Kevin Thew Forrester, part Episcopal priest, part Buddhist, not only in Japan

June 8, 9:28 PMChristian Worldview ExaminerBill Belew

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In Japan there are something like 100 million Buddhists, 80 million Shintoists and a couple of million Christians.

That adds up to about 180 million believers of various religions. Problem is, Japan only has 120 million folk.

In the Japanese culture, it is not unusual to 'profess' more than one faith. A kamidana and butsudan exist in the same room except for when there is a funeral. At that time they put a blanket over the 'god shelf.'

These same kind hearted folk have no qualms about calling themselves Christian at Christmas time or some other holiday.

Seems weird?

There's an Episcopalian priest in Northern Michigan, Rev. Kevin Thew Forrester, who is not likely to get the consents he needs to be consecrated because he practices Zen Buddhist meditation regularly.

The priest has received a Buddhist lay orientation.

Needless to say there are folks on both sides of the prayer beads giving us even more reason to question the Episcopal church.

On retired bishop - "[W]hen did the way in which we are deepened into the presence of God become a litmus test for being a follower of Jesus Christ? I would think he would be commended for such exploration into a milieu that is known for peace and healing and harmony."

Another Episcopal priest, Ann Holmes Redding, was defrocked for claiming to be both Christian and Muslim earlier this year.

Jesus is pretty clear - "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew 6:24

He is talking about an overemphasis on dependence on money...but he also is talking about having two loyalties. It doesn't work.