Christianity vs Buddhism Comparison - Essay Example

Christianity versus Buddhism comparison Religion is something which has existed in the world in the past millions of years and has always been holding meaning to humanity. The belief of the existent of a supernatural being capable to controlling how human beings operate is a theme which is commonly seen in many religions (Herbert 23). Religion has always been a choice to many since it entails belief of the existence plus living in practice. This paper will hence provide a similarity and difference analysis of the religions: Christianity and Buddhism. Christianity is a religion which originated in the Roman Provide, Judea. Christianity believes in the existence of one God, who is the Alfa and omega (Herbert 45). Christians believe that God is the one who made everything possible on earth after creating them in 6 days and resting on the 7th day. Buddhism on other hand is a religion which originated in Nepal, India. In Christianity, their place of worship includes: chapel, church, basilica, cathedral, personal dwellings and home bible studies (Herbert 22). For Christianity, God can be worshipped anywhere, weather in church or not. When it comes to Buddhism, places of worship include; monasteries, pagodas, nunneries and temples. It is estimated Buddhism to have existed since 2500 years ago whereas Christianity’s time of origin is estimated at 33AD (Herbert 53). In relation to the goal of religion, Buddhism aims at attaining Enlightment so as to be released from what they term as they cycle of death and rebirth in order to attain Nirvana (Herbert 67). When it comes to Christianity, the religion aims to loving God plus obeying his commandments, gets saved through Jesus Christ in order for one day to enter the Kingdom of heaven. According to Buddhism, human beings have the ability to possess anger, greed, ignorance, delusion, cravings and so many other qualities. Such individuals with negative abilities are referred in the religion as ‘fools” (Herbert 78). Buddhism preaches that those who would not have walked the Eightfold Path are those referred to as ordinary people. In contrast, in Christianity, they believe in the concept that man is always born by sin which was original created when Adam and Eve ignored God’s authority in the Garden of Eden. It is hence through salvation that’s one sin’s are washed away by the blood of Jesus. Those who would not have been saved by death will head to hell (Herbert 90). Buddhism has their God named as Brahma or Avalokitesvara whereas in Christianity, God has so many names: God, Yahweh, Gott, Dios, Gud, Eli, Kings of Kings, Elohim, and Jehovah. In addition, Buddhism usually use statues as a symbolic gesture while paying tribute to their God. In Christianity, statues are regarded in the bible as the worship of idolatry (Herbert 78). The use of statues varies depending on the Christian denomination. Lutherans and Anglicans usually use pictures of Jesus, though forbid the worship of the same. Catholics on the other hand have statues of St. Mary and Jesus, which sometimes people pay tribute to. In Buddhism, it is important for one to follow teachings strictly. Christianity has quite a number of denominations, and all believe in Jesus Christ as their savior. Christians believe that Jesus dies for their sins and is the son of God. Religious law in Buddhism has existed in the form of Buddha’s teachings whereas religious law has been in existence in Catholics as canon law. Those who follow the religion of Buddhism are called Buddhists whereas in Christianity they are called Christians. In relation to confession of sins, in Buddhism, this is not a part of the religion. In Buddhism, Buddha is said to encourage people to always strive to dismiss themselves from bad deeds. Buddha teaches people on how to avoid these bad deeds (Lozak 79). In Christianity, we have those denominations, who confess directly to God like the Protestants. Other denominations like the Catholics and orthodox confess their sins to priests. The common denominator among Christians is that God will always forgive ones sins. Buddhism usually view other believes which are not it’s as irrelevant. They believ that their teaching as the truth. Buddhism also believes that God plays no role in salvation. It teaches that Enlightment can only be achieved when one attains nirvana. In Christianity, humans are not able to ascend to any level. Christians believe that God is a good being and that is why he brought Jesus to be the salvation for many (Lozak 66). In relation to rites of passage, in Buddhism , the rites are fairly common. In Christianity, the rites of passage include: baptism, eucharis, confirmation, holy orders, anointing of the sick and matrimony when it comes to Orthodox and catholics. Other denominations like Anglicans only believe in baptism and Eucharist. Buddhism has always remained to be a practical teaching as its goal is nirvana. In Christianity on the other hand, the objective purpose is to worship God, who created them. Christians believe that the bible was written for them by God, to be passed down from generation to generation with the sole purpose of worshipping the almighty God. In regard to promises of the holy one, Buddhism believe in Meitreya while Christians believe in the second coming of Jesus Christ (Lozak 56). In view of animistic religions, Christians regard them as paganistic. Christians believe that witchcraft are in communication with the demons and represent the powers of the fallen angels. They believe that those who have fallen of the grace of Jesus Christ, are followers of the devil. In regard to legislation, Buddhism believes that rules should follow Buddha’s words (Lozak 89). In Christianity, legislations vary from one denomination to the other. When it comes to marriage and divorce, Buddhism does not allow for divorce to occur in any given marriage. In conclusion, there is a subtle difference between the two religions. Christianity has its own views of how God is, same to Buddhism. All in all, depending on the religion which one is, it is always necessary to respect it. Christianity has for years believed in the existence of one God who created Heaven and Earth and all that exist in it. Through the same God, Christians believe that Jesus Christ, the son of God, was brought on earth to deliver mankind from the original sin. Buddhism on the other hand believes in attaining self-actualization when following Buddha’s reading strictly. As a common denominator, both religion believe in an extreme powerful being that control them and obeying him is the best option if one wants to be on the right track. Works Cited Herbert, Roland. Christianity. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2010. Lozak, Arnie. The Everything Buddhism Book: A complete introduction to the history, traditions, and beliefs of Buddhism, past and present. Washington: Adams Media, 2010. Penney, Sue. Religion. New York: Heinemann, 1999. (Penney 87) Read More