Glenn,

I have been exposed to both forms of Buddhism (Mahayana and Hinayana). I've even attended a Buddhist temple ceremony and found it to be quite introspective and helpful. As well as one or two outside Buddhist celebrations (Mahayana).

I think Buddhism is a wonderful religion. I think it is a religion that provides great introspection and I even think it is God inspired.

However, humans tend to go to extremes whenever they participate in activities (e.g., human religion). It amazes me the extremes in the Christian religion of someone like Pat Robertson who I sometimes wonder how they can profess Christ and show almost contempt for others who think differently than himself. Put that man in military uniform is all I can say, harming other humans seems to be something he would enjoy.

Buddhism really impresses me because the people are so well-mannered and have a very contemplative nature. But, the extremes of being this way is that human creativity and expression can be repressed, leading individuals to long for something else. This is when religion (or philosophy or anything else for that matter) can possibly step over the line between healthy introspection and unhealthy repression.

I think Buddhism and Christianity need each other. One offers self-discipline and mindfulness and the other offers liberty and the freedom of being who you are as an individual without slipping into a lascivious lifestyle. I know that more and more Christians are adopting mediative practices and techniques of Buddhism, I see that as a good thing. As the early Christian apostle Paul said "moderation in all things".