To: Barnabus who wrote (31779 ) 10/9/2000 8:41:25 PM From: 2MAR$ Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 39621 They are one and the same , different manifestations , in different parts of the world.....the same Being ... Enlightenment is the same as being in a "state of grace"...Buddha taught "the way ....that is the same as what you call salvation, and thought of by Buddhists with the same level of reverence as you would "entering the Kingdom of heaven". You think not that God could not have sent more than one "Holiest One" amonst the world of men to teach and enlighten, and spread light? Don't underestimate the deepest feelings of others or their beliefs. You have your way , they have theirs. In all the Universe, and countless planets, of which there might be life on countless millions other than our own Earth....there was only one son of God sent to save? You need not defend Jesus of Nazerth , just obey him, if that is what you truely seek. Others have their own ways. And Hindus are not "heathens" either.... They worship what are to you "Idols" but they see the living God in the eyes of the representation there. It was in Hinduism, the first concepts of Supreme Diety was first concieved. That a "Son of God" sent to earth and to walk among men. is one of their greatest stories. And they believe he was real, with alll there hearts....1 billion of them. It is the story of a Goatherd boy, who played the flute and could save souls with a glance, turn hate into love, and peace into the deepest reaches of your soul...and teach Kings wisdom and win their loyalty, and get them to relinquish their wars and turn to the way of humility and true spiritual sacrafice. The practices of Buddhism and Hinduism are some of the most austere on the face of the planet. It were an error to think of Christianity as being the first to teach the "narrow way" , for in fact it was taught 1000's of years earlier. Beauty in truth and truth in beauty....God revealed himself to many peoples during and thru the ages, in all his splendor. have a "joyous " day, barnabus ;-) Mars