Religion and Theology Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Religion and Theology - Research Paper Example Therefore, this essay has the intention of discussing the existing beliefs of Christianity and those of Buddhism and they differ. Additionally, the paper will attempt to determine the inherent factors that influence afterlife in both religions such as soul is to Christianity and the mind to Buddhism. Alternatively, it is essential to note that while Christians believe in the existence of one God who defines matters of afterlife; Buddhists do not harbor such beliefs. However, the same Buddhist believes that the power of humanity lies in the purity of their minds whereby enlightenment is attained. There are various differences between Christianity and Buddhism on the context of their beliefs in the soul and afterlife. However, it is imperative to discuss the individual beliefs of Christianity and Buddhism in respect to how the soul relates with the existence of a person after he/she is dead. The basic Christian beliefs entail the belief that only one God exists (Bloom, 2012). This is b acked by the writings of the bible from the books of John, Corinthians, and Galatians among others. Similarly, most Christians believe God is in form on a Trinity. In other words, there is God the Father, the Son and God the Holy Spirit or Holy Grail. On the same note, a deep belief in Christianity maintains that God has the omnipotent power or is extremely powerful and hence is control of the entire universe. This is supported by the verse in the book of Psalm 115:3 among other biblical books. For the record, Christianity makes the allusion their God is the all powerful God. Furthermore, God is present everywhere or has omnipresence autonomy according basic Christian beliefs. There is also the element of sovereignty in the belief of Christians suggesting an element of a Supreme Being who is in control (Masih, 2000). Apart from the aforementioned elements of God, Christians also have an inherent belief in the existence of an afterlife. In the same aspect, Christians have a deep beli ef that a place called exists where sinners who have not repented are banished. Other basic beliefs of Christianity believe that God is true, God is love and God is the overall creator of all that lives among others. On the other hand, there are also basic Buddhism beliefs. For example, Buddhism follows the path of other beliefs in the context that it has its divisions. This suggests that it also shares the conventional set of the significant beliefs. On that aspect, one of the fundamental beliefs inherent with Buddhism is called reincarnation (Moreman, 2010). This entails the concept that there is rebirth of people after their death. In other words, the religion maintains that people go through phases of birth, living and rebirth. On that note, there are religious differences between the concepts of reincarnation and rebirth on the context of Buddhism. For example, in reincarnation, a person may appear many times in different forms after death while in rebirth, an individual does n ot have to return to the earth. In other words, the entity of the person does not return to the earth again. This comparison is usually done to a leaf growing on tree. There is always an eventual replacement of a withered leaf that has fallen off. Alternatively, there is a similarity to an old leaf but not the same as the original leaf. It is after many phases whereby an individual exudes the attachment of self and desire and the stage of Nirvana is reached (Steinfels, 2009). It is also a state of freedom from suffering and liberation. In that prospect, there are three practices or trainings of Buddhism. They include Sila that mean morality, good conduct or