What Has God To Do With Buddha?

About this video

Thomas Plant explores Buddhist–Christian dialogue through a close comparative reading of Dionysius the Areopagite and Shinran, resisting simplistic contrasts between Christian dualism and Buddhist non‑dualism. Using Francis Clooney’s method of comparative theology, he argues that both thinkers articulate a paradoxical participation in ultimate reality that preserves difference while enabling union. Shinran’s emphasis on “other power” (tariki), grace‑like salvation, and jinen (naturalness beyond self‑effort) is read alongside Dionysius’s apophatic theology, kenosis, and divine initiative in theurgy. The comparison reveals resonant patterns of self‑emptying love and receptivity, while respecting deep metaphysical differences, suggesting genuine dialogue emerges through attentive engagement with difference rather than forced synthesis.

Background

Produced in April 2026. Provisional captions. This video is divided into chapters as follows:

Chapter 1. Framing the Question (0:00–5:00)

• Christianity and Buddhism are often wrongly cast as dualistic vs non‑dualistic
• Dionysius and Shinran resist this binary
• Use of comparative theology, not phenomenology
• Aim: mutual illumination through difference

Chapter 2. Shinran and Other Power (5:00–14:30)

• Kamakura Japan shaped by crisis and Mappō
• Human effort (jiriki) unable to bring salvation
• Salvation comes entirely from Amida’s other power (tariki)
• Shinjin is given, not achieved
• Radical reliance deepens, not diminishes, union

Chapter 3. Apophatic Transcendence (14:30–20:00)

• Amida described as inconceivable
• Parallels Dionysius’ negative theology
• Both use paradox to protect transcendence
• Union does not require conceptual mastery
• Christianity preserves creator–creature distinction

Chapter 4. Kenosis and Compassionate Emptiness (20:00–29:00)

• Christian kenosis compared with Buddhist śūnyatā
• Salvation grounded in self‑emptying love
• Priority given to the most lost or deluded
• Strong soteriological resonance
• Metaphysical differences remain

Chapter 5. Practice, Paradox, and Dialogue (29:00–42:30)

• Sacraments (theurgy) and nembutsu as divine action
• Salvation is received, not produced
• True agency emerges through abandonment
• Neither synthesis nor opposition
• Dialogue deepens humility before mystery