MADE WITH WANDERLOVE

As a Christian Buddhist, I am often met with confusion and curiosity from others who are not familiar with this unique combination of beliefs. While it may seem contradictory to some, for me, being a Christian Buddhist is not about adhering to strict dogmas or labels, but rather about finding harmony and balance in my spiritual journey.

As a Christian, I believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ and strive to follow his example of love, compassion, and forgiveness. I find solace in prayer, worship, and the community of fellow believers. However, as a Buddhist, I also value the teachings of mindfulness, meditation, and the impermanence of life. I find peace in the practice of mindfulness and the belief in karma and reincarnation.

For me, being a Christian Buddhist means embracing the wisdom and teachings of both traditions, recognizing that they can complement each other and offer different perspectives on the nature of existence and the divine. I see no conflict in holding these beliefs simultaneously, as they both offer valuable insights into the human experience and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

Ultimately, being a Christian Buddhist is about finding a personal connection to the divine, seeking spiritual growth and understanding, and striving to live a life of compassion, kindness, and mindfulness. It is a journey of exploration, introspection, and self-discovery that allows me to deepen my faith and expand my understanding of the world around me.

It doesn’t have to make sense to you and I don’t need you to agree that you can be Christian and utilize Buddhist principles and philosophy. I have yet to meet a Christian who can fully articulate how God could stop the life of a child before born. I am usually met with something like “Their time was complete on earth and he/she needed to return to the Father.” Nope, doesn’t sit well with me. Or how does God allow for catastrophic events to occur? Free-will? Evil-doers? Nope, still not sitting well with me.

Being married to a traditionally devote Christian man changed me. One who new the word beautifully inside and out, understood the circumstances of Biblical literacy and geography. A man who did not need to have scripture framed in the house to understand the importance of Godly love. Unfortunately, being divorced from this same man changed me. It shook my FAITH and understanding of Christianity as a religion versus Christianity as a way of life.

Visiting Israel and seeing the Bible come to life in color changed me. Walking the Text in Africa and meeting my Kaka’s (brother’s in Swahili) and Dada’s (sister’s in Swahili) transformed me. Growing up in a non-practicing Muslim family provided me freedom. Two opposing views can co-exist and create beautiful harmony. At the end of the day, it’s all about loving unconditionally the way Jesus Christ would have. If you don’t get that, in my opinion you do not understand Godly love.