by jimwalton » Sun Nov 08, 2015 9:57 pm
There are many similarities between Buddhist and Christian morals. Both are to abstain from killing, stealing, forbidden sex, lying, and the use of illicit drugs, for instance. Buddhists, like Christians, believe in right thoughts, right actions, right speech, and right efforts, among other things.
One basic difference is that in Buddhism, ultimate reality is non-personal, and so social relationships are not the primary concern. Buddhism in that sense is anti-social because it is non-relational. Social relationships in Christianity, however, are an important part of their moral system. Christians believe that morally we should love one another, help one another, feed the poor, visit the sick, and give of ourselves for the welfare of others. These are not Buddhist ideas. Buddhism therefore has no concept of social justice, as Christianity does. And that's a BIG difference. Justice in society is a large part of Christian morality.
There are many similarities between Buddhist and Christian morals. Both are to abstain from killing, stealing, forbidden sex, lying, and the use of illicit drugs, for instance. Buddhists, like Christians, believe in right thoughts, right actions, right speech, and right efforts, among other things.
One basic difference is that in Buddhism, ultimate reality is non-personal, and so social relationships are not the primary concern. Buddhism in that sense is anti-social because it is non-relational. Social relationships in Christianity, however, are an important part of their moral system. Christians believe that morally we should love one another, help one another, feed the poor, visit the sick, and give of ourselves for the welfare of others. These are not Buddhist ideas. Buddhism therefore has no concept of social justice, as Christianity does. And that's a BIG difference. Justice in society is a large part of Christian morality.