Critical Thinking Assignment: Buddhism

1. The question of Origin- Those who follow Buddhism have faith that the universe and god are one and the same. (Weider & Gutierrez, 201, 56) Buddhist turn to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama also known as Buddha to live correct and at death escape the course of karma. After death, they trust they will become one with the universe. 2. The question of identity- The question of identity in Buddhism is answered in their belief that all living things are equal. They believe you must live according to the teachings of Buddha in order to escape karma and reincarnation after death. . The question of meaning/purpose- For Buddhist the primary goal is to reach Nirvana and end all personal suffering. In order to end suffering one must eliminate all fleshly desires and follow the teachings of Buddha which consists of the â€Å"Four Noble Truths† and the â€Å"Noble Eightfold Path†. 4. The question of morality- Because Buddhist believe everything is sacred they follow the † Ethical Code† instructed in the â€Å"Eightfold Path† which entails refrain from all forms of evil. The major points in the â€Å"ethical code† are; one must keep from taking a person’s life, stealing, immoral sexual behavior, lying and intoxication. 5. The question of destiny- Buddha rejected the idea Hindus hold about karma, which states that a person will continue to be reincarnated throughout time. He believed that one could escape through the denial of personal desires which lead to dissatisfaction because nothing in this world lasts. Buddha taught that everyone could reach Nirvana as long as they lived right. Once they reach Nirvana believers will live in a state where one feel neither hate nor love. Part 2: Compare and Contrast 1. The question of origin- Christians believe God is the creator of the universe and everything in it. Buddhist believers follow the idea that the universe and everything in it are one and the same. To the Buddhist everything has always existed unlike for Christians who believe there was a beginning which is explained in the book of Genesis. 2. The question of Identity-In Genesis 1:27 the bible states that we are created in the image of God. Just as we inherit traits from our parents we inherit traits from God. Buddhist believe humans and animals are one with the universe and both are equal in importance. 3. The question of meaning and purpose- For Christian’s the meaning and purpose of humans is found in John 17:3. John tells us that we are to know God through his Son Jesus Christ. We are to have a close intimate relationship with God. As ambassadors of Christ we are to go and communicate to the world what we know about Jesus, who makes this relationship with God possible. Buddhist do not believe in a personal God. They believe god is distant and does not become involved personally involved in people’s lives. The Buddhist believe their main purpose in to escape the karma and reach Nirvana where they will live without any desire. 4. The question of morality- Without God we are unable to determine what actions are right and wrong (Weider & Gutierrez, 2011, p 61) Christian believers follow the word of God as a guide to live their live. The bible calls believers to love God and to love their neighbor as they love themselves. These two commandments keeps believers from sinning against their neighbor. Buddhist believer in Buddha’s â€Å"Four Noble Truths† and the â€Å"Eight Noble Truths†. Their â€Å"Ethical Conduct† section says a person should conduct himself with â€Å"right speech, right action, and right livelihood. † These codes will liberate a person from the cycle of karma. Unlike Christians Buddhist do not believe in forgiveness the way Jesus offers it. However both beliefs agree that respect is inevitable to live in peace. 5. The question of destiny- Christians believe in heaven and hell. The difference in where a person will go depends on their acceptance in Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives. Repentance of sin is followed by the forgiveness of Christ. A Christian will live for eternity in heaven if they accept the forgiveness offered by Jesus Christ. Buddhist believe â€Å"salvation† must be worked out. According to the teachings of Buddha anyone can reach Nirvana as long as the person works to behave â€Å"right† during their lifetime.