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Stand Up | Christian Buddhism and Letting Your Yes Be Yes

Stand Up | Christian Buddhism and Letting Your Yes Be Yes

Last updated on: April 15, 2026 at 8:00 am by Shawn Paul Wood

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Stand Up | Christian Buddhism and Letting Your Yes Be Yes 2026-04-14T12:23:02-05:00 Shawn Paul Wood

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

“Believers, it’s time to stand up for Jesus!”

That is a rally cry you may have heard in church during recent years. It begs repeating because we are in perilous times as Christians. Persecution against missionaries and converts is at an all-time high. Hatred against the church is even higher than that. And the only way to prevent it is when the real church—authentic believers in Jesus—will stand up for what they believe and accept no substitutes.

Amen, somebody?

So, what does that have to do with Christian Buddhism?

Well, an interview with generational talent of praise and worship, Brandon Lake, was conducted on how Jesus would fancy this crossing of the streams. The fact that we live in a world where people assume this is possible shows we need to stand up and do it fast. Like, how is that even possible in the first place? “Hi, I love the Bible with all my heart, but in case I’m wrong, can I get a side order of the Four Noble Truths?”

Let’s explore this proving Christians are sitting down on the job. If this doesn’t hit close to home, nothing will.

Before we oil our knees and stand up together, stay aware of other faith-based issues that hit “close to home.” Subscribe to our free newsletter and stay informed about what’s happening in the Church, as well as the ways real Christians can contribute to defending the love and work of Christ.

Christian Buddhism is a Hard Fought…Something

Worship Leader Brandon Lake asked Christian Buddhism. Should the church stand up?

Brandon Lake appears on the “Nashville Now” podcast on April 1, 2026. (Image Credit: YouTube Screenshot/Rolling Stone)

The Christian Post recently shared a story about the “Hard Fought Hallelujah” worship leader on a Rolling Stone podcast.

Podcast host Joseph Hudak took a turn from the obligatory award-winning music line of questioning to ask Brandon Lake about the writings of late Buddhist monk Thích Nhất Hạnh, particularly the book Living Buddha, Living Christ, where he now identifies as a “Christian Buddhist in some way.”

Wait, what?!

Hudak followed up with a way to smooth out that record skipping mid-sentence. “In terms of Christianity and the church, is there room for that?” Yeah, because that cleared everything up. Reporters do this, namely, to Christians. It’s an attempt to determine how orthodox they are, and if they are “open-minded” enough to talk about anything else.

This puts Lake, or any Christian, in a precarious corner. “No,” and he’s a closed-minded, cold-hearted person who believes “his way is the only way.” “Yes,” and Christians everywhere scratch their heads and wonder if Brandon fell and hit his. Well, he slipped, but just a little.

“I would so hope that you felt like the doors were open,” Lake, who serves as worship pastor at the multi-site megachurch Seacoast Church based in Charleston, South Carolina, responded. “I think Jesus would love to sit down with you, would love to have this conversation with you, and you can. I would also hope the Church would be that open. Why would you not have a place here? Even if we disagree on something, why would you not have a place here?”

Brandon Lake is an anointed individual whose music has blessed countless millions, including my own. However, he wants to give the impression of being inclusive because he has no clue where his fans are listening. Have they been asked to stand up in a church and rejoice in the Lord? Or are they sitting in a closet, wondering if they want to live?

At that point, the depths of theological polemics don’t matter. His focus is on the soul. Come to church, and we’ll dust ya’ off. Good for him, but some things should be a hard no, like combining two religions for personal peace. This isn’t a casserole recipe. Let your yes be yes, and that no should be no, brother.

Stand Up for Jesus Without Hesitation

A "One Way" signed with many Christian stickers on it, showing Jesus is the only way to salvation.

Think it, say it, know it, but if you don’t believe it, you miss how to get to heaven. (Image Credit: Issac Mitchell via Unsplash)

Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.

Matthew 5:33-37, BSB

For the record, Christianity is not Buddhism, and no, the two will never coexist. Upstanding, wonderful people are adherents of both religions, but if you are asking a Christian if a Buddhist can hitch a ride to heaven, not unless he has the hall pass named Jesus.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

John 14:6, BSB

No one means no monks living on a mountain, people worshipping cows for the afterlife, or folks going clear waiting for Tom Cruise to give them passage. Unless Jesus lives in your heart and you confess His work and love, no one gets in. Jesus paid the toll; we have to get to the bridge and say, “My tolls have been paid. Raise that arm and let me in, please. Thanks.”

And another thing…

Coexist bumper sticker showing all religions together

Yeah. How about no? (Image Credit: Wikimedia)

People coexist in harmony and peace. Religion and dogma are separate and should remain so. There is no world where Paganism and Christianity are poker buddies. Likewise, Islam and Judaism? Uh, turn on the TV and let us know how that’s working out?

This idea of universal inclusion toward “a higher path” liquifies the message of Jesus Christ into this malaise of unrecognized “happy time” slop. No one is interested in that meal. It doesn’t feed anyone. What principles of living do you get from that? “Everyone is right. And when someone is wrong, everyone should protest.”

Christians should learn to stand up to what is wrong and be okay with that. People will get offended, but tough. Again, coexisting with people in peace doesn’t mean “hard love” is obsolete. It’s more than moronic; it’s antithetical to everything Jesus did on earth. And that was done for everyone then, and everyone now. Yet, we all should follow one path — His!

General Christian

About Shawn Paul Wood

Shawn Paul Wood, Th.D., is an award-winning copywriter, contributor, and content strategist, and ghostwriter of several faith-based articles, speeches, columns, and books who has worked for some of the most admirable brands in their respective industries for over 20 years. As Founder of Woodworks Communications, he leads teams of content strategists and marketing professionals to expand the brands of corporate leaders, serial entrepreneurs, and respected ministers of the Gospel. He aims to help others develop self-discovery through stories and the written word to proclaim the Word to the world. For more information about his portfolio or help telling your story, visit WoodworksCommunications.com. You can read more about the author here.

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