-Both worship one God (but the Buddha is not a God he is a religious teacher)
-Both Gods are tempted by the devil
-Both walk over the water
-They both have a religious building
-they both have a leader of there religious building (B= Monk C= A Priest)
-They both can worship in groups or individually
There are many more similarities
*There is no God worship in Buddhism. When asked about the existence of a supreme being the Buddha remained silent and did not answer.
Answer: There is actually not a lot of similarity between the two religions except for the feeling that being "good" is better for the followers than being "bad". Examples and comparisons:
Means of salvation:
- Buddhism: To contemplate the truth of each moment, allowing practitioner to see the Four Noble Truths of life. Every person is responsible for their own actions and the consequences. Nirvana is atained on enlightenment and the forgoing of a sence of self.
- Christianity: Salvation through faith, and a relationship with Jesus Christ and daily repentance of sins. A "devil" exists to tempt followers into evil ways and away from salvation.
Holy days/Day of Worship:
- Buddhism: No one day is deemed holier then another. Worshipping is merely a cultural practice and has a socializing aspect. Celebrations of special historic events in the life of the Buddha are common
- Christianity: Many special days, Sunday in general and Christmas, Easter, New Year, Pentecost, Saints' Feast Days. FAilure to observe these days was regarded as a "sin" in the past.
Uniqueness of Belief:
- Buddhism: Buddhism is a Dharmic religion with no contradiction in following more than one religion, ad no problem in only taking part of Buddhist teachings.
- Christianity: Christianity is the true religion. Judaism is a true religion, but with incomplete revelation and Islam is a false religion. All other religions are false
Religious Law:
- Buddhism: There are no religious rules. The Dharma, however, describes nature or reality. For example, if there is an effect, there is a cause.
- Christianity: The 10 Commandments are a base but following the whole Bible (except got the micromanagement of the OT laws) is advocated.
Belief in a deity:
- Buddhism: Most believe in revering enlightened beings. No belief in a Supreme Creator. Zen Buddhists don't believe in deities. The "Devil" position does not exist in Buddhism
- Christianity: A belief in the Trinity of God - The Father (God) - The Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. The role of the Devilas an evil god is somewhat unclear to outsiders.
Regular Practices:
- Buddhism: Regularly visit temple to socialize and make offerings to the Buddha and to develop the mind and appreciate the need for proper behavior and attitude.
- Christianity: Regularly church attendance (especially on Sundays) for Worship. Doing good works and spreading the word is encouraged.
Clergy:
- Buddhism: No priestly hierarchy in Buddhism although monks are well regarded for their knowledge.
- Christianity: Priests, monks, ministers, pastors, bishops, Elders, Deacons, Youth Ministers, Sunday School Teachers ave a special position in the community..
God's role in salvation:
- Buddhism: Each person is his own refuge.
- Christianity: Ultimate judgment by God. Failure to accept Jesus leads to damnation.
Human Nature:
- Buddhism: The internal Buddha nature is good and leads ultimately towards enlightenment.
- Christianity: The base of human nature is "original sin" inherited from Adam. It exhibits itself as a tendency towards evil.
Answer: While there are some significant differences, Buddhism and Christianity both advocate a peaceful style of human interaction. Where Jesus promoted "love thy neighbor", Buddha encouraged followers to practice compassion for all living things. Jesus told followers to "turn the other cheek" and Buddha told someone who was attacking him "I refuse to accept your abuse". Neither encouraged violence. Both Jesus and Buddha were reacting against the religious and social norms of their societies. Both were more inclusive, focused on love, compassion, and thoughtfulness, and encouraged self-improvement.
On major difference is Christianity is focused on the reward of eternal life after death for moral living while Buddhism focuses more on ending suffering in the here and now and the attainment of nirvana. While the meta-physical focus may differ, both seek a more peaceful and loving world.