Tollerance and Patience

I consider myself to be quite open as far a religion, philosophy and culture go. I was raised as a Lutheran, like a typical Lutheran(i think), in my 30's I really don't participate in my church as much as I should. My wife has a magnet on our refrigerator with a picture of Jesus and a caption that says "quit using Jesus as a excuse for being a narrow minded bigoted asshole" which is to say that we have a real problem with some Christians that seem to think that they have a patent on salvation and have the one and only "true way". I mean isn't there something in the bible about "judge not lest the be judged". In my absence from our church life I find myself looking at and noticing the similarities of all the worlds major religions. I personally like to study many Buddhist teachings. It goes well and is not exclusive of my christian upbringing. I see Buddhism as kind of an every man's believe only what you see to be the truth on your search for truth kind of religion. I really believe that all of the major religions are good and those that follow and interpret those religions teaching honestly are good and "saved" people. I don't look down upon or disbelieve the goodness of Native Americans, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, or any number of other religions.

So when my nephew comes out of nowhere with a statement about Buddha being a fat false God. It kind of threw me for a loop. I didn't say much at the time. I really just wondered where an 11 year old learned such a thing. So I haven't figured out yet whether it came from my sister or one of the teachers at the church studying the ten commandments. I don't know whether to say anything at all. I mean he's really just learning all the things that I learned at his age being raised in the church. He'll turn out okay too right? The other part of me wants to force him to research a few other religions before passing judgment on Buddhists for worshiping false idols. I mean Buddha was not a God and did not seek to be "worshiped" in that way. He taught people to search for there own truth inside themselves, and believe only what they find to be true. I don't see it as worship of a "false god" or in conflict with my Christian beliefs at all. Well I just needed to get that off my chest I'm sure the discussion could go on and on so more on that in the future.