"My parents ran a Buddhist temple. Since I was a child, I saw all kinds of gatherings at home, with many people coming to listen to the teachings," Brother Huang recalled. Born into a devout Buddhist family, he was immersed in Buddhism from a young age. He often visited Buddhist camps and temples and even became a highly regarded disciple under the tutelage of the president of a local Buddhist association.
"In the past, I would try to urged people to embrace Buddhism, including my current wife," Brother Huang said.
During his college years, Brother Huang had a close friend who was a Christian. They often held activities, and people always gathered around him.
In his senior year, Brother Huang chose to live among a group of Christian classmates. "If I don't go to hell, who will?" he thought to himself, determined to "rescue these misguided 'Jesus followers.'"
Faith Clash: Debates Always Won
These Christian classmates had weekly prayer meetings and Bible studies. Brother Huang's participation turned each group gathering into a debate. Almost every time, he would face six opponents, and within a few rounds, he would achieve an overwhelming victory, leaving the others speechless.
One day, the classmates were sharing the verse, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me," and mentioned that no other religion made such a promise. But Brother Huang became angry upon hearing this. He thought, "Just because Jesus said it (doesn't mean it's true). No one has said it before, so now I will." He stood up and passionately claimed, "No one has said it before, but now I do! I, on behalf of Buddhism, declare that I am the way, the truth, and the life." Everyone was speechless.
Another time, to emphasize God's creation, a sister said with a hint of teasing, "If evolution is true, all monkeys would have turned into humans. So why are there still monkeys today?" Huang pointed out the flaw in her statement: "Evolution doesn't mean all monkeys will turn into humans. It's about adaptive evolution through genetic mutations in specific environments, emphasizing survival of the fittest. A small number of mutant species reproduce in large numbers, while the majority of monkeys remain as they are..."
After his lengthy explanation, all the classmates were speechless.
After nearly a year of repeated debates, he graduated. However, the Christians he had intended to save remained Christians.
Envy Arises: Attracted by Good Life Qualities
Despite being the "unbeatable champion" in debates for a year, Huang found that he was always drawn to an undeniable quality of life among these Christians. Especially his friend, whom he had once confronted. Brother Huang said, "His wonderful state of life is truly enviable. He is very blessed."
Unlike Huang's poor and difficult family, his friend came from a wealthy background. But he was not a "NEET" (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). He studied hard, won scholarships every year, and actively participated in various school activities. He also did well in his part-time jobs and was popular wherever he went.
Once, his friend accidentally hit someone's car while riding a motorcycle. There was no one around at the time. Huang thought, "If it were me, I would just run away." But his friend wrote a note explaining the accident, left his contact information, and placed it on the other car's windshield before leaving. Later, the car owner found him not to claim compensation, but out of curiosity to know who it was.
Years later, Huang still marveled, "No one can be like this. I've never seen anyone live like this."
After entering the workplace, Brother Huang found that the contrast was even more obvious. These Christians, especially his friend, did not change their way of life despite the change in environment. They held fast to their faith, lived orderly lives, attended church services regularly, engaged in daily spiritual practices, and worked diligently. When Huang first entered society, he completely forgot all his meditation practices and religious rituals. He was unable to live up to the rules he needed to follow, and there was a serious disconnect between theory and practice. His Buddhist association's president and teacher worked in the human resources department of a company, but was constantly involved in endless arguments every day.
Huang was disheartened to find that when he looked down at himself, his faith had been abandoned; when he looked around at his fellow practitioners, they were all defeated; and when he looked up at his teacher, the halo had vanished. He couldn't help but sigh, his heart filled with doubt, wavering, and struggle. He wanted to find the power that could transform his life again.
The Ultimate Choice: Accepting Grace and Being Saved
Later, a friend invited Huang: "Believing in Jesus doesn't cost a penny. If you try to find the Creator of mankind with human means, you won't succeed. Only when you accept Him can you experience it."
Then he thought to himself, "In Buddhism, it is said that as long as one does good deeds, no matter what, they will be reborn in a higher cycle in the next life. So, I thought that if I became a Christian and did well, I would be reborn in a higher cycle in the next life. If there is a God, I could also reach Him. Besides, the life of a Christian is real and visible."
In this way, the once "Buddhist debater" put aside theoretical arguments and chose to personally experience the grace of God. He eventually followed his friend and accepted the Christian faith, transforming from a proud "savior" to a humble "saved one."
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edited by Karen Luo and translated by CJ Wang
