To many Christians, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew, chapters 5, 6, 7) contains the central tenets of Christian discipleship.Here are some excerpts which are important even to me, a Buddhist:
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven...Whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment...But whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also... Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you...Judge not, that ye be not judged.
As a Buddhist, I cannot understand how too many tolerate or encourage war, oppression, and dominance when their Lord had a different view. These people aren't a fringe; I see examples each day in my commute, at work, or at family gatherings. Sometimes I'm shocked and frequently disheartened when I hear Christians spread fear, hatred and war. They were taught differently.
Fortunately, I have found, subscribe to and am enlightened by Sojourners, a Christian organization committed to social justice. We are all human and fallible, but these folks practice the great teachings of their Lord Jesus.
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