Views on Salvation

Paper Summary:

This paper compares the views of Theravada Buddhism and Catholicism on the topic of salvation. It explores some of the areas of similarity and dissimilarity between Theravada Buddhism and Catholicism. The paper then emphasizes the central underlying differences between the two religions, which impact on the meaning of salvation.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Theravada Buddhism
Catholic And Christian Concepts Of Salvation
Conclusion: Area Of Convergence And Divergence

From the Paper:

"Despite these divergences in basic philosophy there is the argument that both religions are aware of the necessity for salvation and both are in agreement that the common human situation is one that needs radial change. The differences Between Catholic Christianity and Theravada Buddhism are the result of very different worldviews and perceptions of reality. This has a direct impact on their views of salvation. The Catholic religion is founded on the Western philosophical model which builds on centuries of belief in a dualistic, logocentric and rational model of reality. Theravada Buddhism comes from a long Eastern heritage of thought which adheres to non-dualistic and anti-rational thinking. This accounts for the in salvation as well as other religious concepts and views."

Sample of Sources Used:

• BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO BASIC CONCEPTS OF "TIBETAN" BUDDHISM. 1 May 2007 <http://dl.lib.brown.edu/BuddhistTempleArt/buddhism.html>
• Brown, Christopher A. "Can Buddhism Save? Finding Resonance in Incommensurability." Cross Currents Summer 1999: 164+. Questia. 1 May 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001271929>.
• Fredericks, James. "The Catholic Church and the Other Religious Paths: Rejecting Nothing That Is True and Holy." Theological Studies 64.2 (2003): 225+. Questia. 1 May 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001943127>.
• GOD'S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE. 1 May 2007 <http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt3sect1chpt3.htm
• Gross, Rita, Terry Muck, and Paul O. Ingram. "Review Essay: Buddhists Talk about Jesus, Christians Talk about the Buddha." Buddhist-Christian Studies (2001): 75+. Questia. 1 May 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001046750>.

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