The Lotus and the Cross

Jesus Talks with Buddha

Christian - Non-Fiction
96 Pages
Reviewed on 11/29/2010
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Tammy G. for Readers' Favorite

Ravi Zacharias is one of those Christians, who can communicate our need for Jesus and our need to know the difference between what is fiction and what is fact. This is a thought provoking and, in my opinion, a wonderful way to bring Jesus to people who may have never heard of him or who are following idols such as Buddha. Ravi in his own unique way presents a dialogue between Jesus and Buddha.

The dialogue begins with a short story of introduction as Ravi haggles with the boatman for the price of a ride, he where he encounters Priya, who is young and beautiful. Lured to the big city by a "friend" Priya is raped and basically sold into prostitution. Priya has a devastating life. She loses all hope and then finds that she is to bear a child. She begins to think of taking her life, but before she does she finds that she is HIV positive. She begins to keep detailed records of the men who use her and yet despise her. In the end, she can find no cure for the deadly disease and sets her house a fire. She burns in the house...her beautiful body going to ashes.

This is where Ravi asks Jesus, "What, Lord Jesus, would you have said to Priya, had she brought her decrepit body and aching heart to you? (Actually many women in similar situations did come to Jesus.)"

And what would Buddha have said to her...in this land (India) where 95 percent of the population are Buddhists? Thus, begins the intriguing conversation between Jesus and Buddha.

I love this statement Ravi makes at the beginning of the book. "Jesus and Buddha cannot both be right. The lotus is the symbol of Buddhism; the cross, the symbol of the Christian faith. Behind the two symbols stand two diametrically opposed beliefs. . . . truth demands investigation and commitment. Our conclusions must be in keeping with Truth that cannot be tested. To be handcuffed by a lie is the worst imprisonment."

Jesus' answers as I would have thought...with love and compassion wanting only the best for His child! This is wonderful 5 star read to increase or to encourage your faith!