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It is granted there is some good in all religions. Who would be interested in following a religion that did not have anything good about it? However, as we pointed out at the beginning of this lesson, God did not want many different conflicting religions existing in the world. How can we know which one is the one He authorizes?
Just as with many Eastern religions, Buddhism is very idolatrous in nature. The Bible is filled with passages that show the folly and sinfulness of idolatry that has existed in Eastern religions through the years (Psalm 115:4-8; Psalm 135:15-17; Isaiah 40:18-20; Acts 19:24-28; 1 Corinthians 12:2). How can religions that promote idolatry be a religion from God? It is not possible.
Karma Versus The Bible
According to the idea of karma in Buddhism, an individual has free will, but he carries the baggage of deeds done in previous lives. What does the Bible teach? The Bible teaches each individual is responsible for his own life (Ezekiel 18:4,20; Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). We do not inherit the sins of our ancestors, nor do we inherit sins from previous lives.
Reincarnation Versus The Bible
Some who believe in reincarnation try to use the Bible to uphold their doctrine. In the Old Testament, they refer to the examples of Job (Job 1:20,21) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4,5) to try to uphold their doctrine. They also use Psalm 139:13-16 to try to support their teaching. In the New Testament, they try to use passages that speak of Paul (Gal. 1:15,16) and Elijah (Matthew 11:14; 17:10-13; Luke 1:17). None of these passages remotely suggest this teaching.
The Bible does not uphold this doctrine. In fact, the Bible refutes reincarnation. Take, for example, the case of Elijah. Reincarnation teaches that when a person dies, he is born as someone else in another life. But Elijah did not die (2 Kings 2:11;
Hebrews 11:5). Also, Elijah appears as himself with Jesus on the mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-5). John came "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17). Reincarnation teaches we die over and over again.[25] However, the
Bible tells us "it is appointed unto men once to die" (Hebrews 9:27). This same verse tells us that after we die, we wait for the judgment.
Nirvana Versus The Bible
Earlier in this lesson we gave the definition and meaning of nirvana. It was to cease from an existence of pain and suffering. The goal of the Christian is also to go to a place where there will be no suffering or pain (Revelation 21:4; 1 Peter 1:3-9). However, a heavenly reward does not mean we cease to exist (John 5:28,29; Matthew 25:31-46). These passages also point out the unrighteous are not reborn, but will be doomed to hell.
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