Introduction
Buddhism and Christianity are religions that have shaped the moral stature and beliefs of numerous individuals. Buddhism is a creed that entails beliefs and teachings that advocate for the purity of actions through restraint of pleasures. This religion stems from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama who lived around the fifth century BCE (Hopfe & Woodward 2009).
The Buddhist notion states that an individual that engages in the worldly delights is not firm enough to resist inducement by the devil. Unlike him is the individual that manages his desires and renounces worldly bliss, it emphasizes that such persons are not easy to tumble to temptation.
According to Hopfe and Woodward (2009), Christianity is a religion, which its adherents believe in the existence of His son who is Jesus. They consider Jesus as the link between them and their creator who is his father.
Christians acknowledge the bile as the paramount book that contains the principles by which they should conform. In furtherance of this, it is obligatory for a Christian to practice the ideals that the Bible highlights. This is the largest religion and comprises of various denominations, for example, the Roman Catholic Church and Protestantism (Ingram 2008).
Similarities of Buddhism and Christianity
According to Kumar (2003), Christians commonly regard themselves as the embodiment of the form of God and hence consider themselves equivalent. Buddhism shares this thought and believes that acknowledges the impartiality of the humans but attributes this equality to different reasons. Buddhism stresses that every individual is capable of attaining “Nirvana” which is the point of supreme purity, which will render everyone identical.
These similarities highlight the concept that governs the religions stating that no individual is above reproach in the perspective of religion(Hopfe & Woodward 2009). The privileged persons of society such as presidents and the rich have similar chances in comparison to the destitute persons. Secondly, Christians adhere to the principles of the Ten Commandments as a instruction manual to administer their daily duties and their relations to other persons (Kumar 2003).
The Buddhists embrace a similar precept that entail five chief guidelines that control the human relations consisting of refrain from terminating life, desist from taking that that is not given, refrain from adultery, desist from lying and not to engage in act that induce temptation. The factors that these guidelines propose are similar to the Ten Commandments that exist in the Christian literature.
According to Ingram (2008), Christians believe that adherence to the Christian principles can guarantee them a place in heaven. They deem firm observance of the doctrine, its proponents will lead to betterment of an individual’s life, and his virtuous deeds are replicated by good fortunes. This means that execution of the Christian guidelines positively influences the individual’s environment.
Buddhism embrace a similar perception, since it accentuates that pursuance of virtuous endeavors will initiate a pattern through which the individual will experience good deeds in return(Ingram 2008). The continuous implementation of good actions leads to an individual’s rebirth and eventually one is able to reach “Nirvana”. This term describes the pinnacle point of self-realization and knowledge, which individuals attain after engaging in virtuous acts(Hopfe & Woodward 2009).
Differences of Buddhism and Christianity
Buddhists do not recognize the existence of God and perceive his existence as being irrelevant to an individual’s belief and perceptions. According to Hopfe & Woodward (2009), they believe that a person’s willingness is paramount to guarantee the acquisition of the pure state, which is the Nirvana.
Contrary to this, Christians appreciate the existence of God and acknowledge Him as their path to perpetual life and enjoyment in the confines of heaven. Secondly, Jesus was declaring his divinity during his sermons and held to this until His demise. Jesus also did resurrect from death after enduring torturous intimidation and crucifixion.
According to Kumar (2003), Buddha never considered himself divine but as an equal to all other persons. In addition, Buddha died similar to all mortal beings unlike Jesus who experienced reincarnation (Hopfe & Woodward 2009). Although both religions advocate for the implementation of similar notions, the pioneers of these religions were contrasting in their physical capacities.
Thirdly, many of the sentiments of Buddha are encompass values that will benefit the conscience of the individual unlike Christianity where the fulfillment of the values guarantees on perpetual existence in the heavens. According to Kumar (2003), Buddhists believe that adherence to their teachings assures them of a fruitful life that is worthwhile.
Their principal intention is the alleviation of suffering through developing good rapport with others. The foremost intention of Christians is to develop an enduring friendship with God and his fellow Christians to assure him of accommodation in paradise.
The fourth variation of Buddhism and Christianity involves the perceptions of the life beyond an individuals demise (Hopfe & Woodward 2009). Buddha was insistent that existing persons are a re-embodiment of earlier personalities that were traversing the earth. This contradicts the Christian conviction that upon an individual’s demise one receives judgment and subsequently experiences eternal life.
Conclusion
Buddhism and Christianity share some ideologies on the factor of human behavior towards his compatriot. The procedures through which he can implement these principles are comparable. However, numerous of the values that govern the two religions differ such as the divinity of their initiators. Buddhism does not recognize the existence of God but practices similar virtues. This highlights the supposition that although both religions are diverse elements they also encompass similar traits.
References
Hopfe, L. & Woodward, M. (2009). Religions of the world. New York, NY: Vango Books.
Kumar, N. (2012).Buddha and Christ – Two Gods on the Path to Humanity. Delhi, IND: Exotic India 1, 3.
Ingram, P. (2008). Buddhist-Christian dialogue in an age of science. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Web.