The religious icon Buddha preached often to his followers. One of his messages was to “believe nothing. No matter where you read it, or who said it, even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your common sense.” The Buddha’s intendment was to have people think for themselves, not to believe whatever they are taught. Raised a Roman Catholic, I have always believed in the principles and ethics of that faith, strictly because it was what my parents had taught me to believe. Growing up and learning to think for myself, and listening to the stories of others on the This I Believe program has forced me to consider this message given by Buddha. There were three speakers in particular that sparked an interest within me. Whitney Harris, Penn Jillette, and Joel Engardio all challenged the way I view not only my religion, but the world.
With his knowledgeable insight on the world and its origin, Whitney Harris’ belief that human existence is in peril imposes on my perspective of the world. Harris points out the logical points that modern day science has proven. The Earth was created by the explosion informally known as the “big boom”. What caused this eruption is still debated, but Harris claims it was the touch of God. He asserts. “To ignite the spark of life required the hand of God.” This challenged my personal beliefs because in my faith, God created the entire universe in seven legendary days. I was also raised to believe that God is forgiving and accepting to all. Harris challenges this, he believes that “...if man desires to destroy himself…God will not save him.” Murder and even suicide are both considered violations to the Fifth Commandment in the Catholic faith. Although it is a sin to disobey the Ten Comman...
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...ractically irrelevant to his message. Rather, he challenged the way I view others. As many other teenagers, I have stereotyped and labeled more than I would like to admit. Now, with Engardio’s belief in mind, I believe it will challenge me to reconsider before I label someone other than what I know they are.
After listening to the essays on This I Believe, my perspective on my religion and the world has been reconsidered. Whitney Harris challenged me to rethink the origin of the plant we call home, and the forgiveness of God. Penn Jillette imposed a different view of morality upon me. Lastly, Joel Engardio challenged me to consider the way I tolerate others and the meaning of true liberty. I believe that the Buddhist ideology that people should think for themselves should we widespread, for I know I am not the only person who is a Catholic because I was raised one.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the buddha's message was to have people think for themselves, not to believe whatever they are taught. whitney harris, penn jillette, and joel engardio challenged their views on religion and the world.
- Analyzes how whitney harris' belief that human existence is in peril imposes on their perspective of the world.
- Analyzes how penn jillette's strong assertion that there is no god challenged them to analyze their religion in the most significant of ways.
- Explains that the buddha's message was to have people think for themselves, not to believe whatever they are taught. whitney harris, penn jillette, and joel engardio challenged their views on religion and the world.
- Analyzes how whitney harris' belief that human existence is in peril imposes on their perspective of the world.
- Analyzes how penn jillette's strong assertion that there is no god challenged them to analyze their religion in the most significant of ways.
- Analyzes how joel engardio's understanding of true tolerance forced them to consider the meaning of tolerance.
- Opines that after listening to the essays on this i believe, their perspective on religion and the world has been reconsidered. whitney harris challenged them to rethink the origin of the plant we call home, and god's forgiveness.
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- He also makes reference to the long history of religious intolerance and persecution within the Christian tradition, brought about by greed, mistrust, and ignorance. He emphasizes the need for continuous practice, prayer, meditation, mindfulness, and personal growth within individual religious traditions and cultures. We must make the spirit of the Buddha and the spirit of Christ part of our everyday lives. He explores the “Five Wonderful Percepts of Buddhism”: reverence for life, generosity, responsible sexual behavior, speaking and listening deeply, and ingesting only wholesome substances; comparing them to the teachings of Christ. These precepts are without a doubt, very similar to the principles thought by Christ and his apostles. Each precept or teaching works with the next, interconnecting and building upon each other toward the same goal to end suffering, bring about personal and worldly understanding, world peace, and spiritual
In this essay, the author
- Explains that thch nh’at hanh is a world renowned vietnamese zen buddhist monk, religious figure and accomplished writer. he encourages readers to find meaning, understanding, mindfulness, and peace in the teachings of buddha and christ.
- Analyzes how emphasizes the need for continuous practice, prayer, meditation, mindfulness, and personal growth within individual religious traditions and cultures.
- Opines that thch nh'at hanh wants readers to reconnect and become re-rooted in their own faith, value systems, and religious traditions.
- Explains that thch nh’at hanh is a world renowned vietnamese zen buddhist monk, religious figure and accomplished writer. he encourages readers to find meaning, understanding, mindfulness, and peace in the teachings of buddha and christ.
- Analyzes how emphasizes the need for continuous practice, prayer, meditation, mindfulness, and personal growth within individual religious traditions and cultures.
- Opines that thch nh'at hanh wants readers to reconnect and become re-rooted in their own faith, value systems, and religious traditions.
- Opines that nh'at hanh is a means to being about religious growth and tolerance. he explores how both religious communities enact through faith, beliefs, understanding, acceptance, love, and inter-being.
808 wordsRead More - The Great Ambiguity of the Afterlifeexplanatory essaySmith, Andrew. "Chapter Nine: Life After Death." 2014. A Secular View of God. 12 May 2014 .
In this essay, the author
- Explains that people of various backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions have speculated and believed in numerous different possibilities for the destiny that awaits them beyond the world of the living.
- Explains that roman catholicism believes in the grant of eternal life among their believers.
- Explains that the church purifies sinners of lesser offences, such as dishonesty, by a cleansing fire in the purgatory.
- Explains that people of various backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions have speculated and believed in numerous different possibilities for the destiny that awaits them beyond the world of the living.
- Explains that roman catholicism believes in the grant of eternal life among their believers.
- Explains that the church purifies sinners of lesser offences, such as dishonesty, by a cleansing fire in the purgatory.
- Explains that islam is another branch of faith that describes a distinct and precise belief of life after death, or the hereafter.
- Explains that hell is a blistering cavern of various levels, based on the severity of the soul's felonies. islam believes in the value of good and bad deeds done in life.
- Explains that buddhism is a world religion that gives an original and interesting view on the afterlife.
- Compares theravada and mahayana in their belief of life after death, stating that the afterlife is viewed as a “heaven-like” place, liberated from desires, fear, and suffering.
- Explains that the subject of the afterlife is an important thing that every person should be aware of, as it holds the future—life after death—that every individual will eventually meet.
- Explains that religions such as roman catholicism, islam, and buddhism all hold a different perspective on the matter.
- Explains gray, jason d., "buddhist views of the afterlife." the immortality project.
- Cites andrew smith's article, "chapter nine: life after death." a secular view of god.
1876 wordsRead More - Analysis Of On Being An Atheist By H. J. Mccloskeyanalytical essayIn conclusion, McCloskey attempted to defeat the cosmological and teleological argument and tried to persuade the readers to embrace the view of atheism. That there is no God and that this life is the only one a person can have. He tried influencing people by asking why a perfect God make an imperfect world. Or why did God not make humans to choose the right decision automatically, so that they can avoid suffering? However, in the end, although his arguments are sound and he made very reasonable points. The facts remain that there must be something out there that made the universe and that has created us complex beings. This same being must have be able to give man the choice to make his own decision, even if it were the wrong one. There is only one possible being that could do that and that is none other than God.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how h.j. mccloskey's article, "on being an atheist", attempts to defeat the notion that there is a god.
- Analyzes how h.j. mccloskey's article "on being an atheist" addresses the cosmological argument and how it can be disproven.
- Analyzes mccloskey's argument that there isn't a cause to the universe and how it began, but evans and manis suggest the idea of contingency.
- Analyzes how h.j. mccloskey's article, "on being an atheist", attempts to defeat the notion that there is a god.
- Analyzes how h.j. mccloskey's article "on being an atheist" addresses the cosmological argument and how it can be disproven.
- Analyzes mccloskey's argument that there isn't a cause to the universe and how it began, but evans and manis suggest the idea of contingency.
- Analyzes how mccloskey attempts to defeat the teleological argument, which suggests that humans are designed and that there is a perfect designer behind it.
- Analyzes how evans and manis suggest that god could have easily used the beneficial order of the laws of nature and of evolution for his creation.
- Analyzes how mccloskey's core objection to theism comes in the article "on being an atheist", where he argues that a perfect being would not create an evil world.
- Analyzes how mccloskey argues the free will argument that if god was truly god, why not create beings that would freely choose to do the right thing?
- Analyzes mccloskey's argument that atheism is more comforting than theists' belief that pain and suffering is caused by a god — if there is no god, life is pointless.
- Concludes that mccloskey attempted to defeat the cosmological and teleological argument and tried to persuade the readers to embrace the view of atheism.
1335 wordsRead More - Twisted Graceanalytical essayThus, because she perceives grace as the central need of human experience and redemption as the essential aim of life itself, she also insists on the reality of sin and the inevitability of judgment. Unlike many modernists who complain that God has turned His back on the world, she contends that it is man who now shuns God (35).
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how flannery o'connor presents redemption to her readers in a darker, unconventional way. she strategically displays the flaws of christianity and catholicism in particular.
- Analyzes how grace is the central need of human experience and redemption as the essential aim of life itself. she insists on the reality of sin and the inevitability of judgment.
- Analyzes how arthur kinney grapples with the issue of justifying grotesque atrocities as the will of the benevolent god christians faithfully adore.
- Analyzes how flannery o'connor presents redemption to her readers in a darker, unconventional way. she strategically displays the flaws of christianity and catholicism in particular.
- Analyzes how grace is the central need of human experience and redemption as the essential aim of life itself. she insists on the reality of sin and the inevitability of judgment.
- Analyzes how arthur kinney grapples with the issue of justifying grotesque atrocities as the will of the benevolent god christians faithfully adore.
- Analyzes how joy/hulga of "good country people" is justly treated by a bible salesman with pornographic playing cards and contraceptives.
- Analyzes how o'connor used hulga's feeble attempts at nihilism to contrast sharply with manley’s outright evilness.
- Analyzes how o'connor creates three very different characters all in desperate denial of their need for grace.
- Analyzes how human action is consistently set against a backdrop of metaphysical considerations. actions of good or evil played out on the human stage echo the cosmic encounter between the forces of light and darkness.
- Analyzes how the grandmother's bodily position upon her death hints against the evil of the misfit. though grotesque, paralleling hulga’s blurred vision of green pastures, this final imagery is strangely hopeful.
- Analyzes how flannery o'connor used the atrocities of raw human sin to show that even in utter nonbelief, total selfishness, and blatant disregard for life god will still try to reach every soul.
680 wordsRead More - Comparing Aquinas And Hume's Refutation Of Godanalytical essayThroughout our course we have read and considered many ideas, however for the duration of this paper I will focus on two core ideas. These are the ideas that God is the first efficient cause and whether God is good. For the duration of this paper I will look at Aquinas’s five ways, Hume’s refutation of God being the efficient cause. Also Dostoevsky’s and Hume’s explanation that God is not good because of the abundance of pain. Throughout the class what I have come to learn and was most impacted by is that God is not what we prescribe him to be in our different religions. Also the arguments that always stood out for me were the arguments of Hume and his skepticism. It is my goal through this paper to explain that God is not the entity
In this essay, the author
- Explains that they will focus on two core ideas for the paper: god is the first efficient cause and whether god's good.
- Analyzes how aquinas argues that god is the first efficient cause through five ways.
- Analyzes hume's refutation of the idea that god is the first efficient cause through his character cleanthes and philo.
- Explains that they will focus on two core ideas for the paper: god is the first efficient cause and whether god's good.
- Analyzes how aquinas argues that god is the first efficient cause through five ways.
- Analyzes hume's refutation of the idea that god is the first efficient cause through his character cleanthes and philo.
- Argues that aquinas' argument is convincing in the existence of the efficient cause, but he does not seem to prove that this cause is the god that is worshipped in today's religions.
- Analyzes how hume argues that pain is more abundant in this world than that of pleasure.
- Argues that hume's arguments are convincing because they appeal to our experience as human beings and remind us that we use experience and concrete evidence.
- Analyzes how hume's arguments convinced them that god is an amoral force that has arranged the parts of the universe to act in accordance with one another.
1909 wordsRead More - Comparing Jesus And Jesus In The Gospel Of Jesusanalytical essayJesus and Buddha also differed when it came to those who questioned their teachings. Jesus became frustrated at those who listened to his teaching and did not change and still questioned him. Jesus’s anger stems from society’s disbelief in God. Buddha did not display these emotions as it was through people’s own path that either led them to suffering or enlightenment by their own choice.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that jesus and buddha provide a very practical guide to personal transformation that is remarkably similar.
- Explains that the buddha and jesus were both attempting to reach the same object, that an individual could be shown how to be righteous.
- Explains that the story of holy beings is always similar, good versus evil. buddha worked hard to undo the caste system and bring equality to all. jesus brought equality and justice to the people of jerusalem.
- Explains that jesus and buddha provide a very practical guide to personal transformation that is remarkably similar.
- Explains that the buddha and jesus were both attempting to reach the same object, that an individual could be shown how to be righteous.
- Explains that the story of holy beings is always similar, good versus evil. buddha worked hard to undo the caste system and bring equality to all. jesus brought equality and justice to the people of jerusalem.
- Explains that historical writings and religious texts illustrate prevalent similarities of christianity and buddhism, but they are also laden with different motives. buddha taught self-reliance to address the problem of suffering in the world.
- Compares the content and message of jesus and the buddha. the buddha relayed a more theoretical message, while jesus used stories in history to expose the presence of god.
- Explains that christianity focuses on jesus to enter the kingdom of heaven and experience god, while buddhists focus on the dharma instead of gautama buddha.
- Analyzes how jesus and buddha differed when it came to those who questioned their teachings. jesus' anger stems from society's disbelief in god, while buddha did not display these emotions.
- Analyzes how jesus in buddhist teachings were all way too similar, practically quoting one another, but christianity and buddhism contrast just as much as they are similar.
794 wordsRead More - Analysis of Psychology Through the Eyes of Faithanalytical essayAfter reading a few of the chapters in "Psychology Through the Eyes of Faith", I feel as if I have learned more in one sitting than many in years of my life. The chapters were not life altering, but simply stated things that I have overlooked. The topics that affected me most were on living with the mysteries of faith, benefits of true rest, and the emotion of happiness. Yes, they are really in no way related, but each of these topics impacted me in a different way, and made me think about what was being presented.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the chapters in "psychology through the eyes of faith" were not life altering, but simply stated things that they had overlooked. the topics that affected them most were on living with the mysteries of faith, benefits of true rest, and the emotion of happiness.
- Analyzes how the chapter entitled, "on living peaceably with the mysteries of faith" hit them hardest. they realized that god, being sovereign and all knowing, thinks in a way we cannot comprehend.
- Explains that while fellowship is an important part of growing faith, so is a time for just god and i.
- Opines that the chapters in "psychology through the eyes of faith" were not life altering, but simply stated things that they had overlooked. the topics that affected them most were on living with the mysteries of faith, benefits of true rest, and the emotion of happiness.
- Analyzes how the chapter entitled, "on living peaceably with the mysteries of faith" hit them hardest. they realized that god, being sovereign and all knowing, thinks in a way we cannot comprehend.
- Explains that while fellowship is an important part of growing faith, so is a time for just god and i.
- Analyzes how myers' chapter on "this way to happiness" focuses on thinking positively, setting realistic expectations, looking at those less fortunate, enjoying the moment and living beyond self-concern.
563 wordsRead More - The Jesuit astrophysicist finds himself in a mental conundrum; is the universe really the creation and the will of God? He tries to convince himself by stating, “God has no need to justify His actions to man.” (Clarke 81) But the divide between religion and science begins to drift farther apart in his consciousness. If the situation were inevitable, then God would have prevented their destruction but instead chose not to. He cannot shake the feeling that God is not the purest being as he so believes, as someone with a good heart would not allow the annihilation of such a peaceful civilization to occur. As he questions his religion he views the crucifix and begins to see it as nothing more than “an empty symbol” of something he once believed to be
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how arthur c. clarke's "the star" plays on the idea of the two vastly different ideas and intertwining and portraying the narrator as both scientific and religious.
- Analyzes how the juxtaposition of religion and science is evident from the very beginning of the story as the narrator is described as a jesuit chief astrophysicist.
- Analyzes how the jesuit astrophysicist finds himself in a mental conundrum; is the universe really the creation and the will of god?
- Analyzes how arthur c. clarke's "the star" plays on the idea of the two vastly different ideas and intertwining and portraying the narrator as both scientific and religious.
- Analyzes how the juxtaposition of religion and science is evident from the very beginning of the story as the narrator is described as a jesuit chief astrophysicist.
- Analyzes how the jesuit astrophysicist finds himself in a mental conundrum; is the universe really the creation and the will of god?
- Explains that they consider themselves a scientific thinker, but also have hispanic heritage, which is predominately catholic, and question their own religious beliefs whenever they get more intensive with their science coursework.
- Opines that they like the narrator questioning their own religion when it comes to certain topics.
745 wordsRead More - Living Buddha, Living Christ Book Reportexplanatory essayLiving Buddha, Living Christ has taught me the true meaning of Buddhism, and it demonstrates what the path to true enlightenment is. The following concepts have stood out to me, and they are ones that I relate to on a more personal level. Buddhism has perceptions that are not always seen by everyone, but they are concepts that are important for our own happiness.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that living buddha, living christ has taught them the true meaning of buddhism and demonstrates what the path to true enlightenment is.
- Opines that mindfulness isn't something that is thought of in daily life; it's a concept that you unconsciously think about, and you are never truly aware of what you're doing until you accept it.
- Explains that understanding is a concept that is commonly talked about, but it is not commonly expressed in the same way as within buddhism.
- Explains that living buddha, living christ has taught them the true meaning of buddhism and demonstrates what the path to true enlightenment is.
- Opines that mindfulness isn't something that is thought of in daily life; it's a concept that you unconsciously think about, and you are never truly aware of what you're doing until you accept it.
- Explains that understanding is a concept that is commonly talked about, but it is not commonly expressed in the same way as within buddhism.
- Explains how the concept of breathing in and out to create calm and peace in living buddha, living christ, gave them a clearer understanding of what buddhism means by inner self.
- Opines that the concept of understanding to others is a key to happiness and peace, and that forgiveness comes from understanding, which is relevant to everyday life.
972 wordsRead More - Essay On Religion And Scienceanalytical essayUp until the Enlightenment, mankind lived under the notion that religion, moreover intelligent design, was most likely the only explanation for the existence of life. However, people’s faith in the church’s ideals and teachings began to wither with the emergence of scientific ideas that were daringly presented to the world by great minds including Galileo and Darwin. The actuality that there was more to how and why we exist, besides just having an all-powerful creator, began to interest the curious minds in society. Thus, science began to emerge as an alternative and/or supplement to religion for some. Science provided a more analytical view of the world we see while religion was based more upon human tradition/faith and the more metaphysical world we don’t necessarily see. Today science may come across as having more solid evidence and grounding than religion because of scientific data that provides a seemingly more detailed overview of life’s complexity. “Einstein once said that the only incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible” (Polkinghorne, 62). Yet, we can still use theories and ideas from both, similar to Ian Barbour’s Dialouge and Integration models, to help us formulate an even more thorough concept of the universe using a human and religious perspective in addition to scientific data.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that science provides a more analytical view of the world while religion is based more upon human tradition/faith and the metaphysical world we don't necessarily see.
- Explains that neither religion nor science is exclusive in its form of understanding. the scientifically claimed theory of evolution accounts for the origins of our biological diversity and how humans came about.
- Analyzes how ian barbour introduced four models to establish the relationship between religion and science in his book, "religion in an age of science."
- Argues that science provides a more analytical view of the world while religion is based more upon human tradition/faith and the metaphysical world we don't necessarily see.
- Explains that neither religion nor science is exclusive in its form of understanding. the scientifically claimed theory of evolution accounts for the origins of our biological diversity and how humans came about.
- Analyzes how ian barbour introduced four models to establish the relationship between religion and science in his book, "religion in an age of science."
- Analyzes how barbour explains scientific thought in comparison to religion, saying there are very few facts that are absolute in science or in religion.
806 wordsRead More - On July 8th 1741, Jonathan Edwards preached the sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” in Enfield, Connecticut. Edwards states to his listeners that God does not lack in power, and that people have yet not fallen to destruction because his mercy. God is so forgiving that he gives his people an opportunity to repent and change their ways before it was too late. Edwards urges that the possibility of damnation is immanent. Also that it urgently requires the considerations of the sinner before time runs out. He does not only preach about the ways that make God so omnipotent, but the ways that he is more superior to us. In his sermon, Edwards uses strong, powerful, and influential words to clearly point out his message that we must amend our ways or else destruction invincible. Edwards appeals to the spectators though the various usages of rhetorical devices. This includes diction, imagery, language/tone and syntax. Through the use of these rhetoric devices, Edwards‘s purpose is to remind the speculators that life is given by God and so they must live according to him. This include...
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how jonathan edwards preached the sermon "sinners in the hands of an angry god" in enfield, connecticut on july 8th 1741.
- Analyzes how jonathan edwards uses strong, powerful diction to clearly tell his audience how powerful god is. he uses words like dreadful, glowing, wickedness, black, and vengeance to point out god's generosity.
- Analyzes how 's use of imagery leaves the listeners crying at their misfortunes.
- Analyzes how jonathan edwards preached the sermon "sinners in the hands of an angry god" in enfield, connecticut on july 8th 1741.
- Analyzes how jonathan edwards uses strong, powerful diction to clearly tell his audience how powerful god is. he uses words like dreadful, glowing, wickedness, black, and vengeance to point out god's generosity.
- Analyzes how 's use of imagery leaves the listeners crying at their misfortunes.
574 wordsRead More - Analysis of Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagenopinion essayThe book Buddhism Plain and Simple, by Steve Hagen, caught my attention and became more interesting to me than I thought. I have always heard of the religion Buddhism, but I never knew what it was all about. I never thought that Buddhism was as huge as it is. I knew that it existed in other countries, but I never knew what exact countries. Many of the views in this book surprised me and the book taught me a lot about morals and better ways to live your life. The word “ Awareness” is talked heavily all through this book. For Buddhists, this is probably the most important aspect in their religion.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the book buddhism plain and simple, by steve hagen, caught their attention and became more interesting to them than they thought.
- Opines that the book left out a lot of elements like ritual, prayer, clothing, and all of the trappings of religion.
- Opines that buddhism is a non-historical religion and that they look forward to being in heaven after they live and complete their life.
- Analyzes how the book buddhism plain and simple, by steve hagen, caught their attention and became more interesting to them than they thought.
- Opines that the book left out a lot of elements like ritual, prayer, clothing, and all of the trappings of religion.
- Opines that buddhism is a non-historical religion and that they look forward to being in heaven after they live and complete their life.
- Opines that buddhism believes you should be conscious of reality, know what life is, and live life to the fullest.
- Opines that buddhism's followers observe nature and take in all the beauty of it, which is a wrong way to judge people. we must treat everyone with compassion for one another.
- Opines that everyone around us robs one another of their humanity.
- Opines that everyone thinks something about everything before it happens or before they actually see and experience it, so they need to tighten down their judgments better and base their decisions on what they see.
- Opines that the buddhist concept of meditation is interesting to them. meditation is where they find enlightenment.
- Opines that they value the book and want to change certain aspects of their life. the idea of oneness with oneself sounds peaceful and understanding.
774 wordsRead More - Siddhartha's Journey To Enlightenmentexplanatory essay“Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.” (“Quotes by Buddha”) The Buddha went through many trials and tribulations to reach enlightenment. But, he persevered and once he reached this state, he shared his spiritual knowledge with countless others (Editors of Biography.com).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the buddha went through many trials and tribulations to reach enlightenment, but he persevered and shared his spiritual knowledge with countless others.
- Explains that siddhartha lived a sheltered childhood and was ignorant about the outside world. he saw ill people, dead bodies, and holy men, which inspired him to seek enlightenment.
- Explains how siddhartha changed his way of life and encouraged living in balance, not extremes. he meditated in bodh gaya, india, under a tree, while the wicked demon mara tested him.
- Explains that the buddha went through many trials and tribulations to reach enlightenment, but he persevered and shared his spiritual knowledge with countless others.
- Explains that siddhartha lived a sheltered childhood and was ignorant about the outside world. he saw ill people, dead bodies, and holy men, which inspired him to seek enlightenment.
- Explains how siddhartha changed his way of life and encouraged living in balance, not extremes. he meditated in bodh gaya, india, under a tree, while the wicked demon mara tested him.
- Explains that the buddha was generous and taught people how to reach enlightenment. the buddha founded an order of monks after reaching the age of 80.
- Explains that even though it took the buddha until his 30s to reach enlightenment, his troubles paid off and he was able to teach a number of people how to escape suffering.
694 wordsRead More - Comparing Christianity and Buddhismexplanatory essayThis paper is a comparison between two very different religions. Specifically Christianity and Buddhism. Coming from opposite sides of the globe these two religions could not be any farther apart in any aspect. I will discuss who Christ is for Christians and who Buddha is for Buddhists. I will also get into the aspects of charity, love, and compassion in both religions and I will be looking at the individual self and how christians see resurrection where the buddhists feel about the afterlife. One thing to keep in mind is that the two religions are very different but they seem to have a very similar underlying pattern. Both believe that there was a savior of their people, Buddha and Christ, and both believe that there is something good that happens to us when our time is done here on earth. This is a very generalized summarization but in order to go in to depth I need to explain the two religions more to fully convey this theory.
In this essay, the author
- Compares christianity and buddhism, stating that the two religions are very different but have a very similar underlying pattern.
- Explains that the christian religion has its strengths and weaknesses in our modern society. hundreds of people follow the catholic/christian religion yet still a greater number follow yet other religions.
- Explains that the christian religion is one of few religions where punishments for sins are not severe. hinduism believes that punishing the body is part of the path to salvation.
- Compares christianity and buddhism, stating that the two religions are very different but have a very similar underlying pattern.
- Explains that the christian religion has its strengths and weaknesses in our modern society. hundreds of people follow the catholic/christian religion yet still a greater number follow yet other religions.
- Explains that the christian religion is one of few religions where punishments for sins are not severe. hinduism believes that punishing the body is part of the path to salvation.
- Opines that christianity, like other religions, has many weaknesses. one thing with christianity is that from day one we are given a guilt trip.
- Explains that the catholic faith has evolved with modern society and become a more "reasonable" faith under the leadership of the pope.
- Opines that a religion should change as the modern society does and conform to an "acceptable" approach to continue its teachings/practices.
- Explains that the bible is proof that jesus existed, but the stories contained have been transferred by word of mouth, which has certainly been distorted and exaggerated. the shroud of turin was the christian religion's artifact
- Explains that the catholic/christian religion strongly believes in correcting our corrupted world. many missionaries help educate, feed, and provide moral support for a people who have nothing.
- Explains that a strong hierarchy system helps the religion in well-organized money distribution, etc.
- Explains that the catholic/christian religion is one of the great religions which still lives strongly among us in our increasingly modern society.
- Explains that buddhism is the most tolerant religion in the world, as its teaching can coexist with any other religion.
- Narrates how siddhartha realized that physical harshness was not a means of achieving liberation. he encouraged people to follow balance rather than extremism.
- Explains that the buddha preached the dharma in an effort to help other people reach enlightenment.
- Explains buddhism's four noble truths: dhukka, tanha, desire, and the eight-fold path.
- Explains that even though the cultures of the two religions are quite possibly exact opposites, the underlying message is quite similar. human nature needs something or someone to believe in and entrust their faith.
2061 wordsRead More - This I Believenarrative essayLife is not always fair. Growing up, I came to realize that fact. I remember asking my parents why I could not get this toy and why my younger siblings could get the ones they wanted. Back then, my parents’ reasons never really sunk in my mind. Though as years passed by, I am thankful that my parents did say no to me. Refusing to get new toys or do what a child wants from time to time is necessary if you want a well-behaved child because it teaches them to appreciate, understand, and have self-control.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that refusing to get new toys is necessary if you want a well-behaved child to appreciate, understand, and have self-control.
- Narrates how they learned not to hate their parents for saying no and appreciated their gifts and time spent with them.
- Explains that their childhood was full of do's and don'ts. they were a role model to their brothers and sisters.
- Opines that refusing to get new toys is necessary if you want a well-behaved child to appreciate, understand, and have self-control.
- Narrates how they learned not to hate their parents for saying no and appreciated their gifts and time spent with them.
- Explains that their childhood was full of do's and don'ts. they were a role model to their brothers and sisters.
- Narrates how they learned self-control during childhood. they learned to ignore jealousies, urges, and distractions.
- Opines that life doesn't always go the way you want it to. they believe that all these characteristics are needed to be admirable and have a successful future.
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