Spiritual Roots

I just recently re-read Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh.  When I first read it, I didn't have an understanding of Buddism, nor Jesus, for that matter.  Although, I consider myself a Buddhist at this moment, it struck me in the bood when he talks about spiritual roots.  Growing up in the South, and being around Baptists telling you you are going to hell, I had a real dislike for Jesus and Christianity.  I always thought Jesus said "Do not judge, or you shall be judged."

I've also been reading a few books, a new movement if you will, on Christianity getting back to Jesus rather than Christianity and the Church.  This really interests me.  I would like to read the New Testament from the perspective of Jesus talking about mindfulness, and other things I have learned from Buddhism.  A Zen Christianity, if you will.  Thomas Merton was even drawn to Zen, saying that it had a lot to teach Christians.

I believe that a lot of the traditional Christian practices, like the rosary, or contemplative prayer, is a way to become mindful on the world around you, and becoming truly present (with God if you want to believe that).

I have never really had anyone to talk with about spirituality and "higher" ideas, mainly because I have shunned the people that surround me, and that I knew secretly thought I was going to hell, even if they didn't want to say it.  Well, I am now going to looking into going to church and possibly joining a study/discussion group, and if they want to believe I am a heathen, then that shows on them, not on me.

There is a Unity Church near me, as well as a Unitarian Universalist church.  I just need to find time between work and school to go.  I think this is important.  I think community is important, and in my area, I am not going to find a Zen Buddhist community locally.  After all, Thich Naht Hanh says that he has a picture of Jesus in his altar, beside Buddha, because Jesus is now one of his spirtual fathers since he lives in the West.

There is no reason to learn about Jesus and have him be my teacher, but also learn, which I have already done plenty of, about Budda and his great teachings about the world and life.  What is wrong with having many spiritual roots?  After all, you may fall over in the wind only having one.