Can Buddhism be more reliable than Christianity?

  • Thread starter Saint
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In summary, Buddhism is a way of life that focuses on living in the present and doing good deeds. It teaches that individuals are responsible for their own karma and that the key to happiness is to lead a moral life, be mindful and develop wisdom. Buddhism is not a religion in the traditional sense, but rather a philosophy that provides answers to modern societal problems and a deep understanding of the human mind. The founder of Buddhism was Siddhartha Gotama, who was born into a royal family in Nepal in 563 BC and spent six years studying and meditating before becoming enlightened.
  • #1
Saint
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Can reincarnation be true? And Jesus is false ?
Buddhism does not believe in God, everything is due to our karma - cause and effect of our deeds!
 
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  • #2
Everything is based on deeds then?

Who decides what is good or bad? Surely this process cannot be mechanical?

Buddhism is not true.
 
  • #3
It is not that Buddhism doesn't believe in God. It is that the don't address God or life after death. Buddhism is a way of living life.
It is concerned with living not dying. The Buddha himself saw God and before he died when asked about God and the after life said; "Let God and heaven take care of themselves. It is life and living here on Earth that we must be concerned with."
Those who have turned Buddhaism into an spiritual religion pray to Buddha as just another name of God or as a Saint as the Catholics pray to their Saints.
 
  • #4
Originally posted by Saint
Can reincarnation be true? And Jesus is false ?
Buddhism does not believe in God, everything is due to our karma - cause and effect of our deeds!

I would say that one form of mystical thinking is EXACTLY as likely to represent reality...of course, I personally put the likelihood at something like 0.0000000000000000001% likely.
 
  • #5
Buddhism teaches you the way of life, no need to beg any deities' mercy, no need blessings from God, all depend on what you do,
simply do good and get good!

in Buddhism, you're not the servant or slave of God, you no need to serve a God as in christianity.
 
  • #6
When I first started studying Buddhism I was suprised to find how similar were Buddha's teachings to those of the New Testament, mainly the gospels or teachings of Christ. Buddhism and Christianity are not contradictory or mutually exclusive. There are many Christian Buddhist. I consider myself one. Nor are Christians slaves of God.
Some are servants, or at least profess to being servants, of God but it is voluntary not manditory.
 
  • #7
if you know chinese language, you can study buddhism in more details.
wonderful religion that requires your logic rather than blind faith
 
  • #8
Saint, I have found the same thing without knowing the Chinese language. I know that if I could read and understand Chinese I would have found so much more. It is my loss, not a cripling loss but a loss. It is not the religions but what men do in the name of that religion that is evil misguided or bad. Every religion that I have looked at or studied has a great deal of truth as well as a great deal of untruth. It is for us to decided and take the truth and the best from all.
 
  • #9
I dislike christianity because of his bloody jehovah and condemnation of all unbelievers while being not able to Prove to us that it is absolutely right,
christianity in some ways similar to Nazis.
 
  • #10
I think that you are confusioning as most do Christianity with Judism, the Old Testament with the New Testament. I have the same problems with the O.T. God, but have no problems with the teachings of Christ. IMO far too many Christian churches dwell on the O.T. because they can shout fire and brimstone at their congregations. This is one of the many reasons I don't go to church.
 
  • #11
i think this topic should go into the buddhists positives and less of the christian negatives.
 
  • #12
Originally posted by Saint
I dislike christianity because of his bloody jehovah and condemnation of all unbelievers while being not able to Prove to us that it is absolutely right, christianity in some ways similar to Nazis.
[?] [?] There aren't ANY religions that can prove anything. Thats why they are called RELIGIONS. And condemnation of unbelievers? Thats not Christianity as it is generally practiced.

Like I said, I'm a christian, but I do NOT claim to have the One Truth. I think I might, but I don't know and I certainly wouldn't condemn anyone for believing something different (within reason). I subscribe to Zero's theory (reworded for clarity):
I would say that one form of mystical thinking is EXACTLY as likely to represent reality (as any other)
Since none can be proven any more than any other, it can't be claimed that one is more valid than another.
 
  • #13
From: http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm



• What is Buddhism?

Buddhism is a religion to about 300 million people around the world. The word comes from 'budhi', 'to awaken'. It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35.

• Is Buddhism a Religion?

To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:

(1) to lead a moral life,
(2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
(3) to develop wisdom and understanding.

• How Can Buddhism Help Me?

Buddhism explains a purpose to life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world, and it provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness.

• Why is Buddhism Becoming Popular?

Buddhism is becoming popular in western countries for a number of reasons, The first good reason is Buddhism has answers to many of the problems in modern materialistic societies. It also includes (for those who are interested) a deep understanding of the human mind (and natural therapies) which prominent psychologists around the world are now discovering to be both very advanced and effective.

• Who Was the Buddha?

Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini, now located in Nepal, in 563 BC. At 29, he realized that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teachings religions and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation he finally found 'the middle path' and was enlightened. After enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism - called the Dhamma, or Truth - until his death at the age of 80.

• Was the Buddha a God?

He was not, nor did he claim to be. He was a man who taught a path to enlightenment from his own experience.

• Do Buddhists Worship Idols?

Buddhists sometimes pay respect to images of the Buddha, not in worship, nor to ask for favours. A statue of the Buddha with hands rested gently in its lap and a compassionate smile reminds us to strive to develop peace and love within ourselves. Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching.

• Why are so Many Buddhist Countries Poor?

One of the Buddhist teachings is that wealth does not guarantee happiness and also wealth is impermanent. The people of every country suffer whether rich or poor, but those who understand Buddhist teachings can find true happiness.

• Are There Different Types of Buddhism?

There are many different types of Buddhism, because the emphasis changes from country to county due to customs and culture. What does not vary is the essence of the teaching - the Dhamma or truth.

• Are Other Religions Wrong?

Buddhism is also a belief system which is tolerant of all other beliefs or religions. Buddhism agrees with the moral teachings of other religions but Buddhism goes further by providing a long term purpose within our existence, through wisdom and true understanding. Real Buddhism is very tolerant and not concerned with labels like 'Christian', 'Moslem', 'Hindu' or 'Buddhist'; that is why there have never been any wars fought in the name of Buddhism. That is why Buddhists do not preach and try to convert, only explain if an explanation is sought.

• Is Buddhism Scientific?

Science is knowledge which can be made into a system, which depends upon seeing and testing facts and stating general natural laws. The core of Buddhism fit into this definition, because the Four Noble truths (see below) can be tested and proven by anyone in fact the Buddha himself asked his followers to test the teaching rather than accept his word as true. Buddhism depends more on understanding than faith.

• What did the Buddha Teach?

The Buddha taught many things, but the basic concepts in Buddhism can be summed up by the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

• What is the First Noble Truth?

The first truth is that life is suffering i.e., life includes pain, getting old, disease, and ultimately death. We also endure psychological suffering like loneliness frustration, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger. This is an irrefutable fact that cannot be denied. It is realistic rather than pessimistic because pessimism is expecting things to be bad. lnstead, Buddhism explains how suffering can be avoided and how we can be truly happy.

• What is the Second Noble Truth?

The second truth is that suffering is caused by craving and aversion. We will suffer if we expect other people to conform to our expectation, if we want others to like us, if we do not get something we want,etc. In other words, getting what you want does not guarantee happiness. Rather than constantly struggling to get what you want, try to modify your wanting. Wanting deprives us of contentment and happiness. A lifetime of wanting and craving and especially the craving to continue to exist, creates a powerful energy which causes the individual to be born. So craving leads to physical suffering because it causes us to be reborn.

• What is the Third Noble Truth?

The third truth is that suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained; that true happiness and contentment are possible. lf we give up useless craving and learn to live each day at a time (not dwelling in the past or the imagined future) then we can become happy and free. We then have more time and energy to help others. This is Nirvana.

• What is the Fourth Noble Truth?

The fourth truth is that the Noble 8-fold Path is the path which leads to the end of suffering.

• What is the Noble 8-Fold Path?

In summary, the Noble 8-fold Path is being moral (through what we say, do and our livelihood), focussing the mind on being fully aware of our thoughts and actions, and developing wisdom by understanding the Four Noble Truths and by developing compassion for others.

• What are the 5 Precepts?

The moral code within Buddhism is the precepts, of which the main five are: not to take the life of anything living, not to take anything not freely given, to abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence, to refrain from untrue speech, and to avoid intoxication, that is, losing mindfulness.

• What is Karma?

Karma is the law that every cause has an effect, i.e., our actions have results. This simple law explains a number of things: inequality in the world, why some are born handicapped and some gifted, why some live only a short life. Karma underlines the importance of all individuals being responsible for their past and present actions. How can we test the karmic effect of our actions? The answer is summed up by looking at (1) the intention behind the action, (2) effects of the action on oneself, and (3) the effects on others.

• What is Wisdom?

Buddhism teaches that wisdom should be developed with compassion. At one extreme, you could be a goodhearted fool and at the other extreme, you could attain knowledge without any emotion. Buddhism uses the middle path to develop both. The highest wisdom is seeing that in reality, all phenomena are incomplete, impermanent and do no constitute a fixed entity. True wisdom is not simply believing what we are told but instead experiencing and understanding truth and reality. Wisdom requires an open, objective, unbigoted mind. The Buddhist path requires courage, patience, flexibility and intelligence.

• What is Compassion?

Compassion includes qualities of sharing, readiness to give comfort, sympathy, concern, caring. In Buddhism, we can really understand others, when we can really understand ourselves, through wisdom.

• How do I Become a Buddhist?

Buddhist teachings can be understood and tested by anyone. Buddhism teaches that the solutions to our problems are within ourselves not outside. The Buddha asked all his followers not to take his word as true, but rather to test the teachings for themselves. ln this way, each person decides for themselves and takes responsibility for their own actions and understanding. This makes Buddhism less of a fixed package of beliefs which is to be accepted in its entirety, and more of a teaching which each person learns and uses in their own way.
 
  • #14
Originally posted by Royce
I think that you are confusioning as most do Christianity with Judism, the Old Testament with the New Testament. I have the same problems with the O.T. God, but have no problems with the teachings of Christ. IMO far too many Christian churches dwell on the O.T. because they can shout fire and brimstone at their congregations. This is one of the many reasons I don't go to church.

I started a side topic from this...
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2892
 

What is the main difference between Buddhism and Christianity?

The main difference between Buddhism and Christianity is their beliefs about the concept of God. In Buddhism, there is no belief in a creator God, while Christianity centers around the belief in one God who created the world and everything in it.

Can Buddhism provide more practical guidance for daily life compared to Christianity?

This is a subjective question as both Buddhism and Christianity offer practical guidance for daily life. However, Buddhism does have a specific focus on mindfulness and self-awareness, which can be beneficial in navigating daily challenges.

Does Buddhism have a more logical and scientific basis than Christianity?

Buddhism and Christianity have different approaches to explaining the world and its origins. While Buddhism does not rely on a creator God, it also does not have a scientific basis. Christianity, on the other hand, does not necessarily conflict with science as it focuses on faith and belief rather than scientific evidence.

Can Buddhism offer a more peaceful and compassionate way of life compared to Christianity?

Both Buddhism and Christianity promote peace and compassion in their teachings. However, Buddhism places a strong emphasis on the concept of non-violence and inner peace through meditation and self-reflection.

Is it possible to combine Buddhism and Christianity?

Some individuals may choose to incorporate elements of both Buddhism and Christianity into their spiritual beliefs. However, there are fundamental differences in their core beliefs that may make it difficult to fully merge the two religions.

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