The nontheistic religion, Buddhism, and the monotheistic religion, Christianity reign as some of the world’s most prominent religions. Ideas embedded between the foundations of each religion reflect their purpose, unifying the people which practice the belief systems. They are united through the Seven Dimensions of Religion, a commonplace among all faith-practicing religions, but share additional commonalities as well. Although Buddhism and Christianity possess many differences and similarities among beliefs, practices, and culture, they emphasize spirituality as well as cordial moralistic practices in society.
A comparison utilizing the Seven Dimensions of Religion yields interesting results, as both Christianity and Buddhism adhere to the set, but uniquely contrast in detail. The first dimension, experiential, proposes that Religion was created with the experience of a person. In Buddhism, Gautama underwent enlightenment under the Bodhi tree as he spiritually metamorphosed into Buddha and the religion began. In Christianity however, Jesus’ miraculous experiences on earth as well as his role as our savior began the foundations of Christianity. Secondly, the mythic aspect of the Seven Dimensions of Religion demonstrate that Buddhists are capable of reading stories and mythical writings of the life of Buddha, as well as descriptions of Bodhisattvas, people who reach complete enlightenment (Nirvana). Christianity allows its followers to enjoy Bible stories, as both the Old and New Testament contain various symbolic expressions, even though they are not meant to be taken literally. The doctrinal dimension of Buddhism is prevalent in the practice of the Middle Way and the Four Noble truths. These beliefs allow Buddhist to seek truth and obtain enlightenment throughout their lives based in moderation of indulgences. Within Christianity, the doctrinal aspects include the practice and worship of the Holy Trinity, as well as the monotheistic belief in the Almighty father, God. Ethical living is a curical and prominent practice within various religions. In Buddhism, ethical practices include the “five precepts” in which Buddhists are not allowed to partake in unethical activities such as sensual misconduct and consumption of intoxicants. In Christianity, Christians are expected to follow the Beatitudes, rules instituted by Jesus Christ in which morality is emphasized. The 10 Commandments also include moralistic an ethical rules, such as commandment four, which states you must remember and keep holy the Sabbath day. Ritual worship within the religions differ as well, as Buddhists do not place emphasis on prayer, but devote themselves to meditation and personal reflection. This is contrasting to Christianity in which Christians attend ritualistic masses and perform prayer services frequently. Social aspects of religion in Buddhism include the figure of arhat (a person who has reached Nirvana), and prominent religious figures such as the Dalai Lama who poses as a communal idol and social role model within the Buddhist community. Within the Christian church, the idea of “one,” or strong close-knit community, reflects the social bond the Christian church shares among its people. Lastly, the material dimension of religion is present in Buddhism as mandalas are frequent symbols of religion, as well as the presence of the bodhi tree in Buddhist history. In Christianity, elegantly designed churches and cathedrals represent service and praise to God, filled with religious icons in order to tribute prominent religious figures.
The purpose of religion is to worship a higher power whether it is a personal God or gods. Between Buddhism and Christianity, the purpose of religion is to achieve specific enlightenment, as Christians strive to acquire eternal life in Heaven and Buddhists strive to achieve nirvana. The two religions differ in this, for in Buddhism, enlightenment is attained by good karma. Buddhists live in a cycle of rebirth and death, eventually reaching a stopping point in which they become arhats. In Christianity however, Christians must obey God, live out the 10 Commandments and beatitudes, deter away from sin, and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. These aspects as reviewed in earlier paragraphs reveal common moralistic values which either place a Christian in heaven or hell after death. Christianity is not a cycle like Buddhism, and technically grants practicers single chance to determine their fate after death. Another difference between the main essence of Christianity and Buddhism is that the Buddhist belief, Anatta, states that there is no ultimate reality within Buddhism, which once again differs from Christianity in which a person does have an essence, ultimate reality, with a goal to live forever in heaven.
Buddhism originated in the late 6th century BCE after the birth of Christianity in the first century. Although they were born in different time periods, the meanings of both names are similar. The meaning of the word Buddhism is “those who follow the teachings of Buddha,” while the meaning of the word “christianity” is “those who follow Christ.” These meanings tie back to the true essence of the religions- the praise and worship of a higher power. Although this is a common aspect they share, Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the name of the man who later became the Buddha and founded the religion of Buddhism. Christianity is based on the presence of the Holy Trinity: consisting of God the Father, Jesus the son of God, and the Holy Spirit. These primary beliefs of each religion define their origins and practices, as they behold the essence of their purpose and reasoning.
Culturally, the western world of Christianity focuses more on the individual salvation of people as mentalities become individualized as well. Buddhism, being strongly associated with eastern cultures, as it is a predominantly eastern religion, upholds the collective and shuns individuality. Thus the path for enlightenment and oneness focuses on all in society and does not single out the Buddhist individual. Although they are separated by location, both religions partake in religious holidays. Christians celebrate Christmas, the day in which the three Holy kings followed the Star of David to find the baby Jesus Christ. Buddhists celebrate Vesak, a holiday which commemorates the death and enlightenment of Gautama.
Throughout this semester, I have been presented with more new information than I have in any other religion class. The incorporation of various religions in our curriculum allowed me to discover a new range of ideas, beliefs, and practices which were all quite foreign to me. By studying the religious practices and beliefs of other people around the world, I have not only acquired a newfound sense of self- awareness, but have also been enlightened by the prevalence of religion and faithful practices in our world. It has helped aid me in my spiritual growth, for I have many more religious selections than I was previously confined to.
Originally published 15.10.2019