Serene Compassion: A Christian Appreciation of Buddhist Holiness

by Denise Lardner Carmody and John Tully Carmody

Book Overview

Buddhism is deeply attractive to many in the West. Its ideals of serenity and compassion seem to supply a dimension of personal spirituality that they don't find in their own traditions. For those raised in the Christian Church, Buddhism can appear to exemplify the best in their own religion--qualities such as peacefulness, simplicity, and reverence for life--while dispensing with rigid doctrines and legalistic morality. Indeed, the number of Christian...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195099699
• ISBN13: 9780195099690
• Release Date: April 1996
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.0" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Great non-judgmental explanation of Buddhism

This book is a great academic treat for Christians who want to examine the truths of Buddhism from a Christian point of view. In each chapter, Carmody presents the basic tenets of Buddhism, and then compares them to synonymous ideas in Christianity. Additionally she points out ideas which are contradictory or not compatible between the two. What is nice about this is the non-judgmental approach that Carmody takes - she is obviously a genuine Christian believer who has practiced and studied Buddhism, and despite her commitment to the Christian gospel, has many kind and appreciative things to say about Buddhist ideas and practice. This is one of the best books in my library - refreshing, though a little academic at points.