Answering the Unanswerable Questions: Revised, Updated, and Expanded: A Christian Dialogue with Buddhism

by K. Michael Hilderbrand

What did the Buddha really teach? Does Buddhism have Scriptures? What do those Scriptures say? What are the similarities and differences between Buddhism and Christianity? Revised, updated, and expanded!The Buddha taught on many subjects, but there were some questions, asked by his disciples, that the Buddha did not answer. Dr. Hilderbrand has lived and worked in Thailand for over 20 years. A former chemist, researcher, seminary professor, and pastor, Dr. Hilderbrand explores Buddhism through these unanswered questions. By looking at discoveries in science, history, philosophy and through an examination of the Scriptures of both Buddhism and Christianity, we can now answer those unanswered questions. And the answers will surprise you.

267 pages, Paperback

Published May 4, 2021

Reviews

[Spencer Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author set out in this novel to answer the questions that the Buddha was unable to answer when asked, and I think he did a good job connecting the answers to Christianity while also revealing the shortcomings of Buddhism.

I would recommend this book for Christians or Buddhists who are searching for the answers to these questions. To the Buddhist who reads the book, I hope that you find the how shortcomings of Buddhism are fulfilled in Jesus. To the Christian who reads this book, this is not a book that tries to inform you on the inner workings of Buddhism or educate you how to evangelize to a Buddhist, so it is best to not enter into the book with those expectations.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The author showed that the answers to the unanswerable questions of Buddhism are beautifully found in Christ and Christ alone. 4/5

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking to engage with the relationship and differences between Buddhism and Christianity on an intellectual level, then you will enjoy this book. As a practical ministry tool in my context, it fell a little bit short for me. It was interesting to learn about Buddhism because I didn’t know much (read: nothing) before picking this book up and that was helpful in a big picture way, but I’m not sure it would be my top recommendation. I did appreciate learning from his apologetics and seeing how he shared truths about Jesus and the Bible to a Buddhist audience

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciated the intellectual side of this book and it definitely presented thoughtful arguments in comparing Buddhism and Christianity. In the questions nominal Thai Buddhists are asking, it fell short for me. But if you’re looking for something to explore the depths of Buddhism and Christianity, it’s a helpful read.