A Baptist Preacher's Buddhist Teacher: How My Interfaith Journey with Daisaku Ikeda Made Me a Better Christian

I have been practicing Nichiren Buddhism for almost 20 years. I am honored to have Daisaku Ikeda as my mentor in life.Dr. Carter understands Daisaku Ikeda's heart better than many of my fellow practitioners. He explains the concept of Kosen Rufu (world peace) more clearly and accurately than I have ever heard it before.This book is an amazing introduction to a the Nichiren Buddhist practice from someone who does not practice. And, for those of us who do practice, it is a strong affirmation of things that we know, from our personal experience.Likely the best parts for me were two:Dr. Carter truly and profoundly explains the mentor and disciple relationship, which is central to my life. (In fact, so much so that I have "mentor and disciple" tattooed on my right forearm.Dr. Carter also does an amazing job of bridging the gap for something that has challenged me for a long time. As a Buddhist, I believe that my prayers are self-directed. I am not praying to an external deity but to unlock my internal wisdom. On the contrary, I have always seen prayer in the Abrahamic tradition to be outwardly beseeching. Still, there can be no question that they are both effective and powerful. Dr. Carter's explanation of this apparent contradiction is the best I have run across.Buy it. You will not be sorry!

Ph.D preacher, educator, and direct disciple of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. demonstrates how be open to other spiritual teachings can enhance a Christian's ultimate path in service and understanding. This guy is professor and dean at a large university and intellectual heavy-weight. He speaks on achieving world peace not through making everyone the same, but by respecting the dignity of each individual and creating a culture of non-violence. Central ideas in Dr. Knig's theology, the dominate theme of Nichiren Buddhists (Soka Gakkai), and many other religions and philosophies.Read the first chapter for free using the free Kindel app on your PC, tablet, or smartphone. It is completely interesting all the way through, though chapters 11-14 are dynamite.

a very special book! there's not too many people in our human history who have done so much for humanity as these men! if you're looking for mentor's in life, here they are! if you want to fill your spiritual knowledge and void, here it is!some things can change our life and this book will become far more valuable than the price of this book or any amount of money -should you embrace the msgs with an open mind and heart as the author did himself; which changed his life!

Loved this book by a Baptist preacher who reached outside of his faith to deepen his faith. There are many stories of how Buddhism has benefited Christians. Well written book embracing teachings of Gandhi and MLK also.

Dr. Carter has been a friend of SGI for a long time. To have had an impact such as he had with Dr. Ikeda and buddhist humanism is great!

This is an insightful spiritual memoir. It links a commitment to social activism from the perspective of a Christian and a Buddhist in a way that is both personal and theoretical. It grows from a friendship as well as a mentoring relationship in the desire to contribute to a shared vision and call to action.

A read as met the Buddhist teacher in my younger years and the minister a few years back and love his open mind and a saying I will never forget. Great read! Makes you really think.

Inspiring insights into Non Violence from both eastern and western traditions. Beautifully written by a remarkably bright and thoughtful scholar and man with faith in humanity.

I found great joy reading this book, particularly learning a mentor and disciple relationship from the story of a Baptist preacher. Dr. Carter is an open-minded person, with true spirituality. His thoughts and mind, which was quite impressive and meaningful to me, affected my life and practice. Beyond religious differences and others, I sincerely respect him as the same human beings although I am not a Christian.

Truly enjoyed learning of the intersection of Buddhism and Christian thought. Presented in a very relatable voice.