Introduction
Religion plays an important role in an individual. Religion will answer questions about life and give meaning to life. People tend to associate happiness and sadness to religion. There are major religions that are practiced by man. They include; the western religions and the eastern religions.
Western religion mainly comprise of Judaism, Christianity and Islam while the eastern religions consist of Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism. All these religions were begun at different times and hold different beliefs about the existence of the physical world (Haskins, 2010 Para 2).
The western and the eastern religious beliefs do not merge in belief . This essay will compare Judaism, Christianity and Islam historical events to Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism historical events. The comparison will focus on why the eastern religious historical events are given less importance while in the west historical events are given prominence.
A comparison of Judaism, Christianity and Islam verses Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism
Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism give less value to human beings. They believe that life has less significance. To them life is a cycle, one is born and when they die they are reborn in another form. However there is a way out of the life cycle. The religious teachings indicate ways a true believer could evade being reborn. On the other, hand followers of Judaism, Christianity and Islam believe that there is importance to life. They seek to find the meaning of their personal lives as they continue practicing their religions.
Haskins denotes that the western cultures believe that there is one God. This God is the giver of life. They further believe that He gives a single life to every individual on earth. Furthermore, these religions teach that there is a prize for those who worship God. The prize is eternal life (2010, Para 7).
Hinduism is a religion that began to exist around 1500BC during the Indus Valley Civilization. Hindus worshiped the rain, the wind and the fire. The Hindu religion is also characterized by the caste system. The Hindus were attached by the Aryans during this period. The Aryans learnt from the literate Hindus how to read and write. Thereafter they wrote a book known as Vedas which highlighted the doctrine of their religion.
As a result, the Aryans converted a number of Hindus to worship their gods. Hinduism expanded when it colonized Indochina and others like Sumatra and Java. Epics were written, idols of gods made and temples built. The Hindus burnt incents to please gods during devotions.
Buddhism is a religion that was founded by Gautama Buddha. Buddha lived around 500 BC. Buddha followers followed his teachings and looked for followers. Daoism also known as Taoism was began by Lao- Tse of china. Daoism see human being as good in nature (Valea, 2001, Para 17).
Judah founded Judaism and later on his tribe was named after him. Judaism began in 2000 BC. Judaism is about Jews relationship with God. Prayers and the laws of Moses are important to Jews. Jews have festivals and holidays which are commemorated. Prophecies in the Jewish religion happened in Christianity. The Jews use the Old Testament of the Bible. Christians are different in faith from Jews because they believe that Jesus Christ is God’s son.
Christians also believe that Jesus Christ brought salvation. Islam has its precedence from Judaism and Christianity. Judeans believed David was Gods final messenger. Christians believe Jesus was sent by God while the Islam believe Mohamed is Gods last messenger on earth. Koran is the Muslims holy book while Judeans and Christians use the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Bible respectively (Haskins, 2010, Para 153).
From the histories, it is clear that the western religion has been given popularity. This is as a result of their established religions. They have scriptural books. The books are believed to have been written by people with inspiration from God. The eastern religions have epics.
The western religions have explained the existence of the physical world using religion rather than science. On the other hand, eastern religions have emphasized the existence of life itself. The breakthrough in science left the western religions teachings threatened. Science explained the existence of earth and other objects including the sun.
The western religions believed that it was God who was in control of the whole universe. The inventions left them with many doubts. In contrast, the eastern religions have not been affected by the scientific inventions. Eastern religions had not professed the existence of a supreme god in charge of the creation. As a result, the eastern religions practice astrology, yoga and meditation.
However the eastern religions still have a large congregation. The followers understand that they are responsible for some events such as war. As a result the Judaism, Christianity and Islam emphasize their religious beginnings. Consequently the western religions have gained more prominence because of the emphasis on the sources of belief. In addition, some questions about existence remain unanswered hence these religions provide an answer (Haskins, 2010, Para 384).
Conclusion
Judaism, Christianity and Islam emphasize their origin to gain prominence over Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism. Although scientific inventions challenge the belief in a God who controls the universe, the western religions are still holding on to the belief in one God. Therefore religion will continue to exist as long as man exists.
Reference List
Haskins, J. (2010). World Religions. Retrieved from
www.greatdreams.com/religin4.htm
Valea, E. (2001). The divine incarnation in Hinduism and Christianity. Retrieved from www.comparativereligion.com/avatars.html