Religion is one of the most powerful forces in the world. It has changed the lives of those who have come into contact with it for better or for worse. Christianity and Buddhism are no exceptions. Both religions hold multiple similar values, but their differences must also be explored while critically analyzing each religion’s roots and merit. Both religions center on a single spiritual leader and their teachings. Christianity is based on the teachings and life of Jesus of Nazareth or often called Jesus Christ. Much of Jesus’s early life is unknown after his birth. His mother, Mary, was impregnated by the Holy Spirit and gave birth to what she was told in a dream to be the son of God. There are many theories of what Jesus was like growing …show more content…
Jesus was raised a Jew, and it is written that he was also a carpenter by trade. But outside of these facts, everything else is speculation. As for his reported life of teachings and healings, Jesus lived a life free of sin and ended up being crucified because he was seen as a threat to the Roman Empire. He resurrected three days later, and this event is the proof for Christians that Jesus is the son of God. The founding of Christianity is believed to be around 30 C.E. As for Buddhism, their religious leader which is now referred to as the Buddha, began his life as Siddhartha Gautama. Siddhartha’s birth was also caused by miraculous events. His mother had a dream where a white elephant touched her side with its trunk and later when she was in the palace’s garden, he infant sprung form her side causing her no harm. This child was Prince Siddhartha Gautama and he lived a very sheltered life inside his family’s palace. When he was twenty-nine years old, the prince decided to leave his sheltered life and see what the world was like around him. He then encountered the world’s suffering and realities. After experiencing the real world, he decided to …show more content…
Some would argue that the Christian belief in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit would make the religion polytheistic, but both of those entities are believed to be extensions of God. From the PowerPoints provided by Professor Barnes, Christians view of God is as