FROM BUDDHA TO JESUS
An insider’s view of Buddhism and Christianity
By Steve Cioccolanti. Monarch Books. 254 pages. £8.99
ISBN 978-1-85424-956-2
A part-Thai Australian Pentecostal pastor has written this book to encourage the evangelisation of Buddhists especially in Thailand.
The frequent use of Thai, Pali and Sanskrit words might give the impression that it is a serious academic text, but really it is a popular treatment of a bold Christian approach to Buddhism, arguing that the Christian gospel has a clear answer to the impossibility of a sinless life that is presented in that faith as the only escape from endless reincarnations.
Reviews by Buddhists have questioned the accuracy and authenticity of what he presents. He has the emphases on tongues, healing and a prosperity gospel that one might expect, but also some curious claims, including that the birth of Jesus was really on September 11 3 BC, which he sees as significant for the choice of date for the terrorist attacks in 2001!
Despite these things, this is a book to get people thinking afresh about how to reach Buddhists with the gospel. He rightly urges Christians to ask questions about what Buddhists actually believe, rather than just textbook accounts, and to challenge them as to whether they are able to live by the tenets of the Buddha.
Cioccolanti has a great respect for the Buddha and sees his words as a preparation for the gospel, parallel in some respects to the Old Testament law. His vigorous presentation of the value of law preaching and the reality of hell is refreshing. My overall verdict on this book is that it could be read with profit by an instructed Christian who has a concern to reach Buddhists and will stimulate fresh ways of approaching them, but that some of its details on both Buddhism and Christianity need to be correlated with other sources.
Ray Porter,
Director of World Mission Studies, Oak Hill Theological College
