What is the difference between Buddhism and Christianity?

B Bott: What is the difference between Buddhism and Christianity?
I am really interested in religions, mainly Buddhism. I have noticed that all the religions are based on the same values and morals. I’m just curious.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Canadarat

Should answer a lot of questions

Answer by Stephen
Even though I’m an atheist, I’m a fan of Buddhism since it’s a peaceful religion that helps you achieve inner-peace. Unlike Christianity which fills you with fear, manipulates you and turns you into a hateful bigot.

Not to mention the fact that the bible is covered in blood

Answer by Chris
Buddha > Jesus

Answer by Feathered Serpent
Buddhism seems less confused.

Answer by John R
Truth and not truth.

Bible has a history of the earth, the reasons for the existance of man, an explanation for the concepts of rebelion, death and aliens in outer space, a vision of our near future, etc Other books don’t.

Answer by Tay B
These links might help explain.

https://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/buddhaintro.html

Answer by Pocahontas
Not 100% sure about this, but i guess the main diference is the road both take … actually the final destination must be the same, a better or higher spirituality, as part of the evolution u are in.
I know both, buddhism and christianity, and both are good, ´cause is not the religion mainly, it´s you… and if u preffer Buddhism, go ahead, nice.

Answer by Adam: Wise Words of Wisdom
WHAT RELIGION?
I do not wish to name names, not to offend anyone,
any religion that worships: Humans, idols or animals is NOT a true religion, its a manmade thing.

Humans: They themselves have been: born; they depend on others; cannot even create a “fly.” Yet people worship them, whom cannot grant them their wishes. Man is mortal, has a beginning and an end.

Idols: They have been created by man: created by their own hands; the idols cannot hear, see or speak or even create a “fly.” Yet people worship them, whom cannot hear, see or speak, how then they will grant them their wishes. If you remove their eyes, nose, ears and mouth, they are left with stones.

Animals: They themselves have been: born; they depend on others; cannot even create a “fly.” Yet people worship them, animals cannot grant them their wishes. Animals are mortal, have a beginning and an end.

God: Religion should be for the worship of a superior being: The ONE True God of all mankind; God Almighty. He does NOT depend on anyone. HE created the angels, jinn and man. HE created the sun, moon and earth. HE and made you aware of HIS presence. Had HE not created the earth, you would not have been aware of his presence. HE sends rain from the heavens, you breathe HIS air, HE is the owner of the of day of judgment, heavens and hell. God is immortal; God does NOT have a beginning or an end. Read the Quran: The last and final revelation from the ONE true God of all mankind. There is only one God in existence in the entire universe.

•WHY DO Protestants WORSHIP Jesus and Catholics WORSHIP Mother Mary?
•Jesus did not say he was part of “TRINITY” or he is “god.”
•Jesus did not claim “TRINITY or DIVINITY”
•The word “TRINITY” cannot be found in the entire Bible.
•Are you aware, the Council of Nicaea & Emperor Constantine made Jesus into god.
•Anyone who didn’t accept this decision, church & state forcefully illuminated them.
•What the Bible says, what the church preaches is TWO different things!
•Jesus did not say: worship me or my mother. In fact he said:
•You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve” (Luke 4:8; Matt. 4:10).
•Jesus said: If ye love me, keep the commandments. KJV John 14:15

•Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you. Deuteronomy 4:2
•Christians say Jesus is god. Another lie.
•Bible says: GOD IS ONE.
“Shama Israelu Adonai Ila Hayno Adonai Ikhad.”
This is a Hebrew quotation, which means:
“Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord.” [KJV, Mark 12:29]

•Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a MAN approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: KJV Acts 2:22
•God Almighty does NOT know of any other god!! (Isaiah 44:8)

The Ten Commandments
1. You shall have no other Gods but me. Exodus 20:3
2. You shall not make for yourself any idol, nor bow down to it or worship it. Exodus 20:4-5
3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. Exodus 20:7
4. You shall remember and keep the Sabbath day holy. Exodus20:8
5. Respect your father and mother. Exodus 20:12
6. You must not kill. Exodus 20:13
7. You must not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14
8. You must not steal. Exodus 20:15
9 You must not give false evidence against your neighbour. Exodus 20:16
10.You must not be envious of your neighbour’s goods. You shall not be envious of his house nor his wife, nor anything that belongs to your neighbour. Exodus 20:17

•He who says, ‘I know him, and does not keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:4, KJV.
•True Christian doctrine is that there is only one God, who has ever existed anywhere, anyplace, anytime. There is no God formed before God; there will be no God formed after God. (Isaiah 43:10).
God doesn’t even know of any other Gods (Isaiah 44:8).
There is only one God in existence in the entire universe.
•It is not the Performing of Miracles is the criteria to go to heaven.
But to uphold the TEN COMMANDMENTS is the criteria to go to heaven.

•Jesus said: But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men. KJV Matthew 15:9

• Bible only contains 10% or less word of God (RED ink). But 90% plus (BLACK ink) is manmade doctrine.
•What the Bible says and what the church preaches is TWO different things.
• Bible is according to Paul, Mark, Matthew, John and Luke (whom between them wrote 28 chapters, who authorise them.)
•The revelation given to Jesus was “Injil” and the present Bible is NOT Injil.
• Jesus did not authorise anyone to write any book.
•Bible was written by 40 people over 1000/1500 year period.
• First bible was compiled 350AD from hear say.
•Bible contradicts itself, therefore that is the only book that is revised, revised,

Answer by 1Cor.14:34-35
1 cor.14:34-35 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.

35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

Christians obey the verses above but Buddhist don’t.

Answer by Dr pushpinder k
The main difference is that Christians begin with believing where as Buddhists begin with non believing.
The other main difference is that Christianity is prayer oriented where as Buddhism is meditation oriented.

Answer by I fear my government
You are correct in your observations about the similar values and morals. The big difference between most religions is the creation story. All people strive to answer “how did we get here”? Each religion describes a different beginning to the life cycle.

If you are truly interested in religions, may I suggest you read James Micheners “The Source”? It’s a long read, but you’ll never find a more in depth volume about the origin and progression of the Judeo-Christian religions, and their coexistence and struggles with Islam. It’s a phenominal book.

Answer by Doyce
bud is out of ism and christianity is man made like religions!

Answer by dew 1
Christians believe in the way ,the truth and the life i.e Jesus .
Buddhists believe in that person called Buddha .A faint shadow of Jesus.
Jesus is my hero ,not Buddha.Is he yours ?

Answer by A2Z
Both are idolators.

All Christian doctrines are the work of Paul, based on his desire to gain favor–and new converts–among the non Jews of his time. By incorporating pagan beliefs into the teachings of Jesus, Paul achieved phenomenal success in his ministry, but at the price of tearing down everything that true monotheism stands for. In so doing, Paul abrogated all teachings of Jesus and gave mankind a set of beliefs that have plagued his sense of reason ever since. It is here –the true nature and role of Jesus, as opposed to the Christian view of such — where we find the fundamental difference between Islam and Christianity.

When we look at Buddhism in the light of the verses of the Qur’an, we see that this belief is built on twisted teachings, contains peculiar acts of worship incompatible with human reason and logic, and turns man towards idolatry. This book reveals all the deviant aspects of this superstitious religion.

If God exists everywhere why cannot we worship idols?
First of all is God present everywhere?

Almighty God (Allah) is indeed the Creator, of all that exists; He is greater and above all the creations. And so, He cannot be inside what He created and His creatures cannot be inside Him. And He is with us wherever we are, but, His being with us is not in terms of His essence as He is above the heavens, but He is with us by His Knowledge. To know that Allah is with us, gives us a sense of consciousness that our Lord is entirely aware of our deeds and reminds us that we are answerable to Allah for all our actions.

He is the all-Seer, the all-Knower, the Protector of all that exists and He controls the affairs of the world being above the heavens:

Do you feel secure that He, WHO IS OVER THE HEAVEN will not cause the earth to sink with you? The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 67, Verse 16.

So the logic to worship idols because God exists everywhere does not hold true.

Creating objects of worship besides Allah.

Allah states, There is nothing like Him (Allah) but He sees and hears all. The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 42, Verse 11

and

There is none comparable to Him. The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 112, Verse 4

Allah goes on to inform us that our eyes cannot grasp Him. He said ,

Eyes cannot catch Him but He catches all eyes The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 6, Verse 103

Seeing God.

Allah also makes it clear that worshipping anything besides Allah is to ascribe partners to Him. To elevate them to Allah’s status and worship them is in derogation to Him. This is the crime of Shirk, the greatest of all sins.

Verily, Allah forgives not shirk (to worship/associate others) with Him, but he forgives (anything) less than that to whoever He pleases. And whoever makes shirk with Allah has invented a tremendous sin. The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 4, Verse 48.

Punishment for Shirk is Hell.

Know Allah through His attributes

Allah is not to be described with the qualities of His creation and nor is the creation to be given His divine qualities. To maintain the Oneness of Allah’s Names and Attributes is to describe Him only with qualities befitting His Majesty; those names and attributes with which He has described Himself in the Quran or those taught to us by His Prophet:

Allah – there is no deity but He. To Him belong the most beautiful (descriptive) names. The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 20, Verse 8

We may show mercy but Allah is The Most Merciful. We may possess some might but Allah is Almighty. Human vision is limited in range and color and can focus only superficially at single objects at one place and time. Allah however, can see all things everywhere, independent of space and time. So although we see, Allah is All-Seeing; likewise we hear, but Allah is All-Hearing, and so on. Thus, Allah’s Names and Attributes are unlike those if His creation.

There is nothing comparable to Him. And He is The All-Hearing, The All-Seeing. The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 42, Verse 11

Understanding Allah.

Answer by Lakely
Buddhism deserves your attention. They have preserved the original emphasis on meditation.

Difference? The differences came along after the founders were gone! For example, the original Kingdom Gospel was about becoming “Children of the light” (enlightenment), but the followers chose to emphasize Paul’s sacrifice gospel.

So I would say that as you suggest, the values are similar, but there were even more similarities in the preaching of their founders. More on my bio.

Answer by Jonathan
A Buddhist could read the bible and understand it better than a Christian

Answer by Rhys W
Okay I will give a simple rundown of how Buddhism and Christianity compare.

1) Christianity is THEISTIC, Buddhism is NON THEISTIC

Basically what this means is that Christians believe in a supreme being, an all powerful, all wise male humanoid creator, who is responsible for the universe as we presently see it. A Christian believes that God exists as one being in 3 separate forms, much like water can be ice, water or steam. The basic story of the Bible is that the first person created by God (Adam), sinned against God, broke his law, so God gave man the curse of death. 4000 years later, God sent himself in human flesh down to earth, was crucified and took the punishment for all of mans sin. So basically there is a heaven and a hell, and to go to heaven you have to repent and trust in Jesus Christ. To be a christian you absolutely accept all this unquestioningly on faith.

The goal of a Christian is to realize he is a wicked sinner, he is evil, he has broken God’s law, and he deserves to burn, shriek and scream in the lake of fire for eternity. However God sent himself down to earth in human form as Jesus Christ, took the punishment for all of mans sin, so man could be granted the gift of everlasting life. The Christian repents and trusts in Jesus Christ so when he dies he can go to heaven and avoid hell. According to the bible, Jesus Christ will forgive any transgression you may commit in your lifetime, including murder, rape, incest, bestiality, torture, sadism, anything you can think of, as long as you are genuinely sorry he will forgive you. There is however one unforgivable sin that eternally condemns you to hell, no matter what you do, and that is to:

Deny his existence.

After you deny the existence of the holy spirit, you are doomed. If the Christian doctrine is true there is no way you go to heaven after denying the holy spirit.

You will find a tense conflict between some aspects of the bible and what hard empirical evidence indicates in this day and age. E.g. The bible says the Earth is 6000 years old and that life is a result of the direct action of God. What the evidence actually tell us is that the earth is 4.5 billion years old and we are here as a result of evolution by natural selection. The bible also tells us there was a worldwide flood a few thousand years ago which killed all land animals. Science can extrapolate no such evidence to fit this.

Buddhism is not a religion in the conventional sense, it is a path of self discovery. The goal of a Buddhist is to release themselves from the constant cycle of life, suffering and death, and to achieve a state of complete peace and nonexistence. Buddhists to not believe in a creator god, rather they think all phenomena are a result of each other, i.e. everything inter-depends on everything to exist. With Buddhism there is no dogma or theology, no unquestioning faith, no fear of the wrath of a deity, Buddhism emphasizes experiential knowledge above all else, and finding your own path. Buddhists frequently practice meditation and compassion. Both practices are immensely healthy for your mental and spiritual well being. A well trained Buddhist is nearly always “zen” or in the present moment, free of thought and distraction, calm and innerly peaceful. Since Buddhism is more of a philosophy and a form of psychology then a religion, it is absolutely compatible with science. The Dalai Lama in fact regularly engages in free flowing dialogue with well respected neuro scientists on the benefits of meditation. It was the Buddha who said that if something in Buddhism was incompatible with hard scientific data, it would always be Buddhism that would have to change.

Answer by jmmevolve
Perhaps finding what they have in common would be more productive than highlighting their differences? Acceptance comes when we realize all people are seeking spirituality.

J

Answer by Kokoa
-Christianity tells one what to believe. They use the Bible to teach beliefs.

-Buddhism is meant for one’s self. They teach you to question the world around you.

Really, you’re best off getting deep into this topic. Maybe read a couple books about it if you’d like. I really think you should visit the temple. (They give you tea and you meditate, simple as that…)

Answer by Skeeterman1961
The greatest difference that puts Christianity in a catigory by itself is that it is the only religion that lays claim that Jesus – the physical incarnation of God – died and was resurrected. Buddism – as I understand it – states that Budda is reencarnated over and over again and lives within a “host” until that man physically dies, then he finds another host.

Budda also was a common man who developed peaceful teachings but was not born from God, just a regular man who taught peace.

Jesus is the spirit of God, concieved in the womb by maraculus (?spell) conception and physically born into the flesh of man – taught the word of God and was put to death to accept the penalty for the sins of all men. After 3 days in the tomb, he rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God.