07/21/2024
Did you know?: The American Religious Identity Survey (ARIS) places the number of Buddhists in 2004 at about 1.5 million, or 0.5 percent of the US population (roughly the same as for Muslims), an increase of about 170 percent since 1960. The BuddhaNet website (sponsored by the Buddha Dharma Education Association) lists Buddhist centers in every state and every Canadian province. The appeal of Buddhism to Westerners doubtless has much to do with its generally tolerant, inclusive culture, its emphasis on moral achievement over doctrinal adherence, and its promise of psychological wholeness. The political plight of Tibet and the notoriety of the Dalai Lama (who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989) have also helped create a favorable climate for Buddhism.
Wells, C. Richard. 2018. “Buddhism.” In The Evangelical Dictionary of World Religions, edited by H. Wayne House, 107. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books: A Division of Baker Publishing Group. Logos.
