The Rev. Jim Pearson is not afraid to say that he believes the teachings of Buddha can help Christians have a deeper understanding of their own faith.
Pearson, a priest at Yankton’s Christ Episcopal Church, is teaming with Dr. Michael McVay in an exploration of how Christian and Buddhist traditions can complement each other.
“Jesus asked us to fear not,” Pearson said. “I feel my role as a minister is to say, ‘Yes, let’s explore this wisdom and see how it can help our lives and shape our faith.’ I think Christianity is rediscovering the depth of Christ’s teachings and where it is coming from. Christianity has spent so much time emphasizing Jesus as God — I think at the expense of looking deeply at his teachings. I think he was mostly concerned about how we live right now. The Kingdom of God is within us and here. We too often teach that is our reward at the end of this earthly life.”
The second installment of “Jesus and Buddha: Paths to Awakening” will be held this Saturday and is open to the public. The first session in March attracted approximately 60 people.
Source : Yankton Daily
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