Touchstone 2 - Comparing and Contrasting the Common Elements of Religions

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Oct 30, 2023

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Touchstone 2: Comparing and Contrasting the Common Elements of Religions “Eastern” Religion to “Western” Religion Essay Bonnie Isenberg December 21, 2022

Comparing and Contrasting the Common Elements of Religions 2 The two religions that I have selected to compare and contrast are the Buddhism and Judaism religions. This essay will identify and explain at least two commonalities between these two religions, identify and explain at least two differences between these two religions, briefly summarize specific beliefs, elements, doctrines, narratives and origins, and explain what we can learn about religions in general by noticing both their similarities and differences. One commonality between the Buddhism and Judaism religion is belief in the existence of another life after death. Both religions believe in the afterlife, although the path to this end journey is different, they both believe that this life cycle can be achieved. Buddhism religion believes that “ there is a return to the wheel of suffering until release is achieved through nirvana” (Overview of “The Problem”, n.d.), while reform Judaism religion has an affirm belief in the afterlife. The religion may lessen any theological implications in favour of placing importance on the "here and now," but is opposed to punishment and reward. Another commonality between these two religions is that both do not proselytize. “Judaism,… doesn’t have a tradition of evangelizing or proselytizing. Jews don’t believe that Jesus is the Messiah. Their religion is firmly held and established” (Transmission of the Teaching, n.d.). In the Buddhism religion, it does extend any reference of strong proselytism tradition with the Buddha having taught his followers the sense of “community”, and to respect other religions, and the “teachings”. One difference between the Buddhism and Judaism religions are the teachings by the Buddha. These are not based on the doctrines as with Judaism, but are fixated on practices and deeds, and are taught what is only seen executable by man, however, Judaism emphasizes the beliefs and mastery of the Ten Commandments. Another difference between these religions is the way they strengthen their faith in God. Buddhism embraces meditation and techniques that emphasize strong concentration of the mind,

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