Can I Talk to a Buddhist?

Question:

I was wondering, is it a sin to talk to people that are Buddhist?

Submitted by NJ on April 30, 1999.

Answer:  (Answered by Bro. Jon Mullins)

I am sorry that it has taken so long to get back in touch with you. I have thought and prayed about your question. I think that when you view it in light of the great commission as found in Matthew 28:19-20, which reads, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you; and lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age," it cannot be considered "wrong" to talk to a Buddhist. If your desire is to teach them the truth of God’s will for their life, then how can you avoid talking to them, especially if you are the only hope that they have for salvation and the truth as God has revealed it in his word?

In 1 Timothy 3:16-17, we read that "All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." Having considered this verse in regards to the truth of God’s word, we can look at Romans 10:14 which asks, "How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him they have not heard, and how shall they hear without a preacher?" Further in that same chapter in verse 17, we read that "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (some versions read ‘the word of God.’).

The necessary conclusion to make here by inference is that we must preach and teach the good news of salvation to all those who have not yet heard of the truths in God’s word or are not following those truths, even if they have already heard. Please also study carefully what the bible states in 1Timothy 2:1-6, especially noting verse 4, which says, "who (speaking of God) desires all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

We can read of many accounts within the four gospels of Jesus associating with those who would be considered among those not fit of our attention, or whose beliefs and customs may be different than ours. Please examine carefully what the bible states in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, but especially note what is written in verse 22, "…I have become all things to all men, in order that I might save some." Please do read the entire section I just noted, as verse 22 should be taken in the context of the entire passage here. It is obvious that Paul felt it necessary to communicate with people from all cultures and backgrounds, in order that the power of the word of God might save some.

There are warnings though, that we are not be to be transformed by the world, and the things of the world, as the bible states in Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

God also warns us in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, "Do not be bound together with unbelievers, for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what hath a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God;"

Clearly God’s word does not command us not to talk to a Buddhist; in fact, His word would have us talk to such a one, for the purpose of teaching His truth to that individual, or individuals. He does not desire us though, to get caught up in the practices, traditions, and culture of Buddhism. In doing
that, we fall victim to the traps of Satan, and lose our own salvation, if we have truly followed God’s plan of salvation.

Thank you for taking the time to ask this very important question. It is my prayer that this answer has proven to be of a help and comfort to you.

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