Buddhism and Christianity: Comparison and Contrast

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Buddhism religion was founded by Gautama Buddha, who was one of the teachers of the religion. Buddha’s life gets perceived as necessary to those who want to be Buddhist and seek enlightenment.¹ However, his teachings and demonstration of his messages have gone beyond his personal life. Buddhism religion and teachings were founded around the 6^th-century b.c.² Although Buddha is considered the founder of Buddhism, there are many other deities the religion recognizes.

Buddhism is known for consisting of various deities with unique attributes. These include Shakyamuni, known as the historical Buddha, Amitabha, the Buddha of infinite Light, and Siddhartha Gautama. The principal teachings of the religion are on enlightenment which is thought to be attained through a life of self-deprivation.³ The enlightenment teachings focus on the doctrine of dependent origination, which emphasizes humankind’s changing consciousness. As a result, the teaching informs followers of the futility of life by attempting to make them see how clinging to anything is inviting disaster. Besides, it also teaches Nirvana as the pathway to eternal life.⁴ This is because Buddhists believe Nirvana to be the highest level of happiness and salvation.

To a Buddhist, attaining Nirvana is the highest practice level because it’s the key to eternal life. Salvation by Buddhism, therefore, recognizes a place of no consciousness to self and thereby renders it infinite. Salvation is a concept shared by the Christian religion. However, there are differences in dynamics. Salvation in the Christian context is attained by those who believe in the Son, and they get to have eternal life.⁵ It also teaches that faith is the precondition to eternal life. Moreover, Christianity points out hell, which is meant for the non-believers. In contrast, Buddhism only teaches salvation without punishment for the non-followers, and faith is not necessary for attaining it.⁶ Thus, Buddhism and Christianity are a world apart not only in their doctrine of salvation but also in God, the supreme being.

Christianity is evident in the existence of one supreme being who is the creator of the heavens and the earth (Monotheism). But conversely, Buddhism is a religion mired with many gods without a clear view of who the gods are the creator (polytheism).⁷ Furthermore, Christianity was founded by the supreme God, whereas Buddhism has man as its founder.⁸ Christianity teachings are anchored upon the Love of God through the trinity, providence, salvation, and provision.⁹ In contrast, Buddhism teaching revolves around enlightenment through self-deprivation.¹⁰ More fundamentally, Buddhism illustrates negative attitudes towards the present life and existence.¹¹ On the other hand, Christianity emphasizes the importance of the present life through its doctrine of reward and punishment in the afterlife for the right or wrong deeds in the present life.¹² The battle for followers and believers in Buddhism and Christianity respectively wages on, the precursor being an introduction to the faith through salvation.

So, you meet a Buddhist, show them that we as Christians meditate on the laws of God just as they too meditate. Talk of suffering and point out how Buddha never healed, but Jesus is a healer in Christianity. More importantly, relate to them about the need for Sanga, the importance of gathering and fellowship. The objective is to connect to the Buddhism religion, and we are all created in the image of God, also relate the common-sense concept to common grace by which salvation is made possible. By relating to the Buddhist on self and suffering and how we experience salvation through Jesus Christ. The communication should involve compassion and love to develop their seeking attitude towards Jesus Christ as the savior. I have never witnessed a Buddhist.

Bibliography

Corduan, Winfred. “Buddhism.” Chap. 10 in Neighboring Faiths: A Christian Introduction to World Religions. 2^nd ed. InterVarsity Press Academic, 2012.

Miles, Todd. “Universalism, Hell, and Conditional Immorality.” Chap. 3 in A God of Many Understanding?: The Gospel and a Theology of Religions. Nashville, TN: B&H Books, 2010.

Footnotes

Winfred Corduan, “Buddhism,” Chap. 10 in Neighboring Faiths: A Christian Introduction to World Religions, 2^nd ed. (InterVarsity Press Academic, 2012), 2.
Ibid., 2.
Ibid., 5.
Ibid., 6.
Todd Miles, “Universalism, Hell, and Conditional Immorality,” Chap. 3 in A God of Many Understanding?: The Gospel and a Theology of Religions (Nashville, TN: B&H Books, 2010), 9.
Ibid., 2.
Winfred Corduan, “Buddhism,” Chap. 10 in Neighboring Faiths: A Christian Introduction to World Religions,2^nd ed. (InterVarsity Press Academic, 2012), 5.
Ibid., 2.
Todd Miles, “Universalism, Hell, and Conditional Immorality,” Chap. 3 in A God of Many Understanding?: The Gospel and a Theology of Religions (Nashville, TN: B&H Books, 2010), 12.
Winfred Corduan, “Buddhism,” Chap. 10 in Neighboring Faiths: A Christian Introduction to World Religions, 2^nd ed. (InterVarsity Press Academic, 2012), 5.
Ibid., 30.
Todd Miles, “Universalism, Hell, and Conditional Immorality,” Chap. 3 in A God of Many Understanding?: The Gospel and a Theology of Religions (Nashville, TN: B&H Books, 2010), 2.

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Buddhism and Christianity: Comparison and Contrast

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