Question: I am a learning and practising Buddhist. During a discussion with a family member of another faith that believes in a creator god who damns all non-believers to hell, he said I am the devil in the family bound for hell. How should I respond?
Answer: You can look at these links listed at https://thedailyenlightenment.com/?s=creator+god and send what you feel is appropriate to share. Hopefully, he will reflect on alternative views contrary to his assertions. Make it bite-size – copy and paste what is needed. (If there are further difficulties arising, you can continue enquiring.)
Disarm his further attacks one by one. The statement that you are a devil going to hell is easily disarmed with this – ‘The Buddha taught that what is truly demonic are the three poisons of greed, hatred and delusion that cause oneself and others to suffer. Hell is a destination of rebirth for those with strong hatred that cause others much suffering.‘
On his assumed forceful tactics to scare and convert you (and perhaps the rest of the family), this anecdote by the writer Anne Dillard can be shared – ‘I read about an Eskimo hunter who asked the local missionary priest, “If I did not know about God and sin, would I go to hell?” “No,” said the priest, “not if you did not know.” “Then why,” asked the Eskimo earnestly, “did you tell me?”’ May there be precious inter-religious harmony with only amicable discussion, that starts at home.
Related Articles:
Is There A God Who Allows Suffering?
https://thedailyenlightenment.com/2016/04/is-there-a-god-who-allows-suffering
Do You Believe In The Flying Spaghetti Monster?
https://thedailyenlightenment.com/2017/03/do-you-believe-in-the-flying-spaghetti-monster
Are Buddhas Omnipotent, Omnibenevolent & Omniscient?
https://thedailyenlightenment.com/2013/11/are-buddhas-omnipotent-omnibenevolent-omniscient
How Do Pure Land & God-Centric Teachings Differ?
http://purelanders.com/2015/08/18/how-do-pure-land-god-centric-teachings-differ
