Lotus and the Cross

Jesus Talks with Buddha

By: Ravi Zacharias

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Step into a Long-Tail Boat on the River of Kings and become immersed in an imaginary conversation between Jesus Christ and Gautama Buddha. Both talked about the "self", but one denied it even existed. Both felt the pain of human suffering, but each had radically different responses to it. Both addressed our deepest hungers, but one saw them as an impediment, the other as a clue. Both have earned a worldwide following—but their answers are words apart.

Jesus and Buddha agreed that Truth could withstand scrutiny. Listen in as the Soul of Truth speaks with the Heart of Compassion. It could change your life.

©2001 Ravi Zacharias (P)2005 Christian Audio

Pleasant and informative reading

I've found this book great because I had never come across any material that would synthesize what Buddhism stands for and how it stands compared to the message of Jesus. Guiding us through a pleasant narrative, Gautama Buddha's story is introduced to the layperson and the most remarkable aspects of that worldview are shed light upon.
This is an indispensable reading for those who want to know more about other worldviews and compare the principles of religions with the teachings of Jesus.

Value found in the Conclusions or Jesus?

I think Ravi does a fantastic job of exposing the heart, the nature, the essence, of our triune God; revealing the love of the father and our hope found in Jesus. While this was a good exposé of the differences between the teachings of Buddha and Buddhism and the gospel of Jesus Christ, I think that the real value is revealed as Jesus exposes the relationship we have been welcomed into with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

Understanding of the struggles of other cultures

I was and interesting presentation of two world views Buddhism and Christianity explored through dialog of Budda and Jesus

a good concise comparison

Ravi does an excellent job of making concise ideas for comparison. His ability to illustrate to communicate ideas is wonderful. This is a book that focuses on a few topics which will lead to more questions, but I think that is great. It's a good story.

Very good!

Ravi did a masterful job of contrasting Jesus and The Buddha. Many blur the two views. But at their core the teachings are vastly different.

Interesting attempt at Socratic dialogue

Ravi attempted dialogue way pushed but interesting. Seemed to be wrestling with his own issues.

Terribly sad, but also hopeful

Would you listen to Lotus and the Cross again? Why?

Yes, I would certainly listen to this audio book again. It is rich in story and theology (both Buddhist and Christian).This is a very cool book that is actually really really sad, in which Jesus and Buddha travel together and converse in a river boat with a young woman (who is by now a diseased prostitute) and the boat's captain. As they travel, they discuss their respective worldviews and how they play out in relation of the young woman's life and pending death.I'm biased of course (we all are) but honestly I cannot see how Buddhism could offer me anything that I want in this world that comes even close to the love of God and the hope of the future Kingdom of God. It is plain in the story that Jesus connects the diseased and dying young woman to a future hope, a connection to the infinite personal God, who loves and comforts her as she dies, and offers hope and forgiveness into eternity. I feel desperately sad for woman like the one in this fictionalized story, who really do exist in large numbers in Buddhist countries, where in many cases young women are tricked into prostitution, to satisfy the lusts of men, and have no hope or dignity which is exactly what Jesus offers.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Lotus and the Cross?

Seeing the contrast between the hope that Buddhism offers to the young dying prostitute over against what Jesus offers to her.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favorite?

No clear winner here.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Different beliefs, contrasting hopes.

Any additional comments?

Great book that I really appreciate having as an audio book !!!

Absolutely Amazing!

Ravi is a brilliant philosopher. How he is able to articulate deep ideological concepts to compare and contrast while digging deeper into constructs of each belief system between Jesus and Buddha is nothing less than a gift. Absolutely amazing!

Insightful, Creative

It's impressive that an author could capture such imposing figures as Jesus and Buddha so accurately. Not only was this book informative, it was creative and enjoyable. Check it.

excellent

What did you love best about Lotus and the Cross?

what a great way to compare!

What did you like best about this story?

kept my attention

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

At the end, what a contrast between Jesus and Buddha