Christianity and Buddhism
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Baptists and Buddhists
Although the differences in Buddhism and Christianity, namely the Baptist denomination, are many there are also similarities. One of the main similarities between Buddhism and Baptist Christians is the manner in which the followers should treat others and serve their community. Both religions encourage helping others and treating others with respect. One of the most obvious differences is the belief in a deity. Buddhists do not belief in a deity, Baptist Christians believe in one God. (Gage, 2009) Baptist Christians believe their faith is black and white. The word of God in the Bible reigns supreme. Buddhists are not rigid in their beliefs. According to Thich Nhat Hanh, a Zen master, “Buddhist systems of thought are guiding means; they are not absolute truths”. He goes on to say, “Do not be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones.” (Barbara, n.d., ¶ 3) The other major difference is how each religion came to fruition.
Buddhism began with a young man venturing outside his home for recreation. The young man was Siddhartha Gautama. Siddhartha was born into a privileged existence in the year “580 BCE”. (Woodlands Junior High School, 2009, ¶ 4) Siddhartha was a prince who was doted on and protected by his family. He was kept within the palace walls until he ventured outside via each of the four gates. It was at this point that he saw four sights that he had never encountered: a sick man, an old man, a poor man, and a corpse. (Woodlands Junior High School) This encounter caused Siddhartha to question his way of life.
Siddhartha was so disturbed by the suffering he witness and the revelation of the inequalities of people he left his family: father, aunt, wife, and baby son. Siddhartha embarked on a journey in which he encountered much suffering. He fasted to experience the suffering as others have endured. It was in this state bordering on starvation that he heard a teacher speaking about music. The...
Although the differences in Buddhism and Christianity, namely the Baptist denomination, are many there are also similarities. One of the main similarities between Buddhism and Baptist Christians is the manner in which the followers should treat others and serve their community. Both religions encourage helping others and treating others with respect. One of the most obvious differences is the belief in a deity. Buddhists do not belief in a deity, Baptist Christians believe in one God. (Gage, 2009) Baptist Christians believe their faith is black and white. The word of God in the Bible reigns supreme. Buddhists are not rigid in their beliefs. According to Thich Nhat Hanh, a Zen master, “Buddhist systems of thought are guiding means; they are not absolute truths”. He goes on to say, “Do not be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones.” (Barbara, n.d., ¶ 3) The other major difference is how each religion came to fruition.
Buddhism began with a young man venturing outside his home for recreation. The young man was Siddhartha Gautama. Siddhartha was born into a privileged existence in the year “580 BCE”. (Woodlands Junior High School, 2009, ¶ 4) Siddhartha was a prince who was doted on and protected by his family. He was kept within the palace walls until he ventured outside via each of the four gates. It was at this point that he saw four sights that he had never encountered: a sick man, an old man, a poor man, and a corpse. (Woodlands Junior High School) This encounter caused Siddhartha to question his way of life.
Siddhartha was so disturbed by the suffering he witness and the revelation of the inequalities of people he left his family: father, aunt, wife, and baby son. Siddhartha embarked on a journey in which he encountered much suffering. He fasted to experience the suffering as others have endured. It was in this state bordering on starvation that he heard a teacher speaking about music. The...