|
Buddhism |
Christianity |
Hinduism |
Islam |
Judaism |
The nature of
God
|
No creator/ruler God. Buddha is
regarded as a supreme sage or embodiment of enlightenment. |
All-powerful, omnipresent; a
Trinity of three persons in one being: Father, Son (Jesus
Christ) and the Holy Spirit. |
Diverse beliefs in many gods and
goddesses but also in Brahman as an ultimate reality. |
All-powerful, omnipresent, single
being. |
All-powerful, omnipresent, single
being. |
| Jesus |
Does not figure in theology or
history. |
The Son of God, fully divine and
fully human, whose death and resurrection reconciled God and
humanity. |
Does not figure in theology or
history. |
A great prophet but not divine |
Attracted some Jewish followers but
not considered divine or a prophet. |
| Origin of universe
|
Not part of doctrine; matter is
considered an illusion or manifestation of ultimate
reality. |
Created by God. |
Diverse beliefs, many believe in a
creator. |
Created by God. |
Created by God |
| After death |
The dead are reincarnated to work
out negative karma (results of evil deeds) until they are
enlightened and achieve bliss in Nirvana. |
The saved will go to heaven, and
the damned to hell. |
The dead are reincarnated to work
out negative karma (results of evil deeds) until they are
enlightened and become one with Brahman. |
The saved will go to heaven, and
the damned to hell. |
The righteous will be rewarded, but
emphasis is on virtue in this life. |
| How one is saved
|
Eliminating desires through
compassion, charity and other virtues. |
Faith in Jesus Christ, good works
and taking sacraments (Catholic view) or faith in Jesus, with
good works as a natural result (Protestant view). |
Virtuous living, worship, pilgrimage and other observances.
|
Belief in God, following Mohammed's
teachings and example. |
Faith, prayer, obedience to
God. |
| Why do people do
evil? |
Abuse of free will. |
Abuse of free will, though all sin
stems from inherited sinful nature of Adam and Eve. |
Abuse of free will. |
Abuse of free will. |
Abuse of free will. |
| Why is there suffering in
the world? |
Karma -- reaping the results of
past sins. |
Human sin, Satanic attacks and
(some say) God's use of suffering to teach or warn people. |
Karma -- reaping the results of
past sins -- and evil spirits. |
Attacks by Satan allowed by God to
test one's faith and erase one's sins. |
Sometimes due to wrongdoing or
abuse of free will. Considered a mystery, though God suffers
with the sufferer and will punish wrongdoers. |
| Holy books |
Tipitaka (three-part cannon) |
Bible (Hebrew scriptures and New
Testament) |
Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita,
others |
Quran |
Bible (Hebrew) |
|
Violence/war*
|
Holds to ideal of ''ahimsa''
(non-injury) and emphasizes non-violent resistance to evil,
but sometimes permits violence in areas such as
self-defense. |
Though it has always had pacifist
elements, most major Christian bodies permit violence under
circumstances such as self-defense and fighting injustice.
Despite past persecution of non-believers, Christianity
forbids forced conversions. |
Like Buddhism, holds to ideal of
''ahimsa'' (non-injury) but sees warfare as justified and even
required at times, such as to prevent greater evil. |
Permits warfare for self-defense
and subduing enemies of the faith, but forbids targeting enemy
civilians, trees or crops. Also forbids wars of aggression.
Justifies, even requires, violence in punishing some crimes,
but never in forcing someone to convert. |
Although its ancient scriptures
prescribed wars of conquest, modern Judaism generally permits
violence only for self-defense or for the prevention of
greater evil. |
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