Comparing And Contrasting Christianity And Buddhism :: Comparison Religion Christian Essays

Comparing And Contrasting Christianity And Buddhism Christianity and Buddhism are different religions, yetcompare and contrast greatly. Though founded at differentperiods of time, Christianity and Buddhism have shapedcultures and have had a great influence on people allaround the world with origins, customs and beliefs.Siddhartha Gautama was born about 563 B.C. He left hiswealthy lifestyle when he was about 29 to seek wisdom.For historic period, he found not wisdom but only pain. Aftermeditating for several days under a tree, foresightfinally came to him. He would now be known as theBuddha or enlightened mavin. Buddha and savior, thefounder of Christianity, are alike and different in manyways. Jesus of Nazareth was born about A. D 6. Heclaimed to be the son of God, but was disliked by thosewho practiced other religions. When he was about 33years old, Jesus was tried and prosecuted for heresy. Hewas then sentenced to be crucified. After his death, Paulcontinued to spread Christian ity throughout the world.More than a thousand years later, it became one of themost widely known practices in the world, just asBuddhism has. Christians and Buddhists have their owncustoms and beliefs. Followers of Christianity are to whapthy Lord first and love thy neighbor as thyself. Jesus gainedlarge crowds and chase by performing miracles. SinceChristians are only to worship the Lord, they aremonotheist. Buddhism, however is quite different. Buddhataught his followers the foursome Noble Truths, the main ideasof seeking enlightenment. In addition to seekingenlightenment, people could reach nirvana, or a releasefrom pain and suffering. Buddha taught all his followers totreat all other living things with love and respect.Throughout both their lives, Jesus and Buddha spread theteachings they taught, Christianity and Buddhism. After theresurrection of Jesus after his death in A. D 33, thedisciples began to spread the word about Jesus. Paul, oneof the disciples of Jesus, spent the rest of his life preachingand spreading Christianity to Jews and non-Jews alike. Justlike Jesus, Buddha spread his teachings throughout his life.