Buddhism makes up about 7% of the world’s population. With 500 million Buddhists worldwide, Buddhism is still a significant mission field for the gospel. Buddhism is unlike any other major world religion. For one, Buddhism does not have a deity. Its founder, Buddha, is often worshipped and revered by followers, but many do not consider him a god.
This article is not meant to give some magic formula or to serve as a wooden script, but rather to offer a few guidelines on how to best share the good news of Jesus with our Buddhist friends.
Some Practical Tips
1.Conversation on a subject of Suffering - Because Buddhism focuses on suffering and the Bible speaks heavily on that subject, that is a good place to start a gospel conversation.
While Buddhists are taught to end their personal suffering, Christians are taught to accept it, even rejoice in it (Romans 5:3-5). Someone cannot completely escape suffering as it is a normal part of life. Jesus knows this and can relate to our suffering.
“‘… In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’” -John 16:33b
The writers of the Epistles explain that suffering can actually lead to good. James explains that trials will lead to perseverance, which will make a believer spiritually mature (James 1:2-4). And Peter reassures Christ followers that God will make those who have suffered “strong, firm and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10).”
The ultimate good in suffering was seen in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. His suffering was necessary for the forgiveness of sins.
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” - Isaiah 53:5
You can also change the conversation about suffering. While Buddhists believe suffering is caused by desire, Christians can expand upon that idea by explaining sin. Sin is any action or thought that goes against God’s will, including evil desires (2 Peter 1:4). Suffering originated with the Fall and has permeated the lives of people ever since. The only escape is to spend eternity with God in Heaven, which is only possible through Jesus.
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” - John 5:24
2. Conversation on a subject of Salvation - Buddhists rely on their own abilities to reach Nirvana. They must individually overcome suffering, follow the Eightfold Path, and lead a moral life to end the cycle of Karma. The practice of the Eightfold Path, a program of rigorous ethical and mental self-discipline and self-exertion, is the means by which the individual achieves nirvana (literally, ‘extinction’). A Buddhist will admit that the pursuit of the Eightfold Path is extremely burdensome. A christian can speak of God’s offer of salvation as a matter of grace, a free gift! You can share these scriptures regarding this topic.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
The offer of free salvation, when heard, will be breathtaking!
Christ will take them to the Golden City of Nirvana. Revelation 21:4
3. Joyfully share about differences through a testimony - Never underestimate the power of a personal encounter with Jesus. Buddhists do not know what it is like to have a personal relationship with Jesus, but Christians do. A personal testimony about accepting Jesus’s free gift is a crucial tool in evangelism, especially when sharing the gospel with Buddhists.
Many Buddhists believe Jesus is an enlightened teacher, and some think He studied under Buddha. Sharing how Jesus is the Messiah and how He saved your life can open the eyes of Buddhist friends to the true Jesus they’ve never known before.
4. Pray with Them - Don’t merely pray for your Buddhist friends—pray with them! Many Buddhists welcome offers to pray with them about their needs and concerns. Unlike Westerners, who tend to evaluate truth based upon rational arguments and evidence, many people from Eastern cultures tend to evaluate truth based upon experiences. So, specific answers to prayer can have great impact! In addition, as you pray, you demonstrate that you worship a loving God who cares about our concerns.
5. Offer to study the Gospel of Mark with your Buddhist friend - especially passages of Jesus’ encounters with people. Ask him to prepare for subsequent studies by reading the passage, noting down questions, things he does not understand, or things that impress him.
- Why do you think there is evil and suffering in the world?
- What do you believe about what happens after death?
- Have you ever felt the need to be forgiven?
- How would you feel if you discovered that someone suffered in your place so that you wouldn’t have to?
- Have you ever heard of the path to inner peace apart from ridding yourself of all your desires and attachments?
- Is it realistically possible to rid yourself of all desire? Aren’t some desires—altruistic ones, for instance—inherently good?
- What if someone could somehow transfer all their positive karma to your account, as a pure and unrestrained act of love? How would you respond?