Seven Reasons Why Zentheism Is Controversial

1. Rejects “One Way” Dogma

Zentheism is controversial, first and foremost, because it doesn’t claim to be the only way. It doesn’t assert that Christianity, Buddhism, or any other religion holds exclusive truth.

We believe the mountain is one, but the paths up the mountain are many. We learn from all, but cling to none. Truth is a pathless land.

2. Rejects the Necessity of Institutions

While acknowledging that institutions can serve a purpose, we don’t see them as essential. We are spiritual but not religious. We don’t place our trust in institutions—we trust only in God.

That doesn’t mean we reject community. Far from it. But we draw a clear line between community and organized religion—churches, synagogues, mosques. These are institutions, not spiritual necessities.

3. Rejects the Personhood of God

We don’t believe God is a person. God is transpersonal—beyond and above the limitations of personality. To us, God is the Ground of Being.

We recognize two interrelated but distinct realities: the Matrix of Becoming and the Ground of Being. There is God, and there is that which is not God.

4. Rejects the Trinity Dogma

It should go without saying: the Ground of Being is one. Therefore, God is one. The idea of three persons in one essence is, to us, a contradiction.

Because of this, we find ourselves more aligned with the Ebionites, who we believe preserved the original teachings of Jesus. Similarly, we rely on the Early Buddhist Texts (EBT) for our understanding of Buddhism.

5. Accepts Rebirth and Reincarnation

We accept the reality of rebirth—sometimes called reincarnation. Consciousness moves from one incarnation to another, until it awakens to reality.

We believe Jesus taught reincarnation, and of course, the Buddha did as well. Though technically, “rebirth” is the more accurate term.

6. Encourages Vegetarianism

We believe Jesus and the early Christians practiced vegetarianism. There’s more evidence for this than many realize. And, of course, the Buddha was probably a vegetarian.

That said, we encourage vegetarianism—we don’t require it. That distinction matters.

7. The Bible is not the Word of God

Finally, we do not believe the Bible is the Word of God. It is neither inerrant nor infallible.

Instead, the Bible is a diverse collection of writings that reflect various individuals’ experiences and understandings of God.