General background of Buddhism
The birth of the Buddhism religion emerged as a result of the search of enlightenment by Buddha Siddhartha Gautama dating back to 580 BC. During this period, he underwent through meditation and self denial which made him realize the need of easing human suffering and pain. He then started a journey to teach masses on enlightenment path to liberate them from vicious cycle of poverty, life and death, (Schaefer, 2012).
Progressively, Buddhism began to spread worldwide, which gave birth to Buddhism religion. As time went by, there were numerous divisions and movements within the Buddhism such as the Mahayana and Theravada.
After the emergence of the Buddhism and Christianity, there have been several additions and alterations because of the expansion to other countries. Christianity and Buddhism are followed by populations belonging to different races and linguistic groups from of their founders, (Lincoln, 1999). Also, it is worth to mention that both Christianity and Buddhism have had several principles and theories explaining their religion after the departure of their founders many years ago.
Similarities between Christianity and Buddhism
The Buddhist doctrine gives more emphasis on love towards humankind irrespective of the class, race or relationship. This is also similar in Christianity where love is based on the doctrine of ‘Love thy neighbor’, which means love should be showered on all human beings. In the worship perspective, both religions follow some form of worship such as prayers, monasticism, meditation, ringing of bells and the use of rosary and incense to enhance worship.
Both religions possess concepts and golden rules which are based on the welfare of the people and are easily approachable. Lord Buddha based the general ethics on the golden rule whereas Jesus Christ spread the gospel according to the golden rule for the benefit mankind.
Difference between Christianity and Buddhism
Christianity and Buddhism differ in terms of whom to be worshipped. Buddhist doctrines have no Godly figures but in the recent years, there have been introduction of godly figures whom they can be worshipped. Christian doctrine entails a Godly creature, Jesus Christ, who is approachable and lovable by all kinds of humanity. Salvation in both religions differs too. It is believed in Buddhism that salvation is gained as result of one’s own effort whereas in Christianity, salvation is a free gift and Jesus is their savior.
Role of religion in our society
Religious teachings of various religions are intended to regulate the behavior and conduct of human beings, provide the value-system and moral standards to enhance the human existence.
These standards and moral values guide human actions, deter the criminal tendency and mind of human nature and ensure harmony, love and peaceful co-existence among human beings. True religion ensures the sustenance of true governance in our society and government institutions that would otherwise been disrupted by corrupt and malicious people in the society.
All religions ensure that the family values are upheld in all times. Without the family values, the society would the burden of all manner of evils as a result of breakage of families and child destitution, (Christerson, 2005). Therefore, religion averts the deterioration of human mind due to desensitization and dehumanization of the modern lifestyle, thus providing long term family stability.
A society without a religion
Without a religion in a society, human virtues die. If religion does not exist, then everything would be permissible and therefore all manner of evils would be rampant. People in the society would base their actions on opinions rather than morality. This would be one indicator of a deteriorating society with no option to heal back.
With the technological improvements, there have been cases of fading rationality as a result of believe that everything is good without religion. Religion is the main pillar that differentiates between evil and good, (Lincoln, 1999). Human beings would therefore continue with what they deem best yet it harmful to the general society.
References
Christerson, B., Edwards, K. L., & Emerson, M. O. (2005). Against all odds: The struggle for racial integration in religious organizations. New York [u.a.: New York Univ. Press.
Lincoln, C. E. (1999). Race, religion, and the continuing American dilemma. New York: Hill and Wang.
Schaefer, R. (2012). Racial and ethnic groups. (13 ed.). Boston: Pearson College Div.