Religion and Theology - Research Paper Example

?Religion and Theology Task: Religion and Theology The debate of the afterlife among various religions has continued to generate heated debate in different forums. Similarly, it is critical to note that there are numerous religions around the world such Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Ascetism and Islam among many others that possess their individual doctrines and beliefs (Berry, 2006). Therefore, this essay has the intention of discussing the existing beliefs of Christianity and those of Buddhism and they differ. Additionally, the paper will attempt to determine the inherent factors that influence afterlife in both religions such as soul is to Christianity and the mind to Buddhism. Alternatively, it is essential to note that while Christians believe in the existence of one God who defines matters of afterlife; Buddhists do not harbor such beliefs. However, the same Buddhist believes that the power of humanity lies in the purity of their minds whereby enlightenment is attained. There are various differences between Christianity and Buddhism on the context of their beliefs in the soul and afterlife. However, it is imperative to discuss the individual beliefs of Christianity and Buddhism in respect to how the soul relates with the existence of a person after he/she is dead. The basic Christian beliefs entail the belief that only one God exists (Bloom, 2012). This is backed by the writings of the bible from the books of John, Corinthians, and Galatians among others. Similarly, most Christians believe God is in form on a Trinity. In other words, there is God the Father, the Son and God the Holy Spirit or Holy Grail. On the same note, a deep belief in Christianity maintains that God has the omnipotent power or is extremely powerful and hence is control of the entire universe. This is supported by the verse in the book of Psalm 115:3 among other biblical books. For the record, Christianity makes the allusion their God is the all powerful God. Furthermore, God is present everywhere or has omnipresence autonomy according basic Christian beliefs. There is also the element of sovereignty in the belief of Christians suggesting an element of a Supreme Being who is in control (Masih, 2000). Apart from the aforementioned elements of God, Christians also have an inherent belief in the existence of an afterlife. In the same aspect, Christians have a deep belief that a place called exists where sinners who have not repented are banished. Other basic beliefs of Christianity believe that God is true, God is love and God is the overall creator of all that lives among others. On the other hand, there are also basic Buddhism beliefs. For example, Buddhism follows the path of other beliefs in the context that it has its divisions. This suggests that it also shares the conventional set of the significant beliefs. On that aspect, one of the fundamental beliefs inherent with Buddhism is called reincarnation (Moreman, 2010). This entails the concept that there is rebirth of people after their death. In other words, the religion maintains that people go through phases of birth, living and rebirth. On that note, there are religious differences between the concepts of reincarnation and rebirth on the context of Buddhism. For example, in reincarnation, a person may appear many times in different forms after death while in rebirth, an individual does not have to return to the earth. In other words, the entity of the person does not return to the earth again. This comparison is usually done to a leaf growing on tree. There is always an eventual replacement of a withered leaf that has fallen off. Alternatively, there is a similarity to an old leaf but not the same as the original leaf. It is after many phases whereby an individual exudes the attachment of self and desire and the stage of Nirvana is reached (Steinfels, 2009). It is also a state of freedom from suffering and liberation. In that prospect, there are three practices or trainings of Buddhism. They include Sila that mean morality, good conduct or virtue. Additionally, there is Samadhi that deals with meditation, concentration and mental development. Alternatively, there is Prajna that deals with wisdom, enlightenment and insight in terms of the purity of the mind. Other noble truths that deal with human suffering include Dukkha, Samudaya Nirodha and Magga. Therefore, in regards to the individual beliefs of both religions, it is critical to make a clear definition of after life in terms of how it relates to Christianity and Buddhism. For example, according to Christians there is an afterlife meaning an alternative blissful existence in a better place called Heaven. This is a place Christians believe there is no sin or evil and God coexists with His subjects an eternal harmony without any suffering (Thompson, 2010). On that perspective, Christians maintain that individuals who abide by the teachings of the bible that are the inspiration of God always end up in heaven as reward for keeping the word. Alternatively, those who commit sins such as murder, fornication and stealing among other heinous sins stated in the Ten Commandments are destined for a place called hell where Satan heads. It is a place hated by Christians on the basis of the eternal suffering especially the fire that is believed will burn unrepentant sinners. On the other hand, in Buddhism, there is also an inherent belief in the afterlife but without the mention of God (Berry, 2006). However, just like Christians, Buddhists also believe the gaining of an afterlife may take two sides after the death of person. For example, they also hold that people who do good on earth by abiding by the three fundamental trainings or the four noble truths then hell is yours. On the same prospect, those do good things to their fellow human beings in the religion of Buddhism are promised an afterlife as a reward that lasts for eternity. Therefore, it is paramount to distinguish how the belief of afterlife varies between the two religions. For example, the teachings of Buddhism insist that people are trapped in a cyclic mode of birth, life, death and rebirth. In other words, with every successful rebirth, there is always either a better life or a worse life. This depends on the Karma of an individual that means the merits and sins that collected during the present and past lives of the person. In that account, the goal of a person is to escape from the cycle and attain the coveted state of Nirvana. On the attainment of this state, there is an experience of complete freedom of the mind, non-attachment and liberation. Additionally, there is an end of suffering and craving that is known to cause most suffering in the world (Moreman, 2010). On the other hand, historically, Christianity teaches its members that there is only one life here on earth. In other words, there is an evaluation of a person’s beliefs and actions in a day called Final Judgment. In the same context, there is a promise of an eternal life for every person who obeys the word of God. Therefore, it is the outcome of the judgment from God that will determine whether a person is going to Heaven or Hell. This suggests that there is existence of suffering in Heaven but only joy whereas torture and hopeless is what defines Hell. Another arising issue with afterlife in the context of the two religions involves reincarnation and the belief of an existing God. This can be better explained from the soul and mind point of view. For example, while Christians mostly believe it is the soul that remains after an individual is dead, the Buddhist believe in a subtle mind (Yandell & Netland, 2009). Therefore, while according to Christians the soul has no existence on the preceding, in Buddhism there are countless lives of the mind. Similarly, Christians have the perception that the souls of sinners are destined for eternal fire in hell while in Buddhism there is liberation from suffering and gaining enlightenment. Furthermore, according to Christians the immortality of souls only exists in human beings but animals because they have no spirituality. On the other hand, all conscious have minds according to Buddhists. In the same cope, while Buddhists believe that an Enlightened Being has the choice to depart the Pure Land and get reborn in a human format and inspire others to enlightenment, in Christianity it is not the case. Christianity maintains that souls can never return to heaven once they have entered heaven. Moreover, while among Buddhists believe that the minds all conscious of people has the potentiality of a Buddha nature or seed, in Christianity it is different. According to Christians, the mind of God is independent from the soul of an individual. This suggests that God is a Holy Deity that humanity cannot match. Apart from the aspects of the soul aforementioned, traditional Christians also concur that the reach of Christ’s salvation cannot save the soul of child cast to limbo by death before baptism. On the other hand, in Buddhism, a higher being in resemblance of Jesus called Bodhisattva takes care of all sentient beings (Moreman, 2010). This suggests that there is a limitation of abilities and intentions on the side of Christ. Similarly, there is the issue of contamination of the soul when it comes into contact with the world according to Christians. In the same note, Christians claim that inheritance of sin came from Adam when he fell from the Grace of God. Therefore, it is mission of the Holy Church to create an intervention from the eternal suffering of hell. Alternatively, in Buddhism, the mind is predisposed to both positive and negative impressions from its past experiences. Hence this has the effect of maintaining the purity of the sense of the mind. However, there are other philosophical differences concerning the concept of the soul, mind and afterlife of the two religions that are essential to mention (Steinfels, 2009). For example, Christians maintain that there is only one soul that is separated from God. Additionally, each soul has its own uniqueness in relation to the perception of God. On the other hand, Buddhists do not believe in the concept of one God but they have several gods. This means that the attachment of mind to one God does not exist hence the issue of reincarnation and rebirth for further enlightenment. In other words, a series of awareness is what defines the mind according to ardent Buddhists and that is how enlightenment is attained in the context of an afterlife. This is why Buddhists insist on the virtues of exchanging self with others and compassion towards our neighbors. There are other fundamental beliefs of Buddhism that diametrically differ with Christianity in the context of the existence of an afterlife (Yandell & Netland, 2009). For instance, while Christians wholly believe it is one God who metes out rewards or punishments, Buddhists do not believe that. In other words, there is on almighty God according to the doctrines of Buddhism. The concept of savior does not exist on Buddhism unlike in Christianity. This suggests that the issue of afterlife has no dependence of Jesus Christ initiating a form of salvation in order for the mind to attain an afterlife or rebirth after death. In summary, it is imperative for both scholars and students of religion and theology to widen the study of both Christianity and Buddhism. This suggests that there is need for both divides of the religions to learn the fundamental doctrines and beliefs of one another. In other words, if Christians have one God who cares for His subjects in terms of according them a place called Heaven, Buddhists should learn some lessons (Yamamoto, 2007). On the other hand, the essence of Buddhism believing on the purity of the mind as an aspect of attaining of attaining Karma should also be emulated by Christians. This will start by both believers agreeing on the existence of one Supreme Being who is in control of the universe. Additionally, rebirth and reincarnation of human beings is also a crucial lesson for Christians to learn from the Buddhist believers because it helps in the understanding of existence cycle. This will have the power to reduce religious intolerance currently felt around the world. References Berry, T. (2006). Christianity and Buddhism: A Comparison and a Contrast. Belmont, MA: Kessinger Publishing. Bloom, A. (2012, November 10). Where Do I Go When I Die?: Christian and Buddhist Views. New York Times, pp. 12. Retrieved from < http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/10/us/10beliefs.html?_r=1> Masih, Y. (2000). A Comparative Study of Religions. New York, NY: Motilal Banarsidass Publ. Moreman, C. (2010). Beyond the Threshold: Afterlife Beliefs and Experiences in World Religions. New Jersey, NJ: Rowman & Littlefield. Steinfels, P. (2009, October 9). A Look at Christianity, Through a Buddhist Lens. New York Times, pp. 1-2. Retrieved From < http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/10/us/10beliefs.html?_r=1> Thompson, R. (2010). Buddhist Christianity: A Passionate Openness. New York, NY: O Books. Yamamoto, I. (2007, June 12). Buddhist and Christian Beliefs. Christian Research Institute, pp. 1-3. Retrieved From Yandell, K. & Netland, H. (2009). Buddhism: A Christian Exploration and Appraisal. Mason, OH: InterVarsity Press. Read More