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HomeShop at BookSurgeReligionComparative ReligionThe Buddha and the Christ Reciprocal Views |
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 Brilliant, Worth its weight in gold! Jan 01, 2010
This book is a hidden jewel for anyone seeking to understand a true comparison of Buddha and Christ. The author does not distort their teachings to create a superficial similarity, but presents clearly and profoundly and respectfully the insight into the Nature of Reality as taught by each. The book is divided into three sections. (1) It begins with the historical/cultural background of both the Buddha and the Christ, giving context for their teachings and clarifying how they were understood by their contemporaries. The summary of Hinduism from the Vedas to the time of the Buddha is particularly helpful. (2) It then proceeds to discuss their life and teachings. This includes the actual historical setting of their lives and teachings as well as how they understood themselves and their teachings in that context. (3) In the final section, it discusses their reciprocal views on the foundational questions such as the nature of Ultimate Reality, personhood, and concepts of salvation. By clearly presenting the real teachings of each, the apparent similarities so often assumed are seen to actually be very different insights into the Nature of Reality. Both are ultimately exclusive in their explanation of this Ultimate Reality and consequently their understanding of personhood and salvation, and both require a set of presuppositions taken by faith and confirmed through experience. In this context of very real and foundational differences, the author calls for true religious tolerance which respects these differences rather than glossing over them to create a superficial harmony. The author concludes with his personal story of where he stands as a Christian in the divide between Buddha and Christ.
I rarely write reviews, but this book was so impressive that I feel compelled to share. I have spent many years living and traveling among Buddhist communities in Asia and America, seeking to understand Buddhism and my faith in light of it as a disciple of Christ. It has been a somewhat lonely road, as I have been disappointed again and again by books that either syncretize the two faiths (thus creating their own version from the two) or Christian books that grossly simplify Buddhism and thus betray a misunderstanding and/or ignorance of the depth and complexity of Buddhist thought.
This book, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air. The author has obviously done extensive research into both religions (he was currently engaged in PhD research on Buddhist-Christian dialogue with University of Wales at the time of writing this book) and does an excellent job of painting a clear and accurate picture of each... No small task. He does not try to paint one with the colors of the other, he truly allows each to stand on its own. His exposition of Buddhism resonates deeply with the actual Buddhist teachings I have heard/read and Buddhist practitioners I have known, including the nuances of the different schools of Buddhist thought. This is the first time I have found this in a Christian writer, other than Paul Williams: The Unexpected Way: On Converting from Buddhism to Catholicism
I highly recommend it as a precious resource for those seeking to understand the real similarities and differences between the Buddha and the Christ.
The Buddha and The Christ: Reciprocal Views Nov 11, 2009
Valea's work is an significant contribution to authentic Buddhist- Christian dialogue. I found his exposition on personhood thought-provoking, sending me on to additional study. The initial section provides vital foundational understanding of the ancient underpinnings that birthed each fresh perspective. He furthers our comprehension not merely by an exegesis of the teachings of the Buddha and the Christ but an illumination of the man behind each of those profound world-changing views. The implications of faith in practice in crucial areas is portrayed in honest articulation. This is not a work that dances around differences. For Valea, understanding and respecting another's viewpoint does not negate a profound incongruity between belief systems.
5 of 6 found the following review helpful:
 Not What I Expected May 18, 2009
This book was not what I had expected. But that is probably my fault for paying attention to the subtitle and expecting a comparison of the areas in which the Buddha and Christ show similarities, such as in Borg's book Jesus and Buddha or Thich Nhat Hanh's Jesus and Buddha as Brothers. I was hoping for a further discussion along those lines. What I had overlooked was "Christ" in the main title. I had mistakenly thought that the author would be comparing the actual teachings of Jesus as found in the synoptic Gospels with similar passages of the Buddha.
Valea is a strict bible-literal Christian and assumes the Christ figure as developed in Paul's letters and the Gospel of John is factually correct. His book comes down to showing that the Buddha had no similarity to Christ in the matters that Valea finds important. This is not a bad thing if you are a Christian needing reassurance that Buddhism is not a threat to your Christian beliefs. In his conclusion, he basically says that he was trying to shoot down Thich Nhat Hanh's calling Jesus and Buddha brothers.
I happen to believe that there is one mountain with many paths. I do find that in places where it matters to me, such as love for your fellow beings, compassion, acceptance of all, helping those who need it, and peace, there are similarities between the Buddha and Jesus.
If you agree with Valea's view, buy this book. If you tend to side with my view, please let this one go by.
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Reciprocal and respectful Apr 10, 2009
The Buddha and the Christ: Reciprocal Views is clearly laid out, easy to follow, well defended and supported by quotes each tradition's of sacred writings. Valea's respectful tone is first shown in his discussion of the traditions' origins in Hinduism and Judaism. He discusses the self-understanding of the two leaders as well as the sacred writings of the religions. In part three, Reciprocal Views, Valea compares some major teachings of both traditions in a very even-handed way. He demonstrates his thesis that the teachings of the Buddha and the Christ each work within their religious system, but superficial or improper combinations of their teaching would compromise the integrity of either. This book is e an excellent tool for reasonably comparing belief structures of Buddhism and Christianity.
0 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Excellent book.. Mar 09, 2009
This book has some very interesting theological views about both buddha and Jesus Christ. The views on Christ are unpresedented and well worded and thought out.
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