Buddhism vs. Christianity

Examining the Fundamental Differences of Buddhism vs. Christianity

The appeal of Buddhism today is one of "coolness", "tolerance", and non-dissention. It's a belief system that can help me "detach", and find peace in a world of suffering. Some even 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 one can find many truths in Buddhist teachings, Buddhism is not compatible with Christianity.  Upon examination of fundamental Buddhist and Christian beliefs, it quickly becomes obvious that there is a clear contrast between the teachings of Buddhism and those of Christianity.  So let's be clear - 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 Christianity. 

Examining Buddhist Beliefs  

The following is a list of “Basic Beliefs of Buddhism”, along with an answer for each from a Christian point of view.  The list is of Basic Buddhist Beliefs is taken from "Buddhanet", at http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/snapshot01.htm.  The comments underneath each are my own, from a Christian perspective.

1.    “There is no almighty God in Buddhism. There is no one to hand out rewards or punishments on a supposedly Judgment Day.”

In contrast, the Bible asserts, and modern science supports, that there is indeed an "almighty Creator". 
According to modern physics that the Universe did not always exist, but had a definite beginning of space, time, and all matter (14.5 billion years ago).  Popularly known as “the big bang”, this theory is the most widely accepted, and best attested to theory in science.  That "first Cause" indeed had to have been "almighty" to have created everything - all matter, space and time - out of nothing, in an instant, in order to have what we have today in this marvelous finely tuned, highly complex creation we live in.
The Bible also asserts that there was a First Cause to all things, that “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Gen 1:1).  Indeed, the Bible proclaims we have an "awesome God", one that is also perfectly just, totally righteous and all holy.  God cannot tolerate sin, which is why He must punish it.  Christianity proclaims the good news (gospel) that God Himself did not leave His creation helpless, but came down in the form of man to take our penalty upon Himself, and save us! 
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.  The good news is that those that put their faith in Jesus are not condemned - because they have put their trust in Him.  Faith naturally produces good works, or fruit of the Spirit of God guiding us along His path each day.  As a result, we reaps rewards in this life, and in the life to come.  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 faith in Buddha's eight fold path?  I think not.  For "there is only one name under heaven by which we must be saved" - and that name is Jesus. 

2.  “Buddhism is strictly not a religion in the context of being a faith and worship owing allegiance to a supernatural being.”
 

Buddhism is a religion, based on works to alleviate suffering and to one, day, through a cycle of re-birth, attain "enlightenment".  It see the potential for “god within” each individual, as one works through countless re-births to achieve “enlightenment”.  Essentially it is a faith that “worships the creation rather than the Creator.”  The problem is, there is no evidence for "re-birth", and It places faith in the creation, rather that the Creator, and denies an all powerful, transcendent Creator, who created mankind and seeks a relationship with His creation.
In contrast, the Bible states that mankind is not intrinsically good, but inherently sinful, lost, and in need of a Savior.  This is the message in both the Old and New Testaments – that “the heart is deceitful, and desperately wicked, who can know it?”.  And again, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God".  The fact is, all have been stained with sin since the Fall.  And what have we seen since history began but continual rebellion against God and each other – all due to this inherent sinful nature. 
That rebellion has led mankind to be separated from His Creator, in need of a Redeemer.  Buddhism teaches you can save yourself.  Christianity say no, we cannot possible save ourselves - we are all lost, and in need of a Savior.  Paul the Apostle writes “O wretched man that I am!  Who will deliver me from this body of death!  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Rom 7:24-25)  That Redeemer is Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate price for mankind’s sin “once and for all”, bringing all that receive Him back into a right relationship with the Creator through His saving grace (unmerited favor).

3. "No savior concept in Buddhism. A Buddha is not a savior who saves others by his personal salvation. Although a Buddhist seeks refuge in the Buddha as his incomparable guide who indicates the path of purity, he makes no servile surrender. A Buddhist does not think that he can gain purity merely by seeking refuge in the Buddha or by mere faith in Him. It is not within the power of a Buddha to wash away the impurities of others."

There is no savior in Buddhism because there is no recognition of “sin” in Buddhism; so naturally there is no need for a savior or salvation.  The implication is that one can save oneself, and eventually through multiple lifetimes enter "nirvana".
But can a person “wash away" their own sin? By following the eight fold path?  Christianity say no – you have the indelible stain of sin on your being, and the only way of salvation is by accepting Jesus Christ into your heart and trusting in Him for your eternal destiny.
Buddha was a fallen creature like everyone else, and he died.  Only Jesus, who was the sinless Lamb of God who came, lived a perfect life, died for us, and then rose again from the dead! The Bible proclaims that "our righteous is as filthy rags" before God.  Jesus said "only God is good".  And only Jesus - God in human flesh - paid the price once for the sin of all mankind, so that we could all be made righteous to God.  There is only "one way, one truth, and one life" that can save - Jesus Christ the Lord.
But a gift is not a gift unless it is received.  Each of us remains a free creation, and God will not force His way into our life.  We must each choose Him, and receive Him into our heart.  Then we become "new creatures" in Christ, and daily take up the cross and follow Him.  We live out our lives in surrender to His Spirit, who lives within our hearts.  And He perfects us day-by-day as we yield to Him and seek His perfect path for our lives.
 
4. "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 Lord - the incarnation of God Himself.  The truth is, no matter how much you meditate, how much you give up worldly goods, how much you try - you cannot save yourself.  No matter how hard you try.  Only Jesus can save us from sin.  As He said, "unless  you believe that I AM, you will die in your sins."

5. "The liberation of self is the responsibility of one's own self. Buddhism does not call for an unquestionable blind faith by all Buddhist followers. It places heavy emphasis on self-reliance, self discipline and individual striving."

What is meant by “liberation of self”?  To deny the good, deny the evil, and eventually attain "enlightenment" - then fade into nothingness?  The problem is sin – and pretending it doesn’t exist won't make it go away.
Christianity recognizes the reality of sin, and the fact that we are not able to "save ourselves".  Our God came in the form of flesh, and redeemed us back into a relationship with Him so that we could become like Him - "little Christs" or "Christians".
Christianity is not about abdicating self-reliance, self discipline.  In fact, It  proclaims that we can “do all things through Christ who strengthens us”.  It is not a blind faith, but an informed faith in an all powerful Creator who reached out and saved us.  We recognize that we are not perfect, but we strive through the power of His Spirit to become perfected like unto Christ.  We recognize the foolishness of trying to do it on our own, fleshly strength (which is weak indeed and doomed to failure).  We instead rely on God's Holy Spirit living inside us to give us the strength to accomplish God's purposes in our lives.
Consider the evidence.  Some of the of the most accomplished people in the worlds history have been Christians.  

6. "Taking refuge in The Triple Gems i.e. the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha; does not mean self-surrender or total reliance on an external force or third party for help or salvation."
Bottom line is that one cannot save one's self.  Only the Lord Jesus Christ can save mankind from sin. 

7. "Dharma (the teachings in Buddhism) exists regardless whether there is a Buddha. Sakyamuni Buddha (as the historical Buddha) discovered and shared the teachings/ universal truths with all sentient beings. He is neither the creator of such teachings nor the prophet of an almighty God to transmit such teachings to others."

There is a bit of truth in many of the worlds teachings.  There are also many good secular teachings that are profitable for self-control, self development, etc.  But that does not means these paths are the way to salvation, and eternal life. 
The Bible states that "there is a way that seems right to a man, but the way thereof is the way of death".  It further proclaims that “there is no other name under Heaven by which man can be saved” – the Lord Jesus Christ.  Teachings alone cannot save.  They cannot provide a right standing before the almighty Creator.  Only Jesus can do that.

8. "Especially emphasized in Mahayana Buddhism, all sentient beings have Buddha Nature/ Essence. One can become a Buddha (a supreme enlightened being) in due course if one practices diligently and attains purity of mind (ie absolutely no delusions or afflictions)."

While Buddhism teaches that you can in effect “work your way to heaven”, or at least their concept of heaven, Christianity emphatically teaches the opposite:  "By grace are you save through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is it gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast."  No one is getting to paradise through their own efforts.  The Bible states that our works are “as filthy rags”.  Only Jesus is able to save us.  He is our only hope.
While Buddha died like any other human, God raised Jesus up from the grave,  as a "first fruit" of Gods redemption plan.  All those that trust in Christ will also be raised up on the last day, and justified because of their trust in Him and His finished work on the cross.  Jesus Christ will be coming back again, and soon!

9. "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)."

The fundamental problem is that apart from Christ, in who "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge", there is no true enlightenment.  Jesus didn't claim to know a path; he claimed to BE the path - "I am the way, the truth, and the life", "he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the liught of life"
He also said that by believing and trusting in Him, you "shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free".  If you want true enlightenment and freedom, trust in Jesus.
Christians don't try to liberate themselves from or disconnect from the world, as Buddhism teaches.  Christians work to change the world for the better - as a result we have seen thousands of Christian hospitals, orphanages, universities, outreaches, etc. Jesus set an example of servant hood and helping others, and as Christians we try to emulate that.  

10. "Karma and Karma Force are cornerstones in Buddhist doctrines. They are expounded very thoroughly in Buddhism. Karma refers to an important metaphysical concept concerned with action and its consequences. This law of karma explains the problem of sufferings, the mystery of the so-called fate and predestination of some religions, and above all the apparent inequality of mankind."
Karma is essentially cause and effect, past and present.  That your past genetic inheritance, plus previous experiences, along with current experiences and choice, explain what and where you are today.  Your "Karma".
Of course 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.  Inequality is the result of greed, selfishness, and people preying on one another.  Factor this up a notch and you have the cause of most wars.  All the result of sin "waring in our members", as the book of James discusses.
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.
But rather than blaming our past, present, and trusting our future to some mysterious "Karma", the Bible teaches that God planned you - that He knew you while you were still in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13).  In fact, in contrast to the notion of Karma being responsible for your past and present state, Christianity teaches that you are here today because God has a plan and a purpose for you life - now, and in the life to come.  You are absolutely unique, and only you can fulfill the mission He has put you here for!
 
11. "Rebirth is another key doctrine in Buddhism and it goes hand in hand with karma. There is a subtle difference between rebirth and reincarnation as expounded in Hinduism. Buddhism rejects the theory of a transmigrating permanent soul, whether created by a god or emanating from a divine essence."

Another fundamental difference between Buddhism and Christianity.  While Buddhism teaches that if you are not "enlightened" in this life, you are up for a re-birth, the Bible says “man is appointed to live once, and then comes judgment.”  There is no re-birth, or re-incarnation in Christianity.  Period. 
What evidence is there for “rebirth" into a second life?  The Bible teaches that each person has an eternal "soul" - and that soul is you, your identity.  You do not "have a soul - you ARE a soul.  You have a body" (C.S. Lewis). 
Jesus taught that your soul is eternal, and that we pass from this life into eternity. Either to be with the Lord forever, or apart from Him - depending on the choices we make in this life.

12. "Maitri or Metta in Pali (Loving Kindness) and Karuna (Compassion) to all living beings including animals. Buddhism strictly forbids animal sacrifice for whatever reason. Vegetarianism is recommended but not compulsory."
Christianity believes that all of creation is in a fallen state, which is why there is sin, why mankind wars against itself, and why even creation displays a fallen state.  Christians are taught that all God’s creatures are good, and that they all reflect His handiwork.  But we are not to worship animals.   We are to treat them well, as living beings which have a place in God's wonderful creation.   

13. "The importance of Non-attachment. Buddhism goes beyond doing good and being good. One must not be attached to good deeds or the idea of doing good; otherwise it is just another form of craving."

The importance of “non-attachment” is about not being attached to anything, or "becoming one with the universe".  So you are not influenced by the bad - but not for the good either. The goal is not to do good, or do bad.  Just to do nothing.  Non-attachment.
In contrast, Jesus commanded us to follow after Him, and proactively do good to others.  Put your faith in action.  In fact, in James it says "faith without works (good works) is dead".  As a result, Christianity has done far more good in the world that Buddhism or other religions.  More hospitals to heal people.  More schools to educate.  More giving of time and money and effort.
Good works are a result of our faith in God, and so do not amount to “craving”.  They follow naturally from God's Spirit within.
14. "In Buddhism, there is consideration for all sentient beings (versus human beings, as in other religions). Buddhists acknowledge/accept the existence of animals and beings in other realms in Samsara."

While Buddhism teaches that beings can be re-born as animals if they behave badly, Christianity teaches nothing of the sort.  The Bible teaches that Human Beings are in fact the pinnacle of God's creation - formed "on the 6th day of creation", or as one of the final acts of God's creative work (animals having been created earlier).  Christianity teaches that we should take care of animals and other aspects of creation, but not that they are "sentient beings".
In fact, animals are worlds apart from humans in terms of demonstrations of self-awareness and higher thought.  While they are amazing elements of God's creation, they so not demonstrate the capacity to worship the Lord as humans do.  Very simply, Christianity teaches that human beings are God's special creation.

15. "No holy war concept in Buddhism. Killing is breaking a key moral precept in Buddhism. One is strictly forbidden to kill another person in the name of religion, a religious leader or whatsoever religious pretext or worldly excuse."
There is no holy war concept in Christianity either.  However, wars are a reality in this fallen world.  The Bible teaches that war happens because “you want, and have not” (James).  Its based on the sin nature in man, which is why it’s a reality in this fallen world.   
So Buddhism having no concept of war doesn’t help matters.  Wars exist because of the fallen state of mankind, and the root cause of sin.  The solution is the saving grace that is available in the person of Jesus Christ.
Christianity teach that "thou shall not kill", but one also has to defend oneself, ones family and nation when under attack in a fallen world.  That is the reality of life.

16. "Suffering is another cornerstone in Buddhism. It is the first of the Four Noble Truths. Sufferings are very well analyzed and explained in Buddhism."

Suffering is a reality in this world, as Jesus said “in the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.”
Lets look at how Christianity vs. Buddhism treat the reality of suffering.  How many hospitals around the world has Buddhism founded?  How many has Christianity?  Countless. 
Christianity recognizes that there is sufferings in the world, but that God often uses suffering to teach us and to refine us.  In fact, for Christians God can and does in fact use evil to work good - as it say, "all things work together for good to those that love God, and are called according to His purpose."  In fact, it says in James that we ought to "count it all joy" when we enter into trials and tribulation - knowing that God is doing a work to perfect our character to make us more like Him.

17. "The idea of sin or original sin has no place in Buddhism. Also, sin should not be equated to suffering."

Another key difference between Buddhism and Christianity is the recognition of "sin".  What does reality point to?  That there is no sin in the world, and in human nature?  Or that there is?  I think the evidence is clear – sin exists in the world, and in human nature.  Christianity teaches that the "sin nature" is the result of mankind's rebellion toward God, and that its been passed down since the dawn of man. And that the only way to salvation is through the cross of Jesus Christ - plain and simple.
Buddhism denies the existence of sin and instead teaches you that you are fundamentally good, and that if you try hard enough, in some lifetime you might make it to nirvana.  The truth of the matter is that we are all flawed, all stained by a sin nature.  No amount of your own effort will perfect you.
Let’s also look at its relationship to suffering.  Is there a connection?  Sometimes yes, and sometimes no.  For example:
- sometimes when we sin, we bring on sufferings because of our actions
- other times, suffering has no cause in sin. Its an effect of a fallen creation.

18. "Buddhist teachings expound no beginning and no end to one's existence or life. There is virtually no recognition of a first cause — e.g. how does human existence first come about?"
Another fundamental problem is "no recognition of a first cause”.  Direct contradiction to established scientific fact, and Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
As stated earlier, science has established a beginning of all things, and the Bible is in agreement with this.  The book of Genesis also recounts God’s creative process over time in creating all things – living, and non-living. 


19. "The Dharma provides a very detailed explanation of the doctrine of anatman {anatta in Pali} or soullessness , i.e. there is no soul entity (whether in one life of many lives)."
Another fundamental difference between Buddhism and Christianity - Buddhism teaches “there is no soul”.  My, wouldn’t the adversary like to convince you that you don’t have a soul!
Fact is, you ARE an eternal soul.  You have a body.  And if you are saved, you have God’s Spirit dwelling in you.

20. "The Buddha is omniscient but he is not omnipotent. He is capable of innumerable feats but there are three things he cannot do. Also, a Buddha does not claim to be a creator of lives or the Universe."
True - Buddha was only a teacher of philosophy.  This is in contrast to what Christianity teaches - that there is ONE all-knowing, all mighty, ever present God of Creation, and that He exists in three persons - the Father, the Son, and the Hold Spirit.

21. "Prajna [Panna in Pali] or Transcendent Wisdom occupies a paramount position in Buddhist teachings. Sakyamuni Buddha expounded Prajna concepts for some 20 years of his ministry. One is taught to balance compassion with prajna i.e.emotion (faith) with rationale (right understanding / truth / logic)."
The Bible teaches that in Christ are "hidden all the treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge".  By growing in our relationship with Jesus Christ, we will likewise grow in understanding, knowledge of the truth, and in the application of these truths to all the facets of life - in this life, and in the life to come.


22. "The tradition and practice of meditation in Buddhism are relatively important and strong. While all religions teach some forms or variations of stabilising/single-pointedness meditation, only Buddhism emphazises Vipassana (Insight) meditation as a powerful tool to assist one in seeking liberation/enlightenment."
This is just meditation, which is healthful for mind-body coordination.  It can calm your mental faculties, and your body state.  But it is not going to bring you “liberation” or “enlightenment”. 
It does not connect you with the Creator.  It is not a substitute for prayer.  Only prayer can connect you with your Creator, through the Spirit within you.


23. "The doctrine of Sunyata or Emptiness is unique to Buddhism and its many aspects are well expounded in advanced Buddhist teachings. Briefly, this doctrine asserts the transcendental nature of Ultimate Reality. It declares the phenomenal world to be void of all limitations of particularization and that all concepts of dualism are abolished."
The concept of Emptiness in Buddhism is in stark contrast to that of Christianity, where Jesus said "I am come that you might have life (Zoe), and that more abundantly."  Zoe, or life, is God's life within you.  Christianity teaches that God wants to fill us with His life - not empty us!

24. "Conditioned Arising [Paticcasamuppada in Pali] or Dependent Origination is another key doctrine in Buddhism. This doctrine explains that all psychological and physical phenomena constituting individual existence are interdependent and mutually condition each other; this at the same time describes what entangles sentient beings in samsara."

Of course the mind, body and soul are connected and interdependent.  The problem is that until you are “born again” and filled with God’s Holy Spirit, you are still dead in your trespasses and sins.
That is why Jesus said “you must be born again”.  Until you receive Christ and are filled with His life giving Spirit, you are not truly "alive"  - hence, as He said, you will “die in your sins.”

25. T"he concept of Hell(s) in Buddhism is very different from that of other religions. It is not a place for eternal damnation as viewed by 'almighty creator' religions. In Buddhism, it is just one of the six realms in Samsara [i.e. the worst of three undesirable realms]. Also, there are virtually unlimited number of hells in the Buddhist cosmology as there are infinite number of Buddha worlds."

If we were inventing a religion, as C.S. Lewis once remarked, we could get really creative and imagine all sorts of fanciful places or realms, with any number of levels.
Christianity teaches very simply that you are either alive spiritually, or not ("he that has the Son has life, he that has not the Son has not life").  To know Jesus, the eternal Son of God, is to know the Father, and to have life.
To have life in the Son is to have eternal life, and pass one day from this existence into an eternity with the Lord ("heaven").  We don't know precisely, but the Bible gives us some idea of what heaven will be like. 
Hell is horrible because it is eternal separation from God.  Hell was not designed for humans, but for evil spirits who have rebelled against the Creator - who want no part of Him.  "God is not willing that any should perish" in this place, which is why He himself cam down in the form of flesh to save us.

26. "The Buddhist cosmology (or universe) is distinctly different from that of other religions which usually recognize only this solar system (Earth) as the centre of the Universe and the only planet with living beings. The Buddhist viewpoint of a Buddha world (also known as Three Thousand-Fold World System) is that of one billion solar systems. Besides, the Mahayana Buddhist doctrines expound that there are other contemporary Buddha worlds like Amitabha's Pure Land and Bhaisajyaguru's world system."
The problem is that there is no proof for other planets that support life. 
The Bible’s cosmology is more in agreement with science that Buddhism.
- that there is an all powerful, creator of the universe
- that we are living on a special planet that has been amazingly engineered and fine tuned to support life.

What evidence is there for their other worlds?  Christianity doesn’t preclude this, but neither does it assert it.  God may have created other worlds with other beings.  Fact is, it doesn't appear like it from an astronomical and physics point of view.
Reference books to check out: "Rare Earth", and "The Privileged Planet".

27. "Samsara is a fundamental concept in Buddhism and it is simply the 'perpetual cycles of existence' or endless rounds of rebirth among the six realms of existence. This cyclical rebirth pattern will only end when a sentient being attains Nirvana, i.e. virtual exhaustion of karma, habitual traces, defilements and delusions. All other religions preach one heaven, one earth and one hell, but this perspective is very limited compared with Buddhist samsara where heaven is just one of the six realms of existence and it has 28 levels/planes."
The truth is, there is no proof for endless rounds of rebirth.  This is a dangerous deception.  While Buddhism teaches endless "second chances", Christianity teaches the opposite - "man is appointed to live once".  You cannot work your way out through endless rounds.  Sorry. Don’t be deceived!
You know, we could have invented 50 “planes” if we were inventing our own “religion”.  But as CS Lewis says, we can’t do that – we are dealing with fact.
Buddhism vs. Christ? The Eight-Fold Path, or a Relationship with the Risen Lord- What Will it Be?
So which is it?  The way of the Buddha, or a relationship with the living Lord of Creation?
The truth is that we are all sinners, created to be in relationship with our maker.  We all have a "God-sized" hole in our hearts - a hole that we try to fill with all sorts of things - possessions, success, money, sex, etc. But in the end none of this truly satisfies.  No other religious figure - including Buddha - can bring you into a personal relationship with the LORD - because as it is written, "there is no other name given among men by which we must be saved", and that name is JESUS.
Only the Lord Jesus Christ bridges the gap between Man and Maker. 
Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?  If you do, then you have everything to look forward to - in this life, and in the life to come.  Peace with God, joy in your daily life, fulfillment of God's purpose while here on earth, and life eternal.  You were made for a purpose, and your daily walk with Jesus will help you come to realize His purpose in your life and fulfill it.  If you don't have a relationship with your Creator, you can!  Give Jesus a chance!  Don't put it off.  Allow Him to come into your life and make you "a new creation"!  You have nothing to loose everything to gain.  Here is a link to Billy Graham's web site that can show you how you can invite Jesus into your life and be the creation He has always intended you to be ...