I'm a terrible Catholic!

[theredpen]

At least according to Beliefnet's http://www.beliefnet.com/story/76/story_7665_1.html">Belief-o-matic. I score 100% compatibility with Mahayana Buddhism and only 26% compatibility with Eastern Orthodox or Roman Catholic. I have to say I'm surprised because I expressed a negative view of abortion and divorce (although I indicated than neither topic was a big issue).

Am I just a confused Buddhist or is the Beliefnet quiz just imposing too dogmatic a model of Catholicism?

In any case, it's an interesting test. :)

On Edit: I also scored high as a Unitarian and fairly high as a Baha'i — I think it my views favoring Universal Salvation (a la Origen or Iraneus) that put me in the "universalist" camp.

[Book Lover]

1. I've taken that "test" several times

and have had various answers. I wouldn't worry overmuch - it's a free test on the internet! How accurate can it possibly be? :-)

[theredpen]

2. Don't blaspheme the Belief-O-Matic

I submit to the following authorities (in descending order):

• The Constitution of the USA
• The Magisterium and/or Catechism
• Free Internet Tests

It's not for everyone, but it's my path. :P

[shenmue]

3. I get different results every time I take that test.

It's unreliable bullshit. It's pop psychology, and it doesn't really tell you anything.

[pingzing58]

4. Rejoice with the truth wherever it is found. That is what unites us as God's creation.

And I'm quoting John Paul II. I like you, I think, believe that God wishes everyone to share in eternal life (apotheosis) with God -our creator. If you think that Buddhism might be your calling, google the Eight-fold Noble Path, and you will be the best Christian ever. Jesus recognized faith when he saw it even among non Jewish soldiers who were considered the most evil of people. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit transcend our human definitions. Let me warn you, Buddhism is not easy. You must begin by renouncing all ambition. And adhearing to a vegetarian diet. Bon chance, mon ami.

[theredpen]

5. I always love a good PJPII quote

Excellent post, but, as the other posters pointed out, the Beliefnet test is not something to be taken all that seriously.

I've studied quite a bit of Buddhism, but you're right, it's not easy (neither is following in the path of Christ, for that matter). Unfortunately, much of my relationship with my cats is based on our mutual interest in eating other animals, and I'd hate to disappoint the furry little bastards. :)