Introduction The two religions I have selected to compare, and contrast, are Buddhism and Christianity. Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in the 5th century BCE in India, is an Eastern religion that focuses on the path to enlightenment through ethical living, meditation, and wisdom. Christianity, originating in the 1st century CE in the Roman province of Judea, is a Western religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing faith in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of humanity. Commonalities Both Buddhism and Christianity emphasize compassion and ethical living. In Buddhism, the principle of "Ahimsa" (non-violence) and the Eightfold Path guide adherents toward a life of righteousness and compassion. Similarly, Christianity advocates for love and kindness through Jesus' teachings, such as "Love your …show more content…
Buddhism is non-theistic, meaning it does not center around the worship of gods. Instead, it focuses on achieving Nirvana, a state of liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara), through one's efforts. In contrast, Christianity is monotheistic, centering on belief in one God and the salvation of souls through faith in Jesus Christ. The ultimate goal for Christians is eternal life with God in Heaven, granted through divine grace. Another key difference is their sacred texts and narratives. Buddhism's primary texts are the Tripitaka (Pali Canon), which includes teachings of the Buddha, monastic rules, and philosophical discourses. Christianity's sacred text is the Bible, comprising the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Bible narrates the creation of the world, the history of the Israelites, and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These texts not only provide doctrinal foundations, but also shape the rituals and practices of their respective