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Buddhism and Christianity have been increasingly engaging in an inter-faith dialogue in an effort to better inform the respective views of each religious tradition. Those who are engaging in such dialogues are not interested in, or attempting to merge Buddhism and Christianity into one religion. Rather, their aim is to create a conceptual language framework, which promotes a dialogue leading to greater understanding of the value one religion can add to the other. John Makransky and Paul knitter are two pioneers in the new phenomenon known as engaged Buddhism. However, opposing approaches exist in how said dialogue is being done.
Makransky’s approach is one of comparative theology, while Knitter chose a normative path, but the motivation underlying both of their quests is closely interrelated. The focus of this paper is to analyze how Knitter and Makransky transitioned and engaged to, and from Buddhism and Christianity to better understand the teachings within their respective religion. Christian reflection on interfaith dialogue in recent decades has opened new venues, allowing the rediscovery and reinterpretation of certain theological approaches of the existing Christian thought. This reflection is closely linked to the growing awareness of the religious and cultural diversity.
The coexistence of religions is not a custom of certain regions of the world, and dialogue is required by this emerging reality, which is inscribed in relations of coexistence highlighted by the need for mutual understanding, engagement, and cooperation across denominational boundaries. In his article “Thoughts on why, How, and What Buddhists Can Learn from Christian Theologians” John Makransky, an ordained Tibetan Buddhist and ...
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...ging to both religious as a result of this, but Makransky still had some more curiosity, and more comparative work left to do.
Nevertheless, he thoroughly agrees that Buddhism and Christianity should do theology together. Taking into account the impact of these debates, on both east and west, Christians and Buddhists alike, people are starting to feel the presence of a new movement. Or call it a spiritual revival or social transformation. Buddhist set out on a socially engaged mission, and won the hearts and minds of the people in the west. Knitter and Makransky are on the front lines of the proliferation of social service for humanity. It is a revolution for social transformation on a global level. Christianity and Buddhism have a unique and remarkable relationship and it will be nice to see the emergence of a new social paradigm. It’s a wake-call.