In recent decades thousands of Westerners have become Buddhists - Or have they?

Is it possible that their Buddhism is so mixed with Christian attitudes that they are not really Buddhists at all? Are they playing out the latest act in a drama that began, not in ancient India, but in sixteenth century Europe? Could they be the children of the Reformation? Are they really Protestants? In their attitudes to such issues as culture, ritual, tradition, morality, and the 'self', one English academic believes he has found evidence that they are, and that the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order provides a perfect case-study.

In this detailed commentary, the FWBO's founder examines the arguments and the evidence behind the theory. In doing so he not only corrects a number of mistaken and perhaps commonly held views about the FWBO, but also throws fascinating light on themes that are crucial to the establishment and spread of Buddhism in the modern world.

If you are a Western Buddhist - or even thinking of becoming one - then this book is for you.