Buddhism (Pro) or Christianity (Con)

INTRODUCTION Buddhism and Christianity are similar in a few ways but not many. The differences are what we must look at to see which is better and more relevant to our lives, thus figuring whether one is true and another is false. Some say that Buddhist teachings and Christianity are compatible, and that one can be a Christian and at the same time adopt Buddhist teachings. The truth is, although you may hear some Buddhists claim that "we believe the same things; there are many paths to God", many fundamental Buddhist teachings are in fact diametrically opposed to those of the Biblical Christianity. A. Christianity is more feasible than Buddhism. I will explain this in 4 ways. 1.) The Christian Worldview is that the Holy Trinity from the Bible is the Creator of all matter. Science nor any mythical story that Buddhism may entail cannot explain the beginning of time or the creation of life. In Buddhist literature, the belief in a creator god (issara-nimmana-vada) is frequently mentioned and rejected, along with other causes wrongly adduced to explain the origin of the world; as, for instance, world-soul, time, nature, etc. God-belief, however, is placed in the same category as those morally destructive wrong views which deny the kammic results of action, assume a fortuitous origin of man and nature, or teach absolute determinism. In Christianity, the only worthy literature we believe is the Bible, and according to it the beginning of the universe is explained perfectly as well as explained in a way that does not contradict its teachings in any other part of the Bible. Buddhism, however, doesn't have a set book or 'truth' therefore there is nothing to specifically and definitely believe in. In this religion you can't prove the idea true or false because there isn't a SET ideal that all Buddhists believe in, (in contrast to Christians). 2.) The Salvation story is inconsistent in Buddhism while Christianity is consistent and feasible in this way. Rewards and punishments have to do with judgment and accountability, and the Bible does assert that each must give an account to God one day for their actions. God is a loving Creator, and that"s absolutely true. But He is also just, and must punish sin. And we have all sinned, and missed the mark " as the Bible says, "All have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). The good news is that those that put their faith in Jesus are not condemned " because they have put their trust in Him " God Himself, who came to earth in the form of man to pay the ultimate penalty for all sine, and rescue His creatures. "For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God " not of works lest any many should boast." (Ephesians 2:8). Yes, good works are vital, but they are like the fruit of a good tree that is firmly planted. Faith naturally produces good works, or fruit of the Spirit of God guiding us along His path each day. As a result, we reap rewards in this life by helping others, and we grow in character to be more like Christ. Those outside of Christ must give an account one day to God apart from Christ"s saving work on the cross " and can their works save them? Can Buddha"s eight fold path of guidance save? The Bible says no, because the stain of "sin" still remains. "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12) - and that name is Jesus. 3.) A Buddha is not an incarnation of a god/God (as claimed by some Hindu followers). The relationship between a Buddha and his disciples and followers is that of a teacher and student. Buddha is a teacher, and his followers are students. To Christians, Jesus is also a great Teacher. But He is ever so much more. "Jesus is Lord" (Phil 3:20) proclaims the Bible in numerous places, and in fact this was a common pronouncement among early Christians. The Bible says that Jesus is the eternal Word of God made flesh (see John chapter 1). We cannot save ourselves from our always-sinful nature. The Bible makes it clear that our own good works will not suffice. As Jesus said, "unless you believe that I AM, you will die in your sins." (John 8:24). Believe and receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior " you have nothing to lose, and everything in this life, and in the world to come, to gain! 4.) In Buddhism, the ultimate objective of followers/practitioners is enlightenment and/or liberation from Samsara; rather than to go to a Heaven (or a deva realm in the context of Buddhist cosmology. According to Wikipedia, Samsara literally means a continuous flow of the cycle of birth, life, death, rebirth/reincarnation. Buddhism preaches that the ultimate goal is to free oneself from that cycle. In contrast, the Bible tells the story of Jesus being the "Good Samaritan" and NOT trying to free oneself from this world. The Bible speaks of not being a part of the transgressions from this world and other sinful worldliness, but this does not imply that we humans should try to escape the world itself! Christians are commanded to work to change the world for the better " to reflect Christ into the world -- and I could give many examples of this happening in the world, putting a good connotation on the word 'Christian.' This proves that what Jesus teaches is more affective and better than the Buddhism object. CONCLUSION Lastly I would like to point out how Karma is unrealistic when we think of it scientifically or historically in context. What's more feasible is that there is cause and effect, and we have genetic inheritance, and choice. In fact, the Bible teaches "God is not mocked " whatsoever you sow that shall you reap also." Suffering is a reality comprehensible for Christians, explained by the fact of sin in the world and a fallen creation. And although there are disasters that occur in this creation that has gone awry, much suffering is brought on by mankind"s own injustice to one another. Christians understand that, so its not a mystery. We also realize that many times suffering brings us closer to the Lord, as we rely on Him through trials to grow our character (see also James 1). Through all this I hope that all readers have understood why Christianity is more reasonable, realizable, and beautiful than Buddhism. Later on I will provide evidence for the following proposition that "Christianity is more feasible and flawless than ALL religions," but in this debate the main concept will be Buddhism against Christianity. Thank you and sorry for the long first arguments. ;) Sources http://www.accesstoinsight.org... http://evidencetobelieve.net... http://www.gotquestions.org...