Unexpected Way: On Converting from Buddhism to Catholicism 1st (first) Edition by Williams, Paul published by Bloomsbury T&T Clark

by Paul Williams

The story of one man's unexpected pilgrimage from Buddhism to Catholicism.There are Christians who, in mid-life decide to abandon their Christian faith and become Buddhists. Paul Williams did the opposite. After twenty years spent practising and teaching Tibetan Buddhism in Britain, scholar and broadcaster Paul Williams astonished his family and friends in 1999 by converting to Roman Catholicism. Williams explains why he joined a Church that many Buddhists and others might regard as a repressed and outdated way of life and belief. He argues that being a Catholic in the modern world is no less rational than being a Buddhist, and may in many respects, be more so.

Genres: Buddhism, Christianity, Religion, Philosophy, Catholic, Memoir

Paperback

First published July 1, 2002

About the author

Paul Williams is Professor of Indian and Tibetan Philosophy and Co-Director of the Centre for Buddhist Studies at the University of Bristol. He is a former President of the UK Association for Buddhist Studies. Among his other books for Routledge is Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition (2000).

Williams was a Buddhist himself for many years but has since converted to Roman Catholicism, an experience he wrote about in his book The Unexpected Way, and in an article, "On converting from Buddhism to Catholicism – One convert's story." He is now a professed lay member of the Dominican Order.

Reviews

[Noah McMillen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely interesting, though I think only section 1, “God, Buddhism and Morality,” and the first appendix, “On Rebirth,” would be worth revisitation. Ultimately, Willams’ draw from Buddhism into Christianity seemed to be based on two points . The first is that Buddhism punts on the cosmological question (why is there something rather than nothing?) while Christianity answers it. The second is that the Buddhist picture of the world and path to salvation is rather pessimistic and hopeless compared to the optimistic, hopeful perspective given by the Christian worldview.

Williams has a rather unique perspective as a western convert to and from Buddhism. After reading this book, I wonder how poignant similar concerns would seem to an ordinary Buddhist in Asia.

[Johann · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest, I only made it through the first half of the book and Appendix I. I was on board as he discussed the issues he found in Buddhism (though, keep in mind, he comes from the Tibetan tradition), but as he dove further and further into his justifications for the supremacy of the Catholic Church, I could go no further.

I found his discussions on “Grace” and why Christians do no believe animals can go to heaven (as they cannot live up to the attributes of God—like rationality and freedom of will—and what is required for “salvation”) cold and immoral. But perhaps that is the Catholic, even “Christian,” way. I don’t see why, in his logic, if a spouse can bring a sinning and unwilling spouse along into Heaven through love alone, a person couldn’t also bring a beloved pet, who is sinless (and, in fact, incapable of “sinning”). Furthermore, by his logic, there is a fat chance any human being with any significant mental discapacity or illness can be “saved.” To that I say, have fun living with that logic!

[Phil Calandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

"The Unexpected Way..." is the author's account of his conversion to Roman Catholicism from his 20 years affiliation of teaching and practicing Buddhism. The author's departure from Buddhism was the fact that Buddhism lacked the path of faith and was seen as more of a practical and experiential path. The author also stated that Christianity afforded him more or a sense of home. Perhaps the author never escaped his Christian beliefs and roots. A recurrent theme running throughout the book is the author's rejection of all subjectivity, non-conceptual and private experience in lieu of the objective authority of Catholic Church teachings. The author, consequently, completely discounts the mysticism of early Christianity and non-dual philosophy. In my opinion, there can be little gained nor learned from the experiences of the author. All matters of faith are left to the individual. I would not recommend this book.

[Ian Grantham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book describing the author's conversion from Tibetan Buddhism to Catholicism.

Read it because I am convinced that you cannot be both a Catholic and a Buddhist, a position with which the author totally agrees. Helped me to better understand both Buddhism and Protestantism in contrast to the Catholic faith. Also learned much about the philosophies behind each of these religions/traditions and how they differ.

Overall a very useful read.

[Maurício Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um livro muito interessante para quem é cristão e quer entender o budismo.

Um livro muito recomendável para quem é do ocidente -budista ou simpático - e quer entender o que é o cristianismo. Ajuda muito a perceber a diferença entre o que se pensa que é o catolicismo e o que é de fato o catolicismo. E também a entender a incompatibilidade entre as duas religiões

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the author's account of moving from Buddhism to Catholicism. Especially since I could relate. I wholeheartedly practiced Buddhism for six years when God started to put people and situations in my life to question it and gently pull me towards Christianity. I have been an adult Christian for three years now. A lot of the author's ideas and questions and thoughts were what I had when I began to question. Buddhism seems hopeless, Christianity offers hope. The big issue for me when practicing Buddhism, so where is the Creator in all this? What is the purpose to life? The author skillfully presents his journey: his thoughts, his experiences, his feelings, and presents a solid case towards Christianity. The author brought up a good point in his book, Christianity, the whole package, is very rational and incredibly beautiful and deep. But most of Western society only know of Christianity from what they learned in Sunday school as a child, so they have a juvenile idea of Christianity. If you are on the fence, I suggest you read CS Lewis or Dallas Willard, for an adult, rational, and meaningful view of Christianity. Or this book would be a good start! Likewise, in the West, we don't have the entire view of Buddhism, only a popular cafeteria-style, where we have picked and chosen what they like or not like. I suggest you read the actual Buddhist sutras to get the "real" Buddhism. Or read some biographies of famous Buddhist teachers. I think you would be less likely to identify with it. In Unexpected Way I especially enjoyed the later part of the long first chapter on self-righteousness, why Baptism, and how much can one take of one's fellow human beings? I also enjoyed his take on pantheism, he explains the problems with it very well. All in all a worthwhile read!