Comparative Study of Two Religions: Buddhism and Christianity

Introduction

It has been famously stated that religion is the opium of the mind because religious

beliefs cannot be proven or understood beyond faith. Religious beliefs are central in

shaping human beings. Therefore, understanding the origin, content, and cosmology

of religions is pertinent to understanding oneself. Moreover, comparison of different

religions is important in appreciating the role played by religion in shaping society.

Buddhism and Christianity have many similarities, but even more differences in their

beliefs and rituals. This paper comprehensively discusses and compares the beliefs,

cosmology, rituals, theology, and theories of these religions.

1. Cosmology

Buddhism focuses on individual spiritual growth and individual’s attainment of a

deeper perception into life’s true nature. The religion has more than 376 million followers

in the world. The Buddhists seek a state of Nirvana, following Gautama Siddhartha’s

path, a Buddha who pursued enlightenment around 500 AD. The followers believe in the

possibility of change that nothing is fixed or permanent

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/ataglance/glance.shtml). The path to

enlightenment among the followers is through the pursuance of wisdom, meditation, and

morality. As far as eternity is concerned, Buddhists believe life is eternal and subject to

uncertainty, change, and pain. The endlessness occurs because individuals are repeatedly

reincarnated while undergoing suffering at various stages. Impermanence results from

mortality.

Conversely, Christianity is the most popular religion with over 2 billion adherents and

geographically widely diffused. Its origin arises from the life, teachings, and death of

Jesus Christ in the first century. Christianity had produced a culture, artifacts, and
practices, passed from one generation to generation, from when Christ became its

substance. It is historically believed that Jesus Christ unites its traditions, beliefs, and

practices (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christianity). Believers also focus on Jesus

as the present reality, including other references of God, the church, the world, and

human nature. They believe in eternity and life after death. Christians believe there will

be a resurrection, similar to that which happened to God's Son, Jesus Christ. The world

will end, and resurrected persons will be transformed and ascend to heaven

(https://books.google.co.ke/books/about/The_Imitation_of_Christ.html).

2. God, the gods, or other divines/supernatural human beings (theology)

Buddhism excludes the belief in a creator deity or personal divine being. The religion

teaches about man gods or divine beings with long lives but non-eternal, rebirths, and

heavens. It lacks belief in a personal god; hence there's no human-divine relationship. The

followers believe in karma and reincarnation. The existence of God is not relevant to life

or spirituality. Buddha is the main founder and teacher of Buddhism, the limitless

philosopher (https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/ataglance/glance.shtml).

Christians believe in Jesus, who is the promised messiah in the Old Testament and a

supernatural God's son. They believe Jesus was sent to bring salvation from the negative

impacts of sin. Christians believe in the existence of one God with three elements, the

trinity of God; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

(https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christianity). A relationship with personal God is

emphasized in Christianity. One should esteem a relationship with God high above all

else, following the example of Jesus on earth, even denying themselves, and symbolically

carrying the cross. God speaks to man inwardly, and through the bible, he should be ready

to listen and obey. Jesus is referred to as a friend

(https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/ataglance/glance.shtml).
 3. Human nature and the predicament of the human condition (anthropology)

Buddhism advocates for the middle path where one is neither indulging in sexual pleasures

nor excessive self-denial. Buddhists believe that suffering is ingrained in human nature and

human existence. They believe that the four noble truths of suffering, its causes, its

termination, and how to attain cessation of suffering. Birth, disease, degeneration and aging,

and death; the five personhood compositions are all suffering. They are caused by selfishness

through craving pleasure, ceased existence, or continual existence. Termination of suffering

begins with the giving up of selfish passions and cravings, having the right intentions,

behavior, perceptions, speech, effort, livelihood, concentration, and meditation. Suffering

terminates when one becomes an independent being, an uncreated state with no passing away

and no birth. Selfish passions are overcome by knowledge. The absence of the uncreated state

would mean no deliverance from the world (http://www.cronksite.com/wp-

content/uploads/2014/02/BuddhistTextsGC.pdf)

Christianity connotes that human nature is sinful; thus, there was a need for a perfect Jesus to

bear human beings' sins to reconcile with a holy God. Suffering is for purification and

enables Christians to lead righteous lives. Peace is only attained through the resistance of

worldly lusts. Temptations remind them to focus on God and not trust worldly things because

they are temporary. The body is weak and cannot resist sin; hence fatigue and sorrow is

inevitable. Christians should therefore persevere, until when death is replaced by eternal life.

Sin will be judged and punished; hence it is better to repent now and pursue righteousness to

avoid judgment and punishment.

(https://books.google.co.ke/books/about/The_Imitation_of_Christ.html).

4. Soteriology

Religious texts deal with Buddha's insights won by his strength and will after

comprehending the nature of truth. The whole mass of suffering stems from ignorance.
The four noble truths overcome suffering. Enlightenment is obtained by systemic,

persistent effort in developing wisdom, mindfulness, and moral values. Liberation is

freeing oneself from the mind, body, passions, and pain, all aflame, and becoming non-

passionate. When a liberated person comprehends the end of birth, death, and rebirth; he

has to lead a righteous life and has surpassed human limitations

(http://www.cronksite.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/BuddhistTextsGC.pdf)

In Christianity, salvation is given as long as one accepts Jesus Christ. The adoption

metaphor is adapted to explain the way of salvation and truth. Jesus adopts one who

accepts him and takes them to heart and the nature of God. Salvation is to deny all other

gods and ways and choose salvation through Jesus Christ alone. It is to commit to follow

Christ and accept his forgiveness: to deny oneself and follow Jesus.

(https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christianity). Liberation from the human condition is

during the end-time, after the second coming of Jesus's resurrection and judgment. The

righteous will live a life free of pain, suffering, death, and sorrow in heaven. Christians

have hope of greater rewards in heaven, which accompany eternal life.

5. Right conduct (moral and ritual)

The truth lies within human beings. It cannot be expounded or fathomed. Meditation,

moral uprightness, and wisdom are how one can reach enlightenment and discover the

truth. The right conduct is the middle path, where one does not excessively indulge in

pleasures or self-denial. Questions that don’t lead to holy-living should be avoided.

The killing of animals is discouraged. Marriage moral necessities are quite liberal.

Buddhists should eat moderately, speak gently, be self-controlled, not cause harm,

and ensure they are highly-conscious. One must avoid emotional attachment while

having compassion, as all passions lead to pain (http://www.cronksite.com/wp-

content/uploads/2014/02/BuddhistTextsGC.pdf)
 In Christianity, Jesus is the truth. Christians are expected to meditate upon the word of

God so that they may avoid sin and please God. The slaughtering of most animals is

allowed for food. Marital ethics are conservative and demanding. Christians can only

experience sexual pleasures within the confines of marriage. A desire for the good of

others above self is moral and virtuous. The golden rule is fairness in doing to others

what one would like to have done to them

(https://books.google.co.ke/books/about/The_Imitation_of_Christ.html). There are

similar worship methods in Buddhism and Christianity; rosemary, erection of towers,

incense, and bells ringing. In both religions, followers are taught to love all people.

However, their religious festivals, some rituals, and path of enlightenment differ.

6. The final destiny of all things (eschatology)

Buddhism does not deal with the beginning of the end. Buddhists believe in reincarnation

until achieving Nirvana. Any paths to eliminating cravings are encouraged. Liberation is

reached after dissociation from cravings, and one becomes holy after comprehending an

end to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

Christians trust that Jesus is the sole way to God. Salvation comes through repentance and

acceptance of Jesus into one’s heart. Liberation is after Jesus returns, and the world ends

and ceases to exist, and then there is resurrection and judgment. Christians believe that

they will go to heaven, while non-believers will go to hell.

7. The nature and membership of the religious community (ecclesiology)

Buddhism occupies 7% of the world population. Primary activities are peace-

promotion, mentorship, and meditation. Members trust the teachings of one Buddha,

who undertook a journey of enlightenment. Places of worship include temples,

shrines, and monasteries.

Christianity occupies 31% of the world population. Primary activities are hearing

sermons, worshipping, fellowshipping, giving charity, studying the bible, and praying.

Members believe in the person of Jesus. Places of worship include churches,

cathedrals, chapels, basilicas, and homes.

Conclusion

Religion is a source of hope and peace for many people. It is also important in

explaining the origin, sustenance, and destiny of the universe and all creation.

Buddhism and Christianity both believe in the existence of supernatural beings (s).

They both provide that suffering is inherent in human nature but can be overcome by

self-denial and discovery of truth. They both provide hope for rebirth, eternity, and a

path to liberation where suffering ceases to exist. However, resurrection in

Christianity is fundamentally different from reincarnation in Buddhism; and they

worship different gods differently, practice varied rituals, and have varied festivals.

Works cited