Question: “I am theistic, not in the sense that there’s some big man in the sky with larger than life powers, but in the sense that God is love and that Jesus is the human incarnate thereof. That being said I am very interested in Buddhism and was wondering, can I still be Buddhist and believe in the divinity of Christ?”
You’ll get mixed answers depending on who you ask. Anyone that’s been following my blog long enough knows exactly what I would say, and that is: Why do you even have to be Buddhist?
There are really two “ways” or reasons a person can practice Buddhism: personally/spiritually or religiously. The majority of people that attend my local temple are non-Buddhists. They are devout practitioners of their own religion, but come to Buddhism for a little more self-help instructions and guidelines. These instructions consist of the Eightfold Path. Along with meditation, that is really all you need to “be a Buddhist.” Of course you can study and practice other teachings, but that’s the basics.
On a more religious side, it consists of taking refuge, precepts, devotion, studying sutras and scriptures, and daily practice. It is more in depth and involved. A religious practice should usually involve the person “converting” and taking their three refuge and five precepts in an official ceremony at a temple.
So there is no need to really become Buddhist. As a Christian, you can study/practice Buddhism to become a better Christian, not to be bi-religious (I totally just made that word up, but I’m sure it’s fitting!).
Smile and be well!