Question: “I was wondering if it were possible to study Buddhism and participate and identify as a Buddhist, while still believing in God and Christianity. Do you know anything about this?”
My personal opinions about mixing religions differs slightly of what many others would probably say. Personally and many Buddhists would say, you can’tbe Buddhist and Christian, but you can practice Buddhism and be Christian.
Buddhism is not so much a religion as it is a philosophy of a better way of living. Because it does not have a belief in a god or a creator, it contradicts being a Christian. So how can you be with a non-god believing religion and also a god-believing religion at the same time? You contradict yourself and your beliefs.
On the other hand, taking away the “religious” part of Buddhism and practicing its core practices (compassion, generosity, kindness, morality, non-discrimination, non-violence, etc.) in conjunction with your own religion, is perfectly acceptable and practiced by a lot of non-Buddhists. It makes you a better practitioner of your own religion.
At my temple, 90% of new visitors are Christian/Catholic and come to study and practice meditation and the basics of Buddhism to add to their own practices of their religion. They know with a little more help from outside their religion can help their personal goals and lives.
Ultimately, religion is a personal practice. No one can tell you what’s right or wrong except you. The Buddha said, “Out of respect for me, just because I am the Buddha do not believe everything I say. Take what I have said and practice it, contemplate on it – does it make sense or not?” So it’s up to you to take the teachings of your own religion and of Buddhism’s and figure out, through meditation and contemplation, what does and doesn’t make sense, what you believe and don’t believe – then, you have your religion.
Smile and be well!