Sunday, May 06, 2007

Statements

John Paul II states that:

Christ is absolutely original and absolutely unique. If He were a "prophet" like
Mohammed, if He were "enlightened" like Buddha, without any doubt He would not
be what He is. He is the one mediator between God and humanity.


Quoting this passage. Thich Nhat Hanh comments:

The statement does not seem to reflect the deep mystery of the oneness of the
Trinity. It also does not reflect the fact that Christ is also the Son of Man.
All Christians, while praying to God, address His as Father. Of course Christ is
unique. But who is not unique? Socrates, Mohammed, the Buddha, you, and I are
all unique. The idea behind the statement, however, is the notion that
Christianity provides the only way of salvation and all other religious
traditions are of no use. This attitude excludes dialogue and fosters religious
intolerance and discrimination. It does not help.


// from Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh

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