Buddhism and Christianity

Buddhistic and Christians atomic number 18 among the worlds larges religions. They be characterized by different memoriseings and practices that they observe. They some(prenominal) have different origins and beliefs that form protrude of their structures. The two characteristics that I am going to look at argon the estimable teachings of some(prenominal)(prenominal) Christians and Buddhists and their spectral scriptures. Ethical teachings Ethics is cardinal of the issues which domiciliate show up among the teachings of both religions. The two religions emphasize on the need for befitting moral philosophy done recollects, practices and worship.Despite the emphasis that they both bewilder on ethics, differences go forth between the two in their theoretical and practical aspects. There are several areas in which the differences flock be evident such as their ideas concerning sin, the notion and model of ethics together with the codes of ethics. Sin in both religi ons, hu patchs bes are regarded as sinful beings. Sin is the backside of phantasmal doctrines and without it it is possible that good religious believes could not be at that place. According to both religions, kind-hearted beings are characterized by sin, imperfection and guilty.It is yet through chaste religious principles that one tramp be made pure and perfect. The nascences of both Buddha and Christ were good news to both the Buddhist and Christians respectively. Jesus was innate(p) to lease salvation and love from idol while Buddha was born to bring the message of wisdom and compassionate to mankind as well as show them the path to enlightenment (King, P. 3). Christians believe that all human beings are connected to the first sin in the Garden of Eden by the first parents Adam and Eve. This sin has over the years been passed down from one generation to the early(a).This story explains the origin of sin which according to the story was human disobe break downnce t o matinee idol. Therefore, Adam and Eve went against deitys wishes when they decided to drop the orders He had given them of not eating the fruit they ate. Because God is perceived as a model for perfect ethics, then going against his wishes pull up stakes be the same as sinning. Therefore, according to Christians, sin is not solitary(prenominal) the original sin that has been passed down though generations but also the nubbles disobedience in following or practicing the divine morals, honest codes and spirit.Hence the base of Christian ethics is not only believing in Christ but also living according to his teachings (Locke, P. 237). In Buddhism, there is no that kind of original sin as in Christianity. They or else believe that every individual is born of craving and ignorance which gos to human beings being born in a cycle referred to as samsara a birth and death cycle. It is only through enlightenment that an individual can overcome craving and ignorance. According to Bu ddhas personal experiences, sin is originally caused by impunity, bad karmas and imperfection there is no any other source.In the Buddhist structure, it is believed that sin originates from oneself and can therefore be overcome by oneself. Therefore, the basis of Buddhists ethical teachings is the mind that sin originates from the mind and can only be overcome by the mind (Smart, p. 77). Model and ethical notion both Christianity and Buddhism take the perfect model of ethics to be an important aspect of religious morality. Ethical teachings of both religion snap on Christ and Buddha because both of their lives were full of noble virtues and love that cannot be compared with any other.These models are the foundations of both religions although there are different ideas concerning ethics between them (Locke, P. 237). For Christians, love (agape) is the basis of moral life which is shown clearly in the life and teachings of Christ as well as in the bible. They believe that God is love and it is what constitutes his heart. Therefore, it is through his grace and forgiveness of human sins that ethical values can be cultivated in individuals and salvation can be attained. Christian moral standards are basically established on sin, forgiveness, belief and the love of God.They also believe that belief must go with actions a Christian can best be recognized by his/her deeds as compared to what he/she says. Contrary to the Christians, Buddhist morality is not found upon the power or the life of Buddha but instead it is based upon his teachings around cause and effects. They believe that an individuals confirmatory or negative attitude is determined by his/her actions and thoughts. Buddha taught people to wangle an island of yourself, make yourself your refuge there is no other refuge. Make loyalty your island, make truth your refuge there is no other refuge, (King, P.3) Therefore, in both religions human beings are perceived to be sinful. The minds purity is percei ved to be the basic step in ethics through which vile and impunity which has been created in individuals can be overcome. If the overall subscribe to is transformation from the evil nature to divine then Christians could achieve it through uniting with Christ while Buddhist could achieve the same by observing Buddhahood. Religious scriptures According to the interviews I conducted with a Christian and a Buddhist leader, I found out the following about their religious scripturesTeachings concerning God conservative Buddhists scriptures teach nothing about existence of God. It does not affirm or deny existence of God and does not declare who is divine not even Gautama himself. Liberal ones do not put emphasis on this concept but they pay homage to Buddha, Buddhist teachers, deities and ancestors. They worship using images, bow before them, give offerings to them, chant and request to them. Although earlier Buddhism did not recognize Buddha to be omniscient, they now consider him a nd other teachers to be omniscience.Contrary to Buddhist scripture teachings, Christians refer to the bible that teaches them that God exists. It states that the item that there is a cosmea is an indication that there is a God somewhere. Psalm 191 The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth his handi fashion. & Romans 120 Though God is invisible, His power and god can be seen through the things that are made. The only way the universe could exist is because there is a supernatural being powerful and wiser than anybody else (Scott, p. 87).Purpose of religion The purpose of religion was to better mans alliance with God. Buddhism scriptures do not teach anything about God while the bible teaches that the totally purpose of humanity is to serve and have a better relationship with Christ. Ecclesiastes 1213 The whole duty of man is to fear God and keep his commands. Ephesians 17-9 The will and purpose of God was to redeem man by the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus. Teaching about a true and supreme God Buddhism teachings allow for worship of many gods while the biblical teachings forbid the worship of more than one God.Matthew 410 Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him ONLY shalt thou serve. We are not to worship many gods, nor any god other than Jehovah 2 Corinthians 618 Colossians 119-22. Destiny of man Buddhist scriptures teach about reincarnation (rebirth), Karma which teaches that the future lives are influenced by current actions and that what happens currently is the outgrowth of previous actions and nirvana which teaches that the ultimate purpose of man is to get out of the birth and rebirth cycle characterized by slimy.While the bible teaches that an individual only lives once and physically dies once after which there will be resurrection, judgment and eternal rewards. 1 Corinthians 1522, 23 All die as a result of Adams sin as a result of Jesus, all live again. Resurrection is the opposite of death hen ce the spirit is reunited with the body. Matthew 2531-46 The wicked go to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. Buddhist scriptures do not teach about death and resurrection (Scott, p. 87).Suffering Buddhist scriptures teach that suffering is essential in life, its brought about by human desires and they can be eliminated by getting rid of earthly desires by not wanting to exist as an individual. The bible teachings teach that suffering is part of life it is a consequence of sin physical desires are neither good nor bad, it depends on how you seek to satisfy them, an individuals desire to exist is not bad and its through cartel in God that you can be able to overcome suffering and not through defeating yourself.The Buddhist teaching of not to desire to be an individual can be considered to blasphemy Gods work by Christians. Works cited King, L. Winston. Buddhism and Christianity Some Bridges of Understanding. Taylor and Francis. 2008, p. 3. Locke, A. Kenneth, The Foundation for Ethical behaviour A Christian perspective for a dialogue with Buddhism, Hsi Lai Journal of humane Buddhism 3 (2002) 327. Scott, Archibald. Buddhism and Christianity A Parallel and a Contrast, Being the Croall Lectures for 1889-90. General Books LLC. (2009) p. 87. Smart, Ninian. Buddhism and Christianity rivals and allies. University of how-do-you-do Press. (1993) p. 77.