oh, I do study and I do read, but one must be grounded in something so as not to be swept away by every little thing that appears to sound better (i.e. being open-minded). I've come to believe that one must have something to compare other things with, but if the foundation (in my case, Christianity) is uprooted, it would mean that I should plant my roots elsewhere. So far, in my 23 years of life, the foundations have been shaken, but never rooted.

As a side note, there was a reason for Jesus' death that for those who would come to place their faith in Him would see and understand. The Bible is not some fairy tail; it's not just a history book. It's the Word of God (I don't expect you to take my word for it, but in my journey of seeking truth, I have become convinced that It is so).


As for your comment about Bush (like him or hate him), it's funny that we're so easy to put the blame of someone else, but the reality is, we're all responsible for getting ourselves in debt! Take a step back and look at society! We spend money we don't have and think we're entitled to have what we want. Of course, you're excluded if you've never had a credit card! :-) But, that's for another topic/discussion! :-)

I enjoy these conversations! Keeps me on my toes!
I may be young ;-) but that doesn't mean I ignorant. I don't know it all, but when I ask God for wisdom, He has yet to say "no". Yeah, I may be, as what is politically right to say, "close-minded", but Jesus even said that the road to eternal life is narrow, and not many travel it for it is difficult (Matthew 7:13-24).
Again, thanks for your comments!

I don't know where you get your information but Buddhism doesn't contradict Christianity. They just don't have the same idealogy in what is considered peaceful for ones soul.

I am afraid the truth will never be found as long as you look. If you are honest with yourself and with others the simple answer is "I don't know." We are all agnostic in truth, but we seek stories from other minds, followings, materials, and books to soothe our comfort throughout life and then claim to be somekind of identity that the masses agree and follow.

Christianity, Muslim, and the Jews are all branched together believing in a God that judges us and gives rules on how to live our lives. If not followed then one must pretty much die by the word of God. In otherwords you are not worthy of living as you are a sinner and must go to a hell. Read the bible, koran, and the torah and you will see it doesn't tolerate other belief systems for it actually says it in those books.

Buddhism is different. It doesn't go out saying you are condemned or you will go to hell and die forever in a torturing soul if one doesn't follow some guidelines from a book.

Christianity is a very dangerous belief system as it shows in history. Here is a link of atrocities in the name of Christ because "God whilst it" shouts the faithful follower of Christianity.

http://mingle2.com/topic/show/218521


The bible is a fairy tale book that doesn't hold merit to many of the questions people ask and want logical answers to, yet if you insist as being the word of a God then so be it. I am not holding you back. May you have much luck with that.

I personally choose a more peaceful spiritual belief system and even enjoy the minds of scientists that fortunately in today's society aren't condemned for researching and finding new discoveries.

Actually, Buddha was never fat nor even had a "few extra pounds" He eschewed materialism in all forms and only ate enough to sustain his life. He fasted a good bit of the time He is often portrated as a fat man, however. This was to reflect his inner abundance of riches

I think before many people speak about buddhism, they should really take some time to learn about it. Buddhism speaks not only to the here and now but also to the afterlife. By seeking to attain enlightenment and peace here on earth, you can attain your place in the permanent peace of the afterlife (whatever term you use to describe it).

There are many, many scholars of not only religion but history who do believe that Jesus had at least superficially studied buddhism and he brought many elements into his own teachings (which, btw, was NOT Christianity but a looser interpretation of Judaism, it did not become Christianity until a few hundred years after his death).

Also, people should understand that buddhism is not a religion, per se, it is a philosophy, a way of life. Most Buddhists believe in God (or Gods, depending on their region) and religion and buddhism are not mutually exclusive. Many millions of people of all faiths practice their own religion, and also practice the philosophy of buddhism. And, Buddhists do NOT worship Buddha, they look to his teachings as a source of wisdom and peace (among others, including Jesus and Mohammed). Being enlightened, among other things, means that you continually learn and keep your heart and mind open. Jesus was enlightened, many of his followers, however, do not practice that same openness nor do they tolerate it in others.

WOW,-adventurebegins-,for a minute there i thought YOU were Jesus!i had a catholic rosary some Hindu incense and a Buddhist prayer wheel going at the same time i was so impressed!!my religion is HEINZ 57,yes,I'm a mutt.Buddha,Jesus,Mohamed,etc all had one thing in common.see if you can figure it out from this quote."some men read WAR AND PEACE and come away thinking they just read an adventure novel.some men read a chewing gum wrapper and unlock the secrets of the universe".this quote came from a SUPERMAN movie!!!You see,insight can come frome anywhere at anytime,even a superman movie.understanding is the lesson all great teachers teach...peace...