Bushido - Good or bad?

[Destroyer2000]

To me, and on the surface, Bushido (Translated as "The Way of the Warrior") is a good code to follow in some aspects. Things like respect for ones elders, one's master, and no fear of death, contempt for death, and that sort of thing. The reason they didn't fear death though, is because of their religion: Buddhism. It teaches that you will be reincarnated to live another life on the Earth. That, as we know, is wrong. What is your opinion on Bushido? As soon as I find a good definition with the basic principles of it, I'll post it here.

[Ingemar]

Many non-Christian beliefs teach good principles; but in the end, only Christ leads to everlasting life.

[CDLviking]

Like many things in cultures that knew nothing of Christ, Bushido is good within its cultural context. Even with the introduction of Christianity, I don't think it takes much to adapt bushido to be in line Christ. It would sort of be an eastern version of the Code of Chivalry.

[SwordSkill]

Well, for what it's worth, I don't think bushido leads to everlasting life either, but I don't think that's the original question.

I think it's a code that has good and bad sides. First and foremost, it's a code of servitude, which can be paralleled with the chivalric code of the Western knights. Being a samurai originally means living a life to serve, not to kill. The traditional samurai virtues include loyalty, integrity, dignity, courtesy, prudence, courage, and benevolence, all of which are very good principles to live by, be you Christian or not. Moreover, the samurai was trained to go into battle without considering life or death. He was ready to die. This made him more likely to live, if you think about it. I think they had a code that went something like "cherish your life and conduct your affairs in a manner as to be prepared at every moment for death," and I found something quite similar to that in my daily devotion book. It's the sort of implication that comes out when the pastor asks, "If Christ comes tomorrow, where will you be?"

The above virtues mentioned could actually be practiced without any religious attachment because it's basic humanity that can be found in all cultures, and I think that part of Bushido can apply to all of us. However, they do have a view of the afterlife which does clash frightfully with Christian belief. They actually believe that being reincarnated means that you must have done something wrong because you haven't reached Nirvana yet. A reincarnation is like another chance to attain the state of Nirvana. I'm not sure yet how that ties to their ideas of death and suicide, but I can pretty much assure you it's not something Christians should practice.

I remember reading somewhere that Christian Japanese don't believe in suicide because they know Christ already died for their sins.

[Destroyer2000]

Yes...I wonder if I could edit it some and create my own, Christian-Bushido?

[Bobtheduck]

Well, bushido is a code of no individuality and of manditory respect and one that permits and even sanctions vengeance, which all seem a bit opposed to Christianity, if you ask me.

[Destroyer2000]

I never thought about that...anyway, I thought the 'loyalty nomatter what' for a Christian would be applied to Christ. Some of Bushido's good, some of it's not good. I don't want to keep talking like this, because I don't want to sound as if I'm opposing Christian values, and I don't want to start an argument.

[CDLviking]

Well, bushido is a code of no individuality and of manditory respect and one that permits and even sanctions vengeance, which all seem a bit opposed to Christianity, if you ask me.

That's why I said it would have to be adapted to Christianity. The demand for vengeance could easily be adapted to a demand for justice and the righting of wrongs.

[Rev. Doc]

Actually, God's Word covers all areas of conduct. All we have to do is apply it.

[That Dude]

I think Swordskill had it right. I think that there are some very honorable things in bushido such as samurais were never supposed to make a promise because if they said something it meant they had to do it. I think that there are some good things in every religion that you can adapt for christianity. Now don't get me wrongI'm not endorcing any of them or universalism but there are grains of truth in some of the teachings. I think that we as christians should be as dedicated to God as the Muslims are to Aalah. And reach out as much as the Mormans and Jehova's Witness'. So I don't think that there is anything wrong with taking the good aspects that line up with the bible of other things and trying to apply them.

[Mangafanatic]

Actually, God's Word covers all areas of conduct. All we have to do is apply it.

I was going to say the same thing. Honestly, you could pull verses right out of the Bible that would support the same principles. Do what those scriptures ask, and you can know you're doing the right thing. [/twocents]

[Nate]

Remember, Christianity only has TWO commandments (not ten):

37 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." - Matthew 22:37-40

[Jman]

I never liked any style of Karate, to strict IMO!

[lionheart]

I prefer the code of chivalry myself.

(if the link doesn't work, it can be found at chronique.com/ chivalry/ a code of chivalry)

[Yojimbo]

Remember, Christianity only has TWO commandments (not ten):

37 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." - Matthew 22:37-40

The Ten Commandments still apply to Christianity regardless.

[ShiroiHikari]

well, the point of the two commandments is that if you love others, and love God as you should, you won't want to steal, lie, cheat, etc.

[Ingemar]

Things like respect for ones elders, one's master, and no fear of death, contempt for death, and that sort of thing.

Paul talks about respect for one's elders and master, and both he and Jesus talk about contempt for death. In Matthew, Jesus says fear not those who destroy the body and not the soul, but rather He who destroys both in Hell.

The reason they didn't fear death though, is because of their religion: Buddhism. It teaches that you will be reincarnated to live another life on the Earth. That, as we know, is wrong. What is your opinion on Bushido? As soon as I find a good definition with the basic principles of it, I'll post it here.

It isn't unusual for two completely different belief systems to resonate with each other. Catholic missionaries in the 16th and 17th centuries were amazed at how easily the natives of the Americas, Africa and even Asia readily accepted and incorporated Christian principles (IE, belief in a non-tribal God who is Lord of the Universe). In fact, one Chinese Catholic I read of talked about how he viewed the Christian teachings as a fulfillment of everything he learned in his Taoist and Buddhist teaching, and then he became a very enthusiastic Catholic.

This may sound like syncretism, and to an extent, it is. However, when Christianity came to the pagan Europeans, the Europeans turned their altars into churches, converted their pagan holidays into Christian ones, and gave the attributes of their old pagan gods to Christian saints. (Of course, this varies from region to region). I am not going as far as saying "all religions are they same," nor am I belittling Christianity. I still believe that evangelization to non-Christians is important, and I am not too worried about inculturation/syncretism/whatever. Why? Well, if you think about it, Christianized Europeans may practice traditions with pagan roots, but no one really believes or honors the pagan gods anymore.

[Bobtheduck]

Bushido is dangerous... The emporer worship, violent treatment of those who violate it, and belittling of mercy are three very dangerous traits... It is about respect and honor, but at the price of mercy, it isn't worth it. I hear it is making a comeback in Japan, and is starting to gain popularity here... Not good... Hatred and suicide run throughout the bushido code...

EDIT: oops, I had allready commented... I guess this is an old topic.