Two Different Paths

Most of the similarities between Christianity and Buddhism can be attributed to the altruism that both teach as a model of personal conduct and attitude, or to the existence and practices of monks, nuns, and monasteries among Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Theravada Buddhists. Apart from these similarities, in many ways Buddhism and Christianity are virtual opposites. In this excerpt we will look further at these contrasts.

In spite of the numerous similarities, the Christian and Buddhist paths to liberation are miles apart. At their core, they are radically different religions. The paths of Buddha and Jesus part irreparably over three key issues:

Are we going to seek a close, interactive relationship with a personal God, and mutually encouraging fellowship with those of the same faith, or are we going to try to zone out of this world and burrow deep within, seeking the divine within on a solo basis, apart from a personal God?
Will our spirituality be based on faith in God and the compassion for others that such faith can inspire, or will it be based on self-disciplined efforts to meditate, do good works, and think good thoughts?
Are we going to avail ourselves of God's ways of dealing with our bad karma, through his mercy, grace, and forgiveness, or are we going to try to work it off through lifetimes of stoic coping with its consequences, while taking every opportunity to generate positive karma through good deeds?

The religion someone practices is largely determined by his or her answers to these three questions. Two other critical decisions also come into play:

Are we going to have an attitude of arrogance or humility toward those with different beliefs?
Are we going to actively intervene in the lives of others or are we going to "live and let live"?

If we lay these options out in a table, we have some illuminating contrasts.



	Arrogance	Humility

Intervener	Christian militants	Biblical teaching
Non-intervener	Buddhist recluses	Buddha's writings

Both religions are similar in that, while humility is what was taught and modeled by their leaders,¹ arrogance is often practiced instead, resulting in two extremes of non-exemplary behavior. Since arrogant Buddhist recluses are less harmful than arrogant Christian militants, many would argue that Buddhism is the better choice. However, neither style of arrogant living is what was originally taught, which is what should really be compared.

Even though true Christianity is a religion of faith, many Christians think and act as if it were one of works, thereby living out a churchianity quite contrary to the teachings of Jesus. In addition, some Christians try to make God their personal servant rather than trying to be a servant of God. A prime example of this is someone whose prayers are mostly for selfish desires.

Footnotes

¹Buddha's life before his enlightenment was not exemplary by Western standards. While married he also had concubines. He then abandoned his wife and child to become a wandering monk. Sanderson Beck, "Buddha and Buddhism," San.Beck.org, retrieved September 18, 2010.