A Baptist Preacher's Buddhist Teacher: How My Interfaith Journey with Daisaku Ikeda Made Me a Better Christian
Product ID: 405729078
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In this inspiring, soul-stirring memoir, Lawrence E. Carter Sr., founding dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, shares his remarkable quest to experience King's "beloved community" and his surprising discovery in mid-life that King's dream was being realized by the Japanese Buddhist philosopher and tireless peace worker Daisaku Ikeda. Coming of age on the cusp of the American Civil Rights Movement, Carter was personally mentored by Martin Luther King Jr. and followed in his footsteps, first to get an advanced degree in theology at Boston University and then to teach and train a new generation of activists and ministers at King's alma mater, Morehouse College. Over the years, however, Carter was disheartened to watch the radical cosmic vision at the heart of King's message gradually diluted and marginalized. He found himself in near despairโuntil his remarkable encounter with the lay Buddhist association Soka Gakkai International and a life-changing meeting with Ikeda, its president. Carter knew that King had been inspired by Gandhi, a Hindu, and now Ikeda, a Buddhist, was showing him how King's message of justice, equality, and the fundamental dignity of life could be carried to millions of people around the world. What ensued was not a conversion but a conversationโabout the essential role of interfaith dialogue, the primacy of education, and the value of a living faith to create a human revolution and realize at last Martin Luther King's truest dream of a global world house. In these dark and frustrating times, the powerful dialogue between Carter and Ikeda gives hope and guidance to a new generation of reformers, activists, and visionaries. Review: Pleasantly surprised - I received an autographed copy which was unexpected. Review: Eye opening journey(s)! - Wow, getting better acquainted with Mr Carter was a wonderful experience. I'll definitely pay a visit to the Dr Martin Luther King Jr International Chapel at Moorehouse and add my prayers for the chapel's continued success towards fostering true leaders for a more peaceful world. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,714,164 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #22,356 in Theology & Philosophy of Religion #71,972 in Biographies & Autobiographies (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 out of 5 stars 236 Reviews |
G**D
Pleasantly surprised
I received an autographed copy which was unexpected.
A**K
Eye opening journey(s)!
Wow, getting better acquainted with Mr Carter was a wonderful experience. I'll definitely pay a visit to the Dr Martin Luther King Jr International Chapel at Moorehouse and add my prayers for the chapel's continued success towards fostering true leaders for a more peaceful world. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
M**G
Excellent narrative
Truly enjoyed learning of the intersection of Buddhism and Christian thought. Presented in a very relatable voice.
G**F
A must read for Buddhists, Christians and anyone interested in peace through personal transformation
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!
ใ**ใพ
Learning a mentor-disciple relationship from this book
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.
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