Compare and Contrast, Buddhism and Christianity
Compare and Contrast, Buddhism and Christianity
Every once in a while, one finds a philosophy that is so intellectually pleasing that curiosity springs forth, demanding to be satisfied. This paper will compare and contrast Buddhism with Christianity. Because this paper is being written at a Christian University, emphasis will be placed on the unknown philosophy (Buddhism), so as to give the reader fresh outside information without belaboring the inevitable known philosophy.
The author was privileged to interview two Buddhist monks, whose statements will be weaved into this paper.
Most belief systems can be initially understood using five basic questions: questions of origin, identity, meaning and purpose, morality, and destiny.
The Question of Origin
Buddha did not speak of a creator or beginning, but did believe in a life force. (Hindson, 2008). Buddha Sasana's web page states that origin questions are "inconceivable since they have neither beginning nor end." (Thera, 2016). At first glance, one might be tempted to believe Buddhists might find common ground with a combination of cyclic evolutionary theory and multiverse theory. However, Sutham, (personal communication, December 4, 2016) quickly stated that Buddhists do not think of such things as origin.
In contrast to this, Christianity states that a single (Deuteronomy 6:4, HCSB) omnipotent (Matthew 19:29, HCSB) God created the Earth in six days. (Genesis 1, HCSB). There was a definite beginning (creation) and there will be a definite ending. (Revelation 21:1, HCSB).
The Question of Identity
In Buddhism, to be human is to consist of a mixture called Name and Form. (Carus, 1909). Our Name consists of three incorporeal groups called sensation, perception, and disposition. (Carus, 1909). Our bodily Form is made of four elements (earth, water, fire, gas). (Carus, 1909). Buddhists also believe in reincarnation: human beings do not have a self, but their deeds and karma experience reincarnation, a continuation. (Carus, 1909). When asked what it means to be human, Sutham (personal communication, December 4, 2016) said it means that person has high morals, and that animals are lower morals. He was referencing karma, which He stated all people have, and that karma is similar to a ladder one can climb by doing good. Buddhists believe there is no self, but there are deeds which continue (karma). (Carus, 1909).
When asked about the treatment of animals, Sutham (personal communication, December 4, 2016) quickly stated that a Buddhist takes a vow not to kill.
In contrast to this, the Bible seems to refer to mind and spirit and body separately, though it is debatable within Christian circles whether mind and spirit are one or separate, and what terms to use for them, which is beyond the scope of this paper. (Matthew 22:37, HCSB). (1 Thessalonians 5:23, HCSB). In Christianity, therefore, to be human is to have a bodily part, an emotional part (often called "heart" in the Bible), a thinking part (mind), and an eternal part (soul).
As for animals, while Christianity does list animal sacrifices (Exodus 29, HCSB), and has no general statements against consuming animals, it does state that wise men treat their animals fairly. (Proverbs 12:10, HCSB).
The Question of Meaning and Purpose
As just discussed, Buddhism suggests that we exist to do good deeds. Sutham (personal communication, December 4, 2016) stated that we exist to pursue right thoughts and actions, the eightfold path to enlightenment. As a person walks this path that leads to the annihilation of suffering, he or she should attain enlightenment, which makes "an end of all suffering even in this life." (Carus, 1909). Boonsong (personal communication, December 4, 2016) pointed out that the eightfold path is sequential.
Christianity is slightly similar to Buddhism in defining our purpose, though Christianity appears to be more specific. We are to bear fruit (good works) and use our talents to God's glory. (John 15:16, HCSB). (Matthew 25:14-30, HCSB). We are also to spread the gospel to the whole earth. (Matthew 28:19, HCSB)
The Question of Morality
Buddhism acknowledges evil, and actually gets pretty close to the Christian belief system. It acknowledges that killing, stealing, yielding to sexual passion, lying, slandering, abuse, gossip, envy, hatred, and clinging to false doctrine are all evil. (Carus, 1909). Buddhism extends this definition into the concept of suffering. (Carus, 1909). Sutham (personal communication, December 4, 2016) stated that morality is about suffering, and that a Buddhist will consider minimizing and/or eliminating suffering for themselves and those around them before any action or word.
Christianity, in contrast, defines evil as sin. (1 John 5:17, HCSB). Christianity also lists these evils (sins) and more. (Exodus 20, HCSB). (Galatians 5:19-21, HCSB). However, they diverge at the remedy. Huddhism's remedy is meditation. (Carus, 1909). Christianity's remedy is Holy Spirit power. (Romans 8:1-11, HCSB).
The Question of Destiny
Buddhism's goal is the annihilation of suffering, which should cause a person to achieve enlightenment, which ends all suffering in this life. (Carus, 1909).
In contrast, Christianity teaches that there is a definite destination after life: heaven or hell. (Luke 16:19-31, HCSB). This outcome is based upon salvation status upon death. (Revelation 20, HCSB). (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Conclusion
Buddhism is a very elegant philosophy that does not believe in an origin, defines existence in terms of morality, teaches that enlightenment is our reason to exist, defines evil broadly as suffering, and states that our goal is enlightenment. Christianity, in contrast, explains that origin is a definite creation event, defines existence as being made in God's image, states that purpose is found in relationship with God, teaches that sin is all rebellion against God, and provides a vision of a future reign with God.
References
Carus, P. (1894). Buddha, the gospel. Chicago, The Open Court Publishing Company. Retrieved from http://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/btg/index.htm
Hindson, E., Caner, E. (2008). The popular encyclopedia of apologetics, surveying the evidence for the truth of Christianity. Retrieved from https://play.google.com/books/
Thera, K. S. D. M. (n.d.). What Buddhists believe, part six - this world and other worlds, chapter 16 - realms of existence. Retrieved from http://www.budsas.org/ebud/whatbudbeliev/297.htm