Someone wrote, "Many now expect the return of the awaited world teacher, Maitreya, whether they call him the Christ, Messiah, the fifth Buddha, Krishna, or the Imam Mahdi. Millions now know that the Teacher who fulfills all these expectations is already living among us." I have read through and listened to your dissertations on Revelation and related topics, and am curious about your thoughts on the subject of Maitreya. -- Jeremy Hicks (Cleveland)

As I recall from my course in Indian and Tibetan Buddhism at Harvard (1980), Maitreya is the savior to come, sort of like the 2nd coming of Christ. But I really don't remember much about it -- so many years ago! -- and doubt I will have the interest to pursue this.

All the same, most religions speculate about events at the end of time. Those claiming to be messiah figures are nothing but false messiahs (Matthew 24:24). I do not think it is fruitful to try to relate these speculations to Christianity.

This article is copyrighted and is for private use and study only. © 2005. Reprints or public distribution is prohibited without the express consent of Douglas Jacoby.