This is the second half of my response to http://factoidz.com/what-is-buddhism/ which was a response to a question on Buddhism.
In response to your fifth paragraph. First off Buddhism and Hinduism are largely indistinguishable as they both originated from the vedic religion of the Aryan peoples to move into the indus valley. Such that Buddhism became a part of Hinduism in India, insofar as it was assumed to have ever ‘left’ Hinduism. I think your reference to Hinduism was criticizing the ‘caste’ system that existed for so long(and in much of it still does.) The caste system that for instance makes it taboo for a lower caste Hindu to cook for an upper caste Hindu is much the same as any other hierarchy. Try getting in contact with the pope. The hierarchy has often tried to separate and exalt itself above the commoners… Monarchies nearly perfected it for many ages. Both Hinduism and Buddhism look kindly on the begger, the poor, or the ‘meek.’
In response to your sixth paragraph… ‘Secular Materialism’ is Materialism as it in itself disbelieves in the metaphysical entity that would require the secularization. Materialism may believe that all matter will eventually decay into pure energy. This is misinterpreted when it is called physical=nothing, energy is matter just the subatomic part. If matter were to decay into energy and nothing more, it is still physical. Perhaps the analogy is better put as Physical = energy. If Buddhism is supposed to then believe the converse that ‘nothing = physical’ I would have to disagree in a sort as it would be better put “nothing ‘real’ = physical” Perhaps your prediction is true that this ‘post-post-modern’ world view is a harlot of Revelations… But I would point the finger more toward lack of attempting to understand rather then criticize. Secularism and Buddhism have long been partners as much of buddhism spoke nothing toward politics, since Buddhism denies the physical world and all.
Im response to your seventh paragraph. What is Trinitarian Theism? Is that simply referring to the Holy Trinity? I can only think that to be true, which is a concept likely to have been born from vedic philosophy/religion. The concept of a single being of which has three aspects all separate and yet singular. The Trimurti is much the same… a single existence Brahma is also Brahman, Shiva, and Vishnu.
Your definitely entitled to your opinion, I hope your open to debate and criticism as that is the price to be paid for your opinions.
I feel like it is unfounded to accuse Buddhism of anything. A statement I feel would be more realistic would be : “Buddhism is the complex and perhaps unnecessary attempt to shut ones eyes with philosophical lids in order to flex metaphysical muscles, then to keep them shut regardless of any flashes of brilliance which will often penetrate the feeble mind and attempt to distract one. It is to sit on the lawn on the 4th of July with eyes shut and ears blocked and to explain in meaningless metaphysical rhetoric the singular nature of of existence, Nirvana, anatman, and everything else.”
Your final comment is much the same, and perhaps would better represent Buddhism by saying “Buddhism is to go nowhere as there is nowhere to go, for there is no separation of unity.”
