Comparative Analysis of two faiths
Valerie Williams
Grand Canyon University
HLT 310V Foundation in Spirituality in Health Care
Professor K. Kallen
March 10, 2015
Comparative Analysis of two faiths
INTRODUCTION
Religion is an institution respected by all human beings because it relates to honoring God. Religion is a set of beliefs, values according to a higher power. There are many different religious practices in the world today. I’m a Christian and I practice the Baptist faith. I remember going to church and Sunday school every week. Sometimes we would attend bible study on Wednesday. A Christian that practices Baptist religion is someone who accepts Jesus as their savior. They don’t believe in an individual being a mediator between God such as a priest used in Catholic religions. A person of Baptist faith respects and believes in scripture from the bible. My grandparents were one of the original charter members at a Baptist church here in San Antonio. This paper will make a comparison of Buddhism and Christian Baptist faith.
BAPTIST CHRISTAN FAITH Baptist faith is one of the largest in traditional Christian denominations. The roots can be traced back to sixteenth century. By 1966 there were 50 Baptist churches established in England. (Fairchild, 2015, p.1) The name 'Baptist' comes from the Baptist practice of immersion in water. It was coined in the seventeenth century by opponents to the new movement but rejected by followers themselves. It wasn't until the nineteenth century that Baptists accepted the use of the label to describe themselves. (BBC, 2009, p. 1)
A Baptist is someone who acknowledges the sufficiency of Scripture and attempts to live as God fearing individuals. Such an individual believes the Bible is God's truth without any error. The word of God is the foundation of all we do and believe. God's word clearly declares all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (Draper, 2000, p. 1) God’s word is the final authority and it’s respected. All that are taught or experienced is the truth and consistent with scripture from the bible. On every first Sunday once monthly a communion process is conducted to celebrate our Christ death. Southern Baptist view all people as equal however the man is head of the house and his wife must submit to him. In the Baptist religion it is understood that once saved you will always be saved. This means that a real Christian will always practice their faith. All Christians are human and no one is perfect but God, we are allowed to make mistakes but will never leave our religious foundation. Having a strong salvation is the way to get into heaven through our Lord Christ. In the Baptist religion you must accept faith in God how he sent his son Jesus to die for us. (Fairchild, 2015, p. 1)
BUDDHISM FAITH
Buddhism is a religion based on Siddhartha Gautama, who lived centuries ago in Nepal and northeastern India. He became to be known as the Buddha which means awakened one. In the English language Budda is understood to be enlightenment. The Budda had a realization of nature and life. He traveled the world teaching people to find enlightenment of themselves. Buddhism spread throughout Asia and became one of the most dominant religions. Buddhism is the fourth largest religion practiced with an estimated 350 million. (About Religion, 2015, p.1) Buddhism is different from all other religions it isn’t focused on God. The main focus is non- theistic, budda thought believing in God’s is not enlightening. Buddhism is not defined by their beliefs and doctrines. The religion is taught to realize truth in yourself and becoming a better person. The primary focus is on practice rather than beliefs. Buddhism is best described as a discipline for your soul to be at peace from within. (About Religion, 2015, p. 1)
