Buddha and Jesus: Could Solomon Be the Missing Link? (36 page)
Read Buddha and Jesus: Could Solomon Be the Missing Link? Online
Authors: R. E. Sherman
Chapter Fourteen provides an extended discussion of this key area of difference.
Major Contrast #4: Mercy, Grace, and Forgiveness (from God and Other People) | |
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Buddhism | Christianity |
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Mercy, grace, and forgiveness are concepts that are virtually absent in Buddhism. There is no mercy, grace, or forgiveness to be received from a loving God or from other people. If “God” exists, it is impersonal and everywhere, like gravity. | A supreme God who controls the universe loves every person and is eager to show mercy, grace, and forgiveness to those who approach him in faith and humility. The Bible exhorts Christians (and Jews) to practice mercy, grace, and forgiveness toward one another. |
The Buddhist sees mercy, grace, and forgiveness as violations of the inevitable working out of karma for each person. Facing the consequences of one’s past deeds is part of karmic conditioning, as emphasized in Buddha’s First Noble Truth. In Christianity, when God exhibits mercy, grace, and forgiveness toward a believer, it is intended to free the individual from the spiritual burden of past misdeeds so that his or her relationship with God and with other people can be restored.
Major Contrast #5: Losing One’s Self and Dealing with Suffering | |
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Buddhism | Christianity |
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Desire is the cause of suffering. Thus, all desire is bad and must be eliminated. Buddhist practices are ways of “checking out” of present reality to find peace and freedom from suffering. The goal is to become detached, impervious, and numbed from the pains of life. The idea that man has a soul is an illusion. Everyone is a closely interconnected part of the universe. | Rejoicing in God and desiring to help others are very good. Christians should rejoice when they are persecuted. When it causes spiritual growth, some suffering can be good. One is called to lose one’s self in the care, direction, inspiration, and protection of a loving, gracious, merciful, forgiving, all-powerful God. A personal God created each person with an eternal soul and unique personality so that he or she might have a rich and satisfying relationship with others and with God, both now and forever. |
The natural reaction of a Buddhist seeker to the above claims of Christianity is that they are too good to be true. Alternatively, the natural reaction of a Christian to the above claims of Buddhism is that they are too bleak.
Yet there are more areas of contrast to consider regarding desire and suffering. To the Buddhist, any kind of desire is bad, because desire is the cause of suffering. To the Christian, though many desires are sinful, many others are clearly good. This is implied by a verse in the Psalms: “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
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Such desires are good, because God gave them to believers. It is God’s will that one rejoice in him and in his blessings.
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Yet, Jesus also said, “In the world you will have tribulation.”
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In addition, to the Buddhist, all suffering is bad. That’s just the way it is. Christians have something quite different to say about the cause and purposes of suffering. As for the cause, mankind (via Adam and Eve) chose to rebel against God and to live independently of him. God responds by pulling back and withholding many of his blessings, as well as much of his protection, from us. Typically the result is suffering. Not all suffering is due to sin, however. Some kinds of suffering can be good. For example, people serving God will experience persecution. And God can also allow suffering in a person’s life to bring about personal growth and maturity. It is through suffering that we learn patience and become more like Christ.
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For the Buddhist, eliminating expectations for selfish gain can create contentment. To the Christian, praising and thanking God, and caring for others, causes contentment.
Buddhists practice compassion out of a belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings. They also see acts of kindness as a means of creating good karma in order to become liberated from the self. Christian compassion is empowered by the filling and enabling of the Holy Spirit. Christians practice compassion as a response to God’s love for mankind.
Major Contrast #6: Works vs. Faith | |
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Buddhism | Christianity |
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Buddhism is a Buddha said, “Self is the lord of self, who else could be the lord? With self well subdued, a man finds a lord such as few can find.” | No human being can save themselves from the mortal consequences of their sins. Christianity is a rescue operation, initiated by God, to reconcile to himself everyone who will truly accept Jesus as Lord and Savior by faith. It is also a Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” |