Thanks to Bishop Craig Bergland, who wrote this reponse to yesterday’s post about my son, who worries about whether he believes in God, and whether he can be a Jewish Buddhist.

Buddhism has been a very significant part of my own journey, and I believe you are completely accurate when you say that a Buddhist practice or a Buddhist-influenced spirituality does not mean that one must convert to Buddhism or cease being a member of their own religious or spiritual tradition.

In fact, several Buddhist authors are very intentional in saying that Buddhist thought and practice should be used to make you the best Jewish/Christian/other person you can be. Buddhism is somewhat unique in that it is not a tradition that evangelizes of seeks to convert people.

The issue of whether or not Buddha intended to develop a religion is difficult to determine historically, but it would make sense that he didn’t. For that matter, Jesus never intended to establish a new religion either.

As we mature in our spiritual views beyond the notion of a punishing super-human God who lives just beyond the clouds, the insights provided by a non-theistic spirituality such as Buddhism are invaluable to that process. As our children grow and seek to find their own spiritual home, it would be my hope that all parents could provide the support and encouragement you suggest!