Buddhist Thought and Christian Humility

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 2, 1906

Buddhist Thought and Christian Humility

The advocates of Eastern philosophy recognize the fact that their doctrine is permeating the thought of the Western world. This is plainly declared in the following paragraph taken from The Buddhist, published at Colombo, Ceylon:—

The great influence which Buddhist thought is exercising upon the Western mind is clearly indicated by the manner in which Buddhist ideas are treated in the writings of modern Western scholars. Buddhist conceptions have evoked not merely literary interests in the West, but also a significant desire to adopt them as affording a better and a more reasonable explanation of the problems of life than is found in Christian philosophy.

The central idea of all heathenism is self-worship. Self-exaltation is the very essence of heathenism. The doctrine of the divinity of humanity, which is being advocated so persistently in one form or another among the professed leaders of religious thought to-day, is only a variation of that bald self-worship which is found in the East. In marked contrast with this satanic doctrine is the true spirit of humility which is the essence of Christianity. The divine Saviour of men said: “I am meek and lowly in heart.” The psalmist David gave expression to right principle when he said: “My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.” The true Christian philosophy is taught through the apostle Paul in these words: “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” Professed Christians should repudiate heathen philosophy.