Religion is a fundamental part of most of the world’s population since the religion one honors are determined at birth. The religious division has categorized religion based on geographical boundaries. The western religions are Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, while the eastern ones are Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Shinto, Sikhism, and Jainism. While there are commonalities between these religions, contrasts have also manifested. Different religions have also defined their practice, and Buddhism and Christianity play a key role in these initiatives because they are one of the earliest. Buddhism and Christianity are basic to many people’s lives but fundamentally refuted by every other practice and doctrine. This essay will discuss the contrast and the commonalities between the eastern and western religions (Christianity and Buddhism).
People who are not initiated into these religions can undoubtedly realize that Buddhism and Christianity are confusing or correlate. However, their distinction is clear, and the doctrines and practices are unique to each believer of the religion (Hassan 2019). In other words, Christianity is widespread, and the faith is unequalled because of the ten commandments. These elements forbid a man from worshipping other gods, making other idols, and using the lord’s name in vain. The commandments also advise Christians to observe the sabbath and keep it holy. The Christian elements are directional and improve the Christian lifestyle. This way, Christians can follow a certain direction God wants them to follow. (Hassan 2019).
Other commandments require Christians to respect their father and mother and forbid them from committing murder. Additionally, Christians are warned against committing adultery, stealing and bearing false witness on another person’s things or coveting your neighbor’s property.” These commandments are involved and are the core basics of the Christian life. On the other hand, Buddhism also abides by a similar list of principles. These elements include: “Do not take life.” The second element is “Thou shall not steal.” The third is “Thou shall not over-indulge in sexual or sensual pleasure. The fourth one says, “Thou shall not lie.”
The fifth one says, “Thou shall not abuse the mind with toxic substances. These guiding principles closely relate to the ten commandments in Christianity. Another commonality is that these religions have a founding figure or someone who started the religion. In 33 AD, Jesus of Nazareth founded Christianity, while in the 6th century AD, Siddhartha Gautama founded Buddha (Mishra 2019). Christianity is many centuries older, but it is more than 15 centuries old. Jesus and his disciples established Christianity in the first century after his resurrection in Jerusalem. Therefore, even though these religions have opposed doctrines, they have a fore figure because they founded these religions. Christianity has gradually become present in every continent and the strongest religion in the Americas and Europe. Buddhism has also spread globally and is currently more concentrated in Asia.
Christianity and Buddhism are also similar despite their contrasts. The most substantial difference between the two is Theism. Christianity’s major focus is how humans can achieve a good connection with the greater God almighty. On the other hand, Buddhism discourages a deity outside of oneself and pursues to attain nirvana by defining an individual’s actions. Nirvana or enlightenment can be attained by abiding by the five guiding concepts of Buddhism. Buddhism and Christianity differ based on their regard for the afterlife (Mishra 2019). Christianity educates us that when an individual attains a correct relationship with God, the creator, the person is saved. The individual must also place faith in Jesus Christ, and his redemption will be valid through the cross. In Christianity, an individual goes to heaven after the physical life ends but must first seek Jesus Christ.
Buddhism introduces that an individual is reborn into a perpetual cycle of reincarnation depending on the person’s actions and the doctrine of Karma. In other words, Karma in Buddhism is a tradition and is an action that acknowledges action driven by intention. The action leads to future consequences. These intentions are regarded and determine factors in the rebirth kind in samsara, the cycle of rebirth (Mishra 2019). In essence, Christianity positions faith in its founder Jesus while Buddhism encompasses the works of the adherents to earn nirvana. This religion is attainable through an individual’s good works, while Christianity relies on the works of Jesus Christ.
It is best to address that while an individual may have an inherent prejudice when assessing religion, it is critical to interpret the world perception of those people who hold another faith than that of an individual’s faith. Comparing and contrasting these two religions imposes important lessons on everyone’s faith. We can learn more about cultures and customers and achieve a much more precise interpretation of what the world provides based on religion. The similarities and contrasts also play a critical role in identifying how people behave and lead certain lifestyles. For instance, Christianity makes people live in a way that contrasts with other religions. On the other hand, Buddhism also has its religious doctrines, which render its followers and shape their characters and mannerism.
Hassan, A. M. (2019). The link with the creator in the ten commandments in Judaism and Christianity and the attitude of Islam from it. Journal of Tikrit University for the Humanities, 26(2).
Mishra, S. (2019). Tracing Buddhism in Mongolia: A Historical and Cultural Perspective. Think India Journal, 22(14), 13861-1387.