Religion is a person’s choice, which he makes based on personal values. Historically, there have been many types of beliefs transformed over time but retained the original principles. Some people adopt the faith of their parents since their family institution instills specific rules and regulations from childhood. Even in adulthood, a person may decide to change religion since some principles become closer to him than others. In other words, it is not a universal belonging of a person but a social phenomenon that is realized in numerous variations. Religion is paradoxical since it is at the third stage after faith and knowledge. Its directions often do not have scientific confirmation, which makes people consider it to be something sublime. This essay will focus on Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism to understand some religions’ similarities, differences, and principles.
Christianity is based on the birth, life, rebirth, and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is one of the oldest and most popular lines of belief and has several subcategories. In this paper, for simplicity of explanation and detail, will be considered the Church of England. It features unique attributes such as a baptismal font, a Paschal candle, an altar, chairs for visitors, stained glass windows, and statues of saints (“Places of Worship: Christianity” 00:02:08–00:04:37). The dome is necessary for the initiation of citizens into Baptism, where they promise to quit their earthly sins. The candle depicts the alpha and omega symbols, which means Jesus is the beginning and end of everything. The altar symbolizes the sacrifice; there are bread and wine on it, which people share to form a sense of unity. The priest stands in front of the audience in a traditional cassock and reads prayers. Christianity is a mainstream religion that has several divisions.
The gathering of the Jewish community takes place in the synagogue, the central institution of the Jewish religion. Most often, they repeat the temple’s design, which is built according to ancient traditions. Previously, the Jews gathered in the tabernacle, which was a fenced rectangular space. Inside are the laver, the altar, and the ark of the covenant considered sacred places. The priests washed their hands before the ceremony in the laver, and animals were sacrificed at the altar. In the ark of the covenant were slabs carved with sacred records. A unique feature is the various rooms before the prayer of men and women. In the center of the synagogue, there is an elevation from which the Torah is read. The clothes of priests have changed over the years, and in the modern version, they wear costumes and put on an epitaph on top. Church services have also introduced a new style in which prayers are recited with guitar and piano (“Friday Night Service” 00:07:09–00:45:18). Worship in Judaism is based on temple concepts; therefore, they have become part of the religious life of the Jewish community.
Buddhism is the third widespread faith that was founded in ancient times in India. It is characterized by the thoughts and beliefs of the great spiritual teacher Buddha Shakyamuni. He argued that to achieve spiritual perfection, it is necessary to give up material goods and find enlightenment within themselves. The concept has evolved into the practice of minimalism, encouraging people to be content and make the most of the minimum amount of things. This religion has its unique and sacred places where people can gather. Because of the limitation of the coronavirus, monks conduct Buddhist recitations online and continue to observe the thematic setting. There are traditional ornaments on the walls, and the monk sits at a table with a book of commandments (“Online Sangha Service” 00:03:26–00:48:32). The monks’ clothes depend on the terrain; in more modern versions, they wear a “kola”. Throughout the performance, the monk alternates chants with the reading of the commandments. On the recording, he also leaves time for prayer for online listeners. Buddhism is a world religion that seeks to achieve universal pacification.
Judaism is similar to Christianity in many ways since they have the same root. They are similar to shared scriptures, rituals of worship, and promoted human values. However, these two religions have many differences, the first of which is the prevalence. The audience of Judaism is mainly Jews living in Israel, the USA, and Canada, and Christianity is spread worldwide. The controversy between the two religions revolves around Jesus Christ, his destiny, opportunity, and rebirth. Based on the videos found, it can be argued that Judaism is a more complimentary and modern religion. It can be seen in the priests’ dress and the manner in which information and prayers are presented. Additionally, Judaism involves wearing a unique headdress called “kipot.” Christians either leave their heads uncovered or put on “Kamilavka.” Judaism arose for the same reason as Christianity, but then these religions formed utterly different directions and rituals.
Christianity and Buddhism are unique, starting with theism (the absence of the existence of a creator god). They have entirely different goals and beliefs, which lead to other concepts of existence. During worship, leaders use a variety of attributes that are characteristic of established customs. Christianity uses massive ornaments, both in clothing and headdresses and in the decoration of premises for worship. Buddhism aims at minimalism and simplicity, which is expressed in the clothes of the monks. They are more focused on giving than consumption, while Christians do not think about material things. Additionally, Buddhism is a teaching about the nature of the mind, and it has little relation to classical religious principles. Its adherents are focused on not believing in anyone; they are taught to check any third-party advice. Buddhism consists of four truths such as suffering, the cause of suffering, the path to ending it, and nirvana. At the same time, Christianity believes that earthly existence cannot be perfect; therefore, it turns to God for help. Buddhism and Christianity are radically different religions, seeking help from themselves and God, respectively.
Each religion has distinctive features such as principles, creed, and attitude towards oneself and others. The only similarity is the desire for goodness and the improvement of the world. Christianity differs from Judaism in its attitude to the birth, history, and rebirth of Jesus Christ. The Jews do not believe in the rebirth of Christ and do not consider him the Messiah, while Christians, on the contrary, guess God revealed himself to people through Jesus. Comparing Buddhism and Christianity, it is difficult to find something in common since Buddhists do not preach the existence of God. They feel suffering and the need to walk the path to liberation to achieve nirvana as their duty. Additionally, there is no blind faith in Buddhism, and its mentors ask followers to double-check any information.
Works Cited
“Places of Worship: Christianity – an Anglican Church.”YouTube, uploaded by Reonlinevideos, 2013.
“Online Sangha Service —2020 — Buddhist Church of San Francisco.”YouTube, uploaded by Buddhist Church of San Francisco.
“Friday Night Service, Central Synagogue – 2020.”YouTube, uploaded by Central Synagogue, 2021.