Summary:
A synopsis of the differences and similarities between Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and Confucianism.
Around the world there are many religions and here are a few (in no particular order) Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Confucianism and many other religions. Between these religions, there are many similarities as well as differences so this is comparing religions.
The following religions all have a belief in one god, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Unlike these religions, Hinduism is a religion with many gods. Judaism and Christianity both have a belief in a messiah, or savior. Islam, Judaism and Christianity have a belief in a last judgment day. Religions that have sacred texts which are followed by those under the religion are Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. Hinduism and Buddhism both have a belief in reincarnation (being born again after death in a different life). Hinduism and Buddhism also both have a belief in Nirvana, an ideal state of rest, harmony, stability, or joy. Confucianism and Buddhism both have a founder who does not claim to be divine in any way. Those are all the similarities between some of the world religions.
What is unique to Buddhism is the belief that there are no gods involved in the religion. Buddhism has a set of beliefs called the four noble truths; suffering and misery is universal; the cause of suffering is desire; to overcome suffering one must rid oneself of desire; there is a way to rid ourselves of desire. Buddhists believe ridding oneself of desire includes compassion for all life, right knowledge and intentions, meditation.
Out of all the religions that were compared in this report, Confucianism had the least similarities with the rest of the religions. Confucianism has a belief that a young man has duties that include:
-Behaving well to his parents at home and to his elders elsewhere
-being cautious in giving promises and being punctual in keeping them
-having kindly feelings towards everyone
-to seek the intimacy of the good
-When that has been accomplished, if he still has enough remaining energy, he should learn to recite songs, practice archery, deportment and the like.
Other Confucianism beliefs are:
-never to disobey one's parents but respect them
-In serving his mother and father, a man may only gently object or disagree with them but if he cannot change their opinions, he should resume an attitude of deference and not thwart them
-While one's father and mother are still alive, a good son should not wander 'far afield' but if he does so, he should only go where he has said he was going
-Employ the labour of the common people in the right seasons
-Between family members, the natural love and obligations are the basis of general morality; if one is a good father, he will be a good ruler.
-At the sight of a profit, one should think of what is right as well
-a man of wisdom is never uncertain about what is right and wrong; a man of benevolence never worries; a man of courage never is afraid
-knowledge is to say that you know when you do know and to say you do not know when you do not know
-In Confucianism, heaven is only mentioned twice in what has survived of his ideas
-Confucious has said heaven cares about the welfare of the common people; the Emperor is here to promote this welfare; he remains emperor as long as he fulfils that purpose
-It is hard to find a man who can study for three years without even thinking about earning a salary.
Those were the unique ideas of Confucianism.
The following sentences are about things unique in Hinduism. In Hinduism there is a belief that every individual has a soul that is a part of a universal soul which is called the Amman. The Hinduism sacred tests have guides for correct living.
Muslims believe that we should submit to our God. Also they believe that the essential duties of the people are: belief in one god; prayer; charity; fasting during the holy month, and a pilgrimage to Mecca.
What is unique to Christianity is the belief that God is a loving and forgiving god. Christians also believe there should be an institution, organized by the officials who are priests or ministers. You are greatly encouraged to convert others if you are a Christian. Although Christianity and Judaism both have a belief in a messiah or savior the belief that sets them apart is the fact that Christians believe that Jesus is the savior.
In Judaism, their sacred texts tell them how to act and what ceremonies they should perform. Like Christians, the Jews believe there should be an institution but the difference is that they believe it should be organized by Rabbis.
It is easy to tell, there are many religions and between them there are many differences as well as similarities.
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