Christian and Buddhist Thinking

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the principles of both the Christian and Buddhist faiths. The paper explains that although differences abound between religions of the world, both Christianity and Buddhism believe in a variation of hell and punishment, although the result of the penance is quite different. The paper then looks at the image of God in the Christian religion and the lack thereof in the Buddhist religion. The paper also points out that the existence of God is a matter of faith, whether one is a Christian, Buddhist, or any other religion, as God cannot be experienced by any of man's physical senses. The writer believes that each individual in this world is still at liberty to believe what he or she desires, therefore, each religion must learn to respect one another to survive in peace and harmony without judgment or oppression hindering anyone's beliefs. In conclusion, the writer favors Buddhism as a religion of choice and freedom, rather than one of tyranny and control, which the Christian religion has sometimes displayed over the years.

Outline:
Introduction
The Christian Image of God
Buddhism and the Lack of God
Christianity vs. Buddhism
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The Bible states that God created Jesus through Immaculate Conception through a virgin named Mary. As he grew older, he began to do miracles in the Middle Eastern area in which he lived, by healing the sick. He began teaching what is now known as Christianity, chronicled in the New Testament of the Christian Holy Bible. His teachings attracted many and he gathered a number of disciples who would travel with him, doing his work and spreading his message."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Billington, Ray. Religion without God. London: Routledge, 2002.
• Fredericks, James L.. "The Incomprehensibility of God: A Buddhist Reading of Aquinas." Theological Studies 56.3 (1995): 506-520.
• The Holy Bible King James Version. New York: Bartleby.com, 2000.
• Makransky, John. "Buddhist Perspectives on Truth in Other Religions: Past and Present." Theological Studies 64.2 (2003): 334-339.
• Platz, Roland. "Buddhism and Christianity in Competition? Religious and Ethnic Identity in Karen Communities of Northern Thailand." Journal of Southeast Asian Studies 34.3 (2003): 473-478.

More papers on Christian and Buddhist Thinking:

• Comparison Essay # 109853 : "Christian versus Buddhist"
• Analytical Essay # 134319 : "Good Without God: Christian/Buddhist Thinking"
• Essay # 31176 : "On God and Goodness"

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