Introduction
In its context, Buddhism refers to a tradition, based on personal spiritual development. Individuals privy to this religion are referred to a Buddhists, and their emphasis is mainly on connecting with nature, devoid of worshipping deities or gods (Eckel, 2010). Biblical or Christian worldview refers to the approach of life in a bid to make sense in regards to life and the world. It strives to understand God, the relationship between God and man, and the world (Woodhead, 2004). Both Buddhism and biblical view are based on ideologies. For instance, a Buddhist believes that liberation form suffering can only be achieved through self-purification, while individuals privy to biblical worldview believe serving and believing in God is the only way one can achieve liberation. This study compares and contrasts Buddhism to biblical worldview based on numerous questions.
The Question of Origin
According to Buddhism, selected worldview, the origin of the universe emanates from one school of thought. It states that, the start of the world and life is inconceivable considering the two have neither beginning nor the end (Eckel, 2010). Buddhism does not claim that Buddha or a powerful god created the universe. Regarding the coming into existence, Buddhism remains uncertain regarding life origin. Buddhism embraces evolution as the way in which humanity came into existence.
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In contrast, biblical view holds that, the universe originated from being created by God at the beginning. Genesis 1:1 deducts that ‘‘in the beginning God created heavens and earth.’’ This contradicts the belief by Buddhism. In regards to the way humanity came into existence, the bible in Genesis 1:27 observe that, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” In contrast, Buddhism holds that human came into existence through evolution.
The Question of Identity
According to Buddhism, to be human is examining qualities and nature of human life and demonstrating the ability to attain enlightenment. Buddhism does not believe in human being superior or important than other living things. Cows, cats, dogs, trees and all other living creatures should be left to live just as humans (Eckel, 2010).
According to the Bible, to be human is to play one’s role or purpose as God planned during creation (Woodhead, 2004). Biblical perspective holds that God has a purpose for all and as such to be human is to be a recipient of God’s love and reciprocating the same. In contrast, Buddhism regards humans as beings with a mind.
From a biblical perspective, human beings are not important than other living things, but the bible differentiates the two. Good Christianity is against inflicting harm on other living things (Woodhead, 2004). All living things have a role in creation and God created them with a purpose. In contrast, Buddhism encourage that living things should be shown compassion. The teachings of Buddhism are not against other living creatures. However, there lacks a clear distinction of Buddhism towards humans and living creatures, but Buddhists believes that just as humans, the living things are subject to the karma process.
The Question of Meaning/Purpose
According to Buddhism, man occupies the highest position in the evolution tree. In that sense, human beings can find the purpose of humanity by realizing their position in nature and comprehend life’s true meaning ( Lopez, 2009) .
In contrast, the biblical view deducts that, humanity’s purpose is to prepare humanity to live a life of overcoming sin, growing in grace and knowledge in order to realize the Kingdom and become kings to reign with Jesus upon his return ( Stump, 2017) . Humanity having been born in God’s image was so that, they can assist God to rule over the creation.
The Question of Morality
When it comes to right and wrong, nothing is wrong and nothing right. According to Buddhism, no sin and no ultimate wrong, and nothing is right and there lacks any justice to hope. In Buddhism, morality is not determined as there is no right or wrong thing. There lacks moral guilt or sin in Buddhism ( Wayne, 2016) . Good and evil do not exist in separate forms, as one cannot condone evil things and proceed to despise the good. Buddhism teachings hold that, humans create morality themselves based on what they feel is favoring them.
Right and wrong from a biblical perspective depends largely on the teachings of the bible. The two are determined on what people feel in ethical. Even so, the bible warns that the path followed by majority is wrong ( Stump, 2017) . From a biblical perspective, morality is determined when one applies sense in determining the wrong and right behavior. The bible has many verses on morality. For instance, Romans 13:8-10 calls on people to demonstrate nothing else but to love each other. In that sense, when one is not showing love, then they are doing the wrong thing. In contrast, Buddhism has no definite way for determining the wrong or right thing.
The Question of Destiny
Buddhism acknowledges that, all humans shall eventually die and that humans should remain privy to the fact that life has an end. Even so, Buddhism holds that end of life does not come with death, and instead, only the body ends, and the spirit remains. In that sense, the spirit gets attached to another new body in a new life ( Lopez, 2009) .
According to the bible, whenever people die, they stop existing. Dead people do not act, fell or think anything. In Genesis 3:19, people will return as dust, and the same is mentioned in the book of Ecclesiastes ( Stump, 2017) . The biblical view holds that, whenever people die, their souls go to heaven because upon accepting Christ, their sins were forgiven. Death hands believers a chance to be with the lord. In contrast, Buddhism holds that life continues, but it turns into another form owing to the accumulated karma.
References
Woodhead, L. (2004). Christianity: a very short introduction. Oxford [Oxfordshire]: Oxford University Press.
Lopez, D., Jr. (2009). Buddhism and Science: A Guide for the Perplexed . University of Chicago Press
Eckel, M. D. (2010). Buddhism. Understanding religions. New York, NY: The Rosen Publishing Group
Stump, J. (2017). Bible Teachings: A Summary View of Christian Doctrine and Christian Character, Drawn from the Word of God (Classic Reprint). New York, NY: Fb&c Limited
Wayne, L. (2016). Morality in Buddhism. Retrieved from < https://carm.org/morality-in- buddhism>
