Differences: Similarities Between Buddhism And Christianity

Kayla Gatherum
Professor Sur
Religion 1010
Buddhism and Christianity Christianity is considered a religion that closely follows the teachings of Jesus Christ, who they believe is the Savior of the world. Buddhism is considered a religion that follows the teachings and the example set by the Buddha. Christians idolize and emphasize Jesus Christ, while “Buddhists prefer to not emphasize him, but rather what he taught.” (Partridge 202). Buddhism and Christianity are different religions that have some similar beliefs and many different ones. There are some major differences in core beliefs between Buddhists and Christians. Christians believe that there is a God, a creator, and that we all are His children. Buddhist tradition is that a God,
Many Buddhists follow five teachings that are considered very important. Those are “to abstain from harming any living being, to abstain from taking what is not given, to abstain from sexual behavior, to abstain from false speech, [and] to abstain from anything that clouds or intoxicates the mind, such as drugs and alcohol.” (Partridge 217). These can be very easily compared to the Ten Commandments of Christianity. They include not killing, not stealing, and not lying; though it does not say anything about abstaining from drugs and alcohol. Some Christian religions, like the LDS Church, do have specific rules about what is not allowed to be ingested, such as drugs and
“In all Buddhist communities, the family is most important.” (Partridge 222). But, unlike Christian religions, there are no sacred vows before a God for marriages, and marriages are considered worldly. An interesting thing to note that with weddings, more Buddhist women are wearing white, which has come about with the globalization of Christianity. White is considered a color or purity, and is what most Christian brides wear. In Buddhist society, white was traditionally more of a color linked to sterility and funerals. (Partridge 223). Children are considered wonderful in both religions, though Buddhism recognizes that the “love and attachment connected with parenting has a cost, and is a cause of pain.” (Partridge 222). Parenthood is considered positive in both religions. There are many differences and several similarities between all religions, including Christianity and Buddhism. There are differences in core beliefs, such as not-self or having a soul. There are also similarities in belief of what is right and what is wrong, as well as how family is important. Buddhism and Christianity are complex and diverse religions that are beautiful and insightful in their own separate