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,

Comparing and Contrasting the Common Elements of Religions 3 so that clarity can be reached and one might “aim to clear the mind in order to be receptive to divinity” (Evil, n.d.). The common practices in Judaism is fasting and praying. The day of judgment is known as Rosh Hashanah; this is God’s final verdict. “This is a day of fasting and praying to God as repentance for any and all wrongdoings” (Evil, n.d.). Even though there are commonalities and differences with these religions they generally are geared towards monitoring the behaviour of their members through values, morals, laws, and historical actions of the group. Most religions share similar roots, but with different historical periods, they reveal interesting traits of culture, language, traditions, origins, and worldly insights into their approaches for reasoning and contemplation for their expression of compassion and devotion to their God. These religions are all trying to create harmony and balance from their historical point of origin to the universal force and essence that guides their people to decisions and lessons. The readings from units 1 and 2 show us that all human beings are the same, and they all are seeking a common thing in religion, whatever the religious inclination of the individual is.

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Comparing and Contrasting the Common Elements of Religions 4 Works Cited (n.d.). Evil [MOOC]. In Approaches to Studying Religions. Sophia Learning. https://app.sophia.org/spcc/approaches-to-studying-religions--2/study- guide/unit2/8149/evil-2 (n.d.). Overview of “The Problem” [MOOC]. In Approaches to Studying Religions. Sophia Learning. https://app.sophia.org/spcc/approaches-to-studying-religions--2/study- guide/unit2/8144/overview-of-the-problem-3 (n.d.). Transmission of the Teachings [MOOC]. In Approaches to Studying Religions. Sophia Learning. https://app.sophia.org/spcc/approaches-to-studying-religions--2/study- guide/unit2/8154/transmission-of-the-teaching-2