Religion Comparison

Christian Religion

Biblical Parables - Beliefs of Christianity

• One God - He is the creator, or source, of all life (John 5:26)
• The Bible - It is inspired by God
• Salvation - Man is made holy or set apart through salvation (1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:10, 14)
• Love on another

Biblical Parables - Beliefs of Christianity

• Man - man is made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26; 9:6; 1 Corinthians 11:7; Colossians 3:10; James 3:9)
• Prayer - Prayer is the way God wants us to communicate with Him (Matthew 7:7-11; Luke 11:13)
• Abstain from sin
• Glorify God

Biblical Parables - Purpose of text

• Simple Meaning - shows truths about God and his love
• Deeper Meaning - God loves for his children is unconditional
• Gratefulness - Teaches the reader to be grateful for what they have. Greed can make you loose sight of what is important
• Forgiveness - Forgive those who have hurt you

Biblical Parables - Structure/Style

• Word Picture - uses image/story to illustrate a truth or a lesson
• Simple Story
• Literal Meaning
• Deeper Meaning
• Element of surprise - The son looses everything and comes home. He is welcomed by his father
• Pathos

Buddhist Religion

Buddhist Parable - Belief of Buddhism

• Four Noble Truths: 1. Dukkha - suffering 2. Samudaya - craving and aversion 3. Nirodha - achieve happiness 4. Marga - follow eight-fold path
• Three Universal Truths: 1. Nothing in permanent 2. Because nothing is permanent, a life based on possessing things or persons doesn't make you happy 3. There is no eternal, unchanging soul and "self" is just a collection of changing characteristics or attributes

Buddhist Parable - Belief of Buddhism

• Meditation
• Do not harm or kill living things
• Do not steal
• Live decent
• Do not lie
• Do not abuse drugs
• Do not drink alchohol

Buddhist Parable - Purpose of text

• Help the reader find the simple answers to life
• Teach the reader to help others when they are in need
• Stand up for what you believe in
• Be kind and show love

Buddhist Parable - Structure/Style

• Short story
• Leaves interpretation to the reader
• Ethos