Buddhism and Christianity are popular terms in the field of religion with several differences and similarities that might interest someone to look at vividly. The two religions contain a set of beliefs, values and traditions which exist together without conflicting with one another and help us to buoy our point of view and gave us tools to talk about our ideas. On the other hand, these sets of beliefs, values, and traditions may sometimes be conflicting and contradicting. This paper attempts to examine the two religions, their points of convergence, and their points of divergence.
Plenty of brilliant theoreticians and theological historians have argued favorably concerning issues pertaining to the connections between Buddhism and Christianity.
They claim that there were no obvious disparities in the character of Jesus and Buddha, especially in their enviable lives and teaching. This, in turn, has given both followers a touchstone on which they can return.
To begin with, I will take a vivid look at the convergence of Buddhism and Christianity. Both religions rely heavily on individual wellbeing as well as their keen interest in the betterment of others. Both Buddha and Jesus Christ made human welfares their watchword and pass this down on their follower through the contents of their daily teachings. This is evident in the Holy Bible, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12, New King James Version). This is a pointer to the fact that they both encourage their followers to always do well to others.
They also made themselves an example of whom their followers can look up for guidance.
Both Buddhism and Christianity place unconditional and equal love for human beings as their focal point. According to Buddhism, this love should be extended to human beings as well as other living things. Similarly, Christian doctrines are based on the principle of loving a neighbor as much as one loves him/herself. This special kind of love usually referred to as Agape by Christians, begins at individual levels and should be extended to all people, including friends and enemies.
Both Buddhism and Christianity place their followers on moral directives. Both religions have laid down rules for their followers which are tagged commandments. Instances can be seen in the Ten Commandments for Christianity and the Five Precepts for Buddhism. Their contents have similar implications which offer guidelines to their followers. The directives are similar and direct: no killing, no stealing, no lying, no adultery or sexual impurity.
In addition, the doctrines of Buddhism and Christianity also teach about perseverance, long-sufferings and hardships of life. Through the life of Jesus Christ, Christians learn about enduring and handling sufferings. This was evident in His crucifixion.
Despite the robust similarities between Buddhism and Christianity, there are distinctions that lie in them. Although, these distinctions are far from absolute. Buddhism lay sole claim on individual effort in enlightenment while Christianity premise every achievement in human life on God’s grace. Buddhism is a religion marked by an individual’s effort while Christians believe in God’s grace through salvation.
Moreover, both religions share different historical perspectives. To take a kaleidoscopic reflection on the historical background of Buddhism. Buddhist believe that Gautama, who became Buddha, was a human being without any divinity. This is completely different in Christianity. Christians believe that Jesus Christ was born of man and divine.
Last but not the least, Christians believe that they are formed and made in God’s own image while in Buddhism, no mention of the human creation story is found.
In conclusion, from the aforementioned, one cannot feign from the high possibilities of the interrelationship between Buddhism and Christianity. From the outset, i.e. their historical evidence, it is crystal clear that both religions share a symbiotic relationship in terms of their teachings and ways of life. In short, both religions has a direct influence on each other.
Remember! This is just a sample.
You can get a custom paper by one of our expert writers.
Get your custom essay
Helping students since 2015
Essay Writing Service Features
Our Experience
No matter how complex your assignment is, we can find the right professional for your specific task. Contact Essay is an essay writing company that hires only the smartest minds to help you with your projects. Our expertise allows us to provide students with high-quality academic writing, editing & proofreading services.
Free Features
Free revision policy
$10Free bibliography & reference
$8Free title page
$8Free formatting
$8How Our Essay Writing Service Works
First, you will need to complete an order form. It's not difficult but, in case there is anything you find not to be clear, you may always call us so that we can guide you through it. On the order form, you will need to include some basic information concerning your order: subject, topic, number of pages, etc. We also encourage our clients to upload any relevant information or sources that will help.
Complete the order form
Once we have all the information and instructions that we need, we select the most suitable writer for your assignment. While everything seems to be clear, the writer, who has complete knowledge of the subject, may need clarification from you. It is at that point that you would receive a call or email from us.
Writer’s assignment
As soon as the writer has finished, it will be delivered both to the website and to your email address so that you will not miss it. If your deadline is close at hand, we will place a call to you to make sure that you receive the paper on time.
Completing the order and download