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.
Jay N. Forrest
Rev. Dr. Jay N. Forrest, D.Min., is an independent scholar, interfaith hermit, and author specializing in comparative religious studies, scriptural translation, and contemplative practice. A retired ordained minister and certified meditation teacher with decades of ministry experience, he has produced rigorous translations of key selections from the Pali Canon and Greek New Testament, blending historical-critical methods with insights from Eastern and Western traditions. His scholarship explores the intersections of early Christian texts, Sufi mysticism, and perennial philosophy, offering fresh hermeneutical perspectives on transformative spirituality. Dr. Forrest’s publications, including works on Buddhism, Christianity , and Zentheism, establish him as a distinctive voice in bridging theological erudition and lived devotion for contemporary seekers. Grounded in extensive academic training, his contributions illuminate scriptural foundations and mystical encounters across faiths.