Verified Document

Religions Similarities And Differences Among Thesis

While the similarities in ethical and theological concepts are great, some differences emerge. For instance, Islam seems to be the more fundamental or faith-based of the two religions, as Robinson (2008-1) points often to a liberal branch of Christianity that questions even the very fundamentals of the faith. For instance, while Muslims believe that Jesus was born of a Virgin, even though they do not accept him as the Son of God, liberal Christians do not accept the idea of the virgin birth (Robinson, 2008-1). While Christianity has gained its share of criticism, many critics have targeted Islam in the wake of the September 11, 2009 attacks. Many criticize Islam for the concept of Jihad, a term that Robinson (2008A) argues is one of the most misunderstood in the religion. Some interpret this term as war against non-believers. Ellian (2008) also criticizes Islam for its inability to accept criticism and intense devotion to the Holy Koran. Thus, Islam and Christianity share many basic theological and ethical beliefs, differing on the importance of Jesus and the trinity, among other ideas. Both are the recipients of criticism at home and abroad. Buddhism, however, is much different from both Christianity and Islam. In fact, some even argue that Buddhism is not really a religion, but a philosophy. Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who lived in ancient India. The Buddha entered a quest to seek enlightenment, and when he did so, he sought to teach others. Some believe that Buddhism was heavily influenced by Hinduism, which also claims the three core beliefs of Buddhism -- Karma, Dharma, and Reincarnation (Robinson 2009). Many believe that Buddhism is not a religion because it does not require faith or a belief in a supernatural being. Buddhists do not worship the Buddha, nor do they believe they can attain salvation through him. Instead, the relationship between the Buddha and his followers is that of the teacher-student relationship (Thera, 2009, paras. 1-3). In much the same way, Buddhism does not support the main historical tenants of religions like Christianity and Islam, such as salvation, sin, and the concept of heaven and hell (Robinson 2007). This being said, Buddhism does share some aspects of both Islam and Christianity. These aspects have primarily to do with ethics, as well as philosophy. For instance, all three religions adhere to...

In addition, the three religions all advocate the importance of positive aspects, such as morality, justice, and love. Finally, all three religions share a belief in the existence of an afterlife, although this is much different in the form of Buddhism than the heaven and hell mentioned in the Koran and Bible. The Buddhist's afterlife, instead, consists of reincarnation reflecting Karma and a step in the process toward enlightenment. Still, it is arguable whether or not Buddhism can really be called a religion, though it is certainly a philosophy undertaken by many.
Thus, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism are three of the world's largest religions, and even though they seem to be completely different -- so different that they cause conflict -- there are aspects shared by all three. This has important implications for the study of contemporary religions, as well as for the religious seeker.

References

Ellian, A. (2009). "Criticism and Islam." Retrieved June 10, 2009, from The Wall Street

Journal. Web Site: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120692614173175795.html

Robinson, B.A. (2007). "Comparison of Buddhism and Christianity." Retrieved June 10,

2009, from Religious Tolerance.org. Web Site: http://www.religioustolerance.org/buddhism4.htm

Robinson, B.A. (2008). "Christianity: A Brief History." Retrieved June 10, 2009, from Religious Tolerance.org. Web Site: http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_intr1.htm

Robinson, B.A. (2008B). "Comparing Christianity and Islam: the world's two largest religions." Retrieved June 10, 2009, from Religious Tolerance.org. Web Site: http://www.religioustolerance.org/comp_isl_chr.htm

Robinson, B.A. (2009). "Buddhism, based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama."

Retrieved June 10, 2009, from Religious Tolerance.org. Web Site: http://www.religioustolerance.org/buddhism.htm

"The Truth About Islam." (2003). Retrieved June 10, 2009, from Religious

Tolerance.org. Web Site: http://www.religioustolerance.org/isl_truth.htm

Thera, N. (2009). "Buddhism in a Nutshell." Retrieved June 10, 2009, from Buddha Net.

Web Site: http://www.buddhanet.net/nutshell03.htm

Sources used in this document:
References

Ellian, A. (2009). "Criticism and Islam." Retrieved June 10, 2009, from The Wall Street

Journal. Web Site: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120692614173175795.html

Robinson, B.A. (2007). "Comparison of Buddhism and Christianity." Retrieved June 10,

2009, from Religious Tolerance.org. Web Site: http://www.religioustolerance.org/buddhism4.htm
Robinson, B.A. (2008). "Christianity: A Brief History." Retrieved June 10, 2009, from Religious Tolerance.org. Web Site: http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_intr1.htm
Robinson, B.A. (2008B). "Comparing Christianity and Islam: the world's two largest religions." Retrieved June 10, 2009, from Religious Tolerance.org. Web Site: http://www.religioustolerance.org/comp_isl_chr.htm
Retrieved June 10, 2009, from Religious Tolerance.org. Web Site: http://www.religioustolerance.org/buddhism.htm
Tolerance.org. Web Site: http://www.religioustolerance.org/isl_truth.htm
Web Site: http://www.buddhanet.net/nutshell03.htm
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Social and Political Differences Among
Words: 2507 Length: 8 Document Type: Thesis

Religion played an important role in the lives of many of the Northern colonists as well, but by the time of the Revolution it was not nearly so prevalent in the politics of the day as it had been during the earlier times of the Puritan and Pilgrim settlements. This was, in fact, one of the main societal -- and ultimately political -- differences between the Northern colonies and the

Revolutions Compare Similarities Differences Revolutions America,...
Words: 865 Length: 2 Document Type: Essay

Revolutions Compare similarities differences revolutions America, France, Latin America. Identify common themes present revolution. What fighting ? Who influenced revolutions? What outcome revolution? What effect revolutions world?. Revolutions in America, France, and Latin America: Causes, ideology, and consequences Perhaps the most notable difference between the 18th century revolution in America vs. The 18th century revolution in France was one of class: America was not, primarily, a class-driven revolution. The Founding Fathers and supporters of

Religion Comparison Religions in Ancient
Words: 2389 Length: 7 Document Type: Essay

According to Bass, "Hinduism is the only major religion lacking an adequate explanation as to its origin," as no definitive Hindu text exist that that date before 1000 B.C. Indeed, because Hinduism is one of the religions that views time as cyclical rather than linear, what information is available about Hinduism does not give a very accurate picture of its history (Bass 5). What can be gleaned from this

Similarities and Differences Among the Three Major Religions Judaism...
Words: 1115 Length: 3 Document Type: Term Paper

Judaism, Christianity, And Islam Judaism, Christianity and Islam: Similarities and Differences I am sure that most of you already have some pretty strong convictions about one or all of the three major world religions I will discuss today -- particularly, given the state of current events, considering Islam. However, if you strip away the political issues surrounding the faith, I am sure that you will be amazed to know just how many similarities

Religion/Israel L. Jones Role of
Words: 2790 Length: 9 Document Type: Term Paper

However, prior to the creation of Israel the numbers were much higher (currently approximately 300,000 Palestinian Christians live in the U.S. alone (2004). Interestingly, the Israeli Army does not differentiate between Arab Christians and Arab Muslims in their occupation activities. In fact, in many areas Palestinian Christians are particularly hit by civilian casualty occurrences (Halter, 2001). In fact, Palestinian Christians identify so strongly with the Palestinian cause that statements

Religion in the Modern World Religion Modern
Words: 2625 Length: 9 Document Type: Essay

Religion in the Modern World Religion Modern World Religion is something that is as old as man. It means "almost everything because religions deal with the whole of human life -- and death" (Bowker 2006). Since the beginning of mankind, individuals have searched themselves and others, contemplated the universe and all its elements, and religions are what were formed through these personal and public explorations. But what exactly are religions? What does

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now