...Critical Thinking Assignment Buddhism/Christian Worldview Robert Barbour, Jr. Liberty University Online APOL 104 Professor Robert Hunter September 29, 2014 In Aspect I of this essay, I will make an effort to respond on several concerns regarding the overall viewpoint from which Buddhists see and understand the world. I deem that the Buddhists worldview can be very fascinating and complicated in several ways. In addition, in Aspect II, I will display how the Buddhists worldview makes a large comparison in comparison to a/the Spiritual / Christian worldview. Aspect I Presenting Buddhism’s Multiple Viewpoints on Worldview The question of Origin: Buddhism is a religion that involves a wide range of customs, values and methods mostly depending on lessons linked to Siddhartha Gautama. Buddhist believe the world have no beginning or end. “The Buddha added the notion that all creatures, including man, are fictions: there is really no "self"; only a series of occurrences that appear to be individual persons and things.” (The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error 2. Compiled by Steven Cory. Copyright 1986, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. ). The question of Identity: Buddhism instructs that there is no self, but instead there are individual, ever-changing elements that create who we are. Buddhists also believe “what keeps man in this cycle is known as Karma. Although good Karma can have a positive effect, it is still viewed as a curse; since good and bad Karma keeps a person...
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...Critical Thinking Assignment Part One: Buddhism i. Buddhists follow the Pantheism worldview. They believe that everything has always existed and that there is no beginning. The early religion taught that the universe has existed in cycles and existence is endless, but always changing forms. Some forms have existed longer than others and these forms come together to create another form. They also break apart to end one cycle and start a new another cycle as a different form. This follows their belief of reincarnation. Buddha, in the Acintita Sutta said, “Conjecture about the origin, etc., of the world is an unconjecturable that is not conjectured about, that would bring madness and vexation to anyone who conjectured about it.” ii. Buddhists believe that everything that exists in this universe is sacred or spiritual in nature (Consider, p 57). Because of reincarnation, animals and people die and are reborn in the form of a different creature, determined by their karma. Or this reason, no one can be regarded as superior in existence but rather equal and in relationship with each other. The only way someone can be considered superior, is when you relate it to their closeness to nirvana. iii. The sole purpose/goal of a Buddhist is to be freed from the cycle of reincarnation and reach his purist state, which is called nirvana. For man to reach this state of enlightenment, he needs to rid himself of desires which cause suffering. Some Buddhists purpose is to do as...
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...limited 4. Quotations and material used from other sources should be cited using current APA, MLA, or Turabian formatting (whichever corresponds to your degree program). 5. Check your work for spelling and grammatical errors. 6. Be sure to do your own work, do not plagiarize. I. Part One: (250 words) 1. Select ONE of the worldviews (Secular Humanism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam) that have been considered in the course content. 2. Using course content and/or sources outside of the course, complete the following- How would the worldview that you selected answer: i. The Question of Origin - ii. The Question of Identity - iii. The Question of Meaning/Purpose - iv. The Question of Morality - v. The Question of Destiny - * An overview of these questions can be found in chapter 4 of the Weider & Gutierrez text Consider. II. Part Two: (250 words) 3. Compare and contrast your selected worldview’s answers (as given in Part One) to a Biblical/Christian worldview. 4. Do not just copy and paste, but you may wish to refer back to your Worldview Assignment from Module/Week 3. vi. The Question of Origin – vii. The Question of Identity – viii. The Question of Meaning/Purpose – ix. The Question of Morality – x. The Question of Destiny - * An overview of these questions can be found in chapter 4 of the Weider & Gutierrez text Consider...
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...with a follower of this worldview who might be a co-worker, neighbor etc.? In order to have a productive relationship with a Buddhist or anyone for that matter I would first start with one-self, then recognizing the Buddhist worldviews using critical thinking. This way I will be able to perceive and have more of an understanding, to build that trust factor. Some practical steps: Not to be judgmental and focus on the good of Buddhism, because no-one is perfect and everyone have faults. Remember to smile it is a visual teaching. Be helpful, kind, and positive it shows’ gratitude. What barriers/hindrances would exist with presenting the Christian gospel to a person from this worldview? Some common objections and Evangelism of hindrances would be the fact of having different perspectives. Christians, for example, speak of a God who has emotions such as anger and love, but Buddhists see such emotions as indicating too much attachment to the ego (Tsering, P. 157). Most Buddhists believe that there are many paths to God. Buddhism believes Jesus is not unique and may see Jesus as being a spiritual Master on a par with Buddha (Theravada Buddhism) or as a bodhisattva (Mahayana Buddhism) (www.internationalstudents.org). In addition, Buddhism denies the existence of God, Buddhism worldview is monistic, there is no such thing to Buddhism as sin against a supreme being, according to the Buddhist belief man is worthless, having only temporary existence, and Buddhism takes on many forms that...
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...Apollo 104 September 29, 2014 Part One: Buddhism 1. The Question of Origin – In the Buddhist Worldview life and the world have no beginning or end. “There is no reason to suppose that the world had a beginning at all. The idea that things must have a beginning is really due to the poverty of our thoughts” (Russel, 1924) Creation occurs repeatedly throughout time. 2. The Question of Identity – The Buddhists believe that the mind is different from the body, and that the mind continues to exist even after the body has died. As long as this mind continues to live, then there is a prolongation of personifications. Buddhists ultimately want their mind to die, because when their mind is dead, there will be no more reincarnation for them. 3. The Question of Meaning/Purpose – Buddhism and Hinduism share a lot of beliefs. However, they differ in their meaning and their purpose. Buddhists believe suffering is real and the reason man is imprisoned to the sequence of reincarnation. Our purpose is to “eliminate suffering by eliminating desire” (Weider & Gutierrez, 2011). This can be achieved by following the four noble truths and the eightfold path, which lead to a state of Nirvana. Buddhists believe people suffer because they strive to hold on to things, which do not give everlasting happiness. 4. The Question of Morality – Morality is directly laced into Buddhist teachings. The Eightfold path connects to morality with the concepts of right speech, right action...
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...Buddhism The Question of Origin in the Buddhist Worldview life and the world has no beginning or end. Also there is no reason to think that the world had a beginning at all. The idea that things must have a beginning is really due to the poverty of our thoughts (Russel, 1924) Creation occurs repeatedly throughout time. The Question of Identity Buddhist considers life to be sacred and/or spiritual in nature. They believe in reincarnation and a person’s spiritual future is based directly on one’s good or bad actions in this lifetime, better known as Karma. The Question of Meaning/Purpose Buddhism shares a lot of the beliefs of Hinduism. However, they differ when you ask this question. Buddhists believes that suffering is real and the reason man is enslaved to the cycle of reincarnation. Our purpose is to get rid of suffering by getting rid of desire. This can be accomplished by following the four noble truths and the eightfold path, which lead to a state of Nirvana. Buddhists believes that we suffer because we strive to hold on to things, which do not give lasting happiness. The Question of Morality, Morality is automatically woven into Buddhist teachings. The Eightfold path connects to morality with the concepts of right speech, right action, and right livelihood. The five precepts of Buddhism act as their moral code. The Question of destiny In the Buddhist Worldview our destiny is not controlled by God but by us. The actions we take and the decisions we make determines if...
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...Absract A worldview is the way an individual understands and processes the world and reality. Worldviews can be realized by answering seven questions. Most religions have a worldview that is unique to its belief system. This paper aims to compare the worldviews of Christianity and Buddhism, and their implications on health care. Important factors regarding care provided by those of other religions will be discussed. The common components to different religions, as well as the author’s personal views and new perspectives, will also be discussed. Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity America is known as a melting pot of cultures, and because of this, health care providers encounter patients and families from a multitude...
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...Buddhism. PART ONE: The Question of Origin In Buddhism, they do not teach nor do they believe that there is an all-powerful God that created the universe. They look to Buddha, the religion’s founder, for a model of how to behave. In the Buddhist view, the universe is infinite in both time and space and the universe is created and destroyed over and over again in a process we call natural evolution. The Question of Identity Buddhist considers all life to be sacred and/or spiritual in nature. They believe in reincarnation and a person’s spiritual future is based solely on one’s good or bad actions in this lifetime, also known as Karma. The Question of Meaning/Purpose In Buddhism, the primary purpose is to end suffering. The Buddha believed and therefore taught that humans suffer because they are to consumed in things that do not give long lasting happiness and are too busy trying to hold on to things such as friends, material possessions, and things that do not last, and in the end brings upon sorrow. This is where the beliefs of the Four Noble Truths come in: teaches that all life is marked by suffering, suffering is caused by desire and attachment, suffering can be stopped, and the way to end suffering is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path. The Question of Morality Respect, love, and compassion are highly valued in Buddhism as are an ethical and moral path is the basis for their model of behavior. The Noble Eightfold Path consist of right knowledge, right intention...
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...Critical Thinking Assignment Part I: What is Buddhism? According to the reading and additional research “Buddhism” was founded by a royal prince Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) “Awakened” or “Enlightened One” in 624 century before the birth of Christ in what is now part of Nepal. Some would say that Buddhism is better understood as an ethic and philosophy rather than a religion and follows concepts from meditation to The Four Nobel Truths and The Eightfold Noble Path. In all his eighty-four thousand teachings, Buddha Shakyamuni’s objective was to lead people to permanent freedom from suffering. He understood that temporary liberation from misery and hardship was not enough, he wanted to motivate by love and compassion; he wanted to help people find everlasting peace or nirvana. 1. The Question of Origin: In the eyes of a Buddhist, the world as a whole and the life contained in it is believed to have no beginning or end. “There is no reason to support that the world had a beginning at all. The idea that things must have a beginning is really due to the poverty of our thought.” (Russel, 1924) Creation occurs continually throughout time. 2. The Question of Identity: The Buddhist followers believe that they are an impermanent collection of aggregates, for their personal existence continues even after our human form is gone. “The Buddhist claim that the mind is different from the physical body, and that the mind continues to exist even after the physical body has died. As long as...
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...APOL-104 June 25, 2012 Critical Thinking Assignment PART ONE: The Question of Origin In Buddhism, they do not teach nor do they believe that there is an all-powerful God that created the universe. They look to Buddha, the religion’s founder, for a model of how to behave. In the Buddhist view, the universe is infinite in both time and space and the universe is created and destroyed over and over again in a process we call natural evolution. The Question of Identity Buddhist considers all life to be sacred and/or spiritual in nature. They believe in reincarnation and a person’s spiritual future is based solely on one’s good or bad actions in this lifetime, also known as Karma. The Question of Meaning/Purpose In Buddhism, the primary purpose is to end suffering. The Buddha believed and therefore taught that humans suffer because they are to consumed in things that do not give long lasting happiness and are too busy trying to hold on to things such as friends, material possessions, and things that do not last, and in the end brings upon sorrow. This is where the beliefs of the Four Noble Truths come in: teaches that all life is marked by suffering, suffering is caused by desire and attachment, suffering can be stopped, and the way to end suffering is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path. The Question of Morality Respect, love, and compassion are highly valued in Buddhism as are an ethical and moral path is the basis for their model of behavior. The Noble Eightfold Path...
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...Discussion Board 3 Establishing a rapport with somebody, regardless of their perspective or worldview, involves understanding and the capacity to compromise. It is imperative that you be receptive and listen to what they have to say, regardless of wither you agree with them are not. Religion can be an enormous part of somebody's life; however it doesn’t have to be the determining factor in relationships. You can't ethically or morally, as a Christian, choose not to associate with someone just because the two of you don’t share the same beliefs. Totally distinctive perspectives and convictions exist between Christians and Buddhists Worldviews, that doesn't mean you can't be friends. However, Christians and Buddhist do share some of the same morals codes. Christians and Buddhists alike don’t believe in stealing, lying, murder, and pre-marital sex. As well as, you should treat others the same way you want to be treated. There aren’t numerous similarities between these two religions, though. Christians believe in one God, whose image they were made in, and that they suffer because of their sins. Entering Heaven is their ultimate goal, but in order to make it in, a person must repent of their sins and except Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Buddhists don’t worship a God, and they believe there is an endless cycle of births and deaths, they believe desire is the cause for suffering, and in order to abolish suffering they must eliminate desire. Buddhist are trying to obtain...
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...aspects of the fantasy to develop,” as stated from bethinking’s article on the force. As people watch the movie, are there any hidden messages that could be found guiding one's world view? Some say Buddhism is very prevalent while others point out the many parallels Christianity has with the creation of the Force. Analyzing both viewpoints, Christianity has more examples and support, as the worldview over Star Wars a New Hope. The Force is a religion that is created in the movie that Lucas molds from major religions including Christianity. For example the movie molds Christian sayings like “May God be with you” to “May the Force be with you” as pointed out from John McDowell in his article for Bethinking. They also treated the force like it was the almighty comforting grace. Just as if Jesus is the rock that all Christians stand on. The force has also come to have a good side and a dark side. We can easily view that as a representation of our entire religion, Christianity has a good side and an evil side. The entire religion is based on spiritual warfare, that is very similar to the battle created between the light and dark sides of the force. The light side represents all thats good and the Jedi uphold and defend that side of the force. This is very much like how we as Christians are called to uphold and defend God to the world and all who go...
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...other and is really important in a person’s life as it teaches us how to live our lives according to certain beliefs and worldviews. As healthcare professionals we see a diverse range of patients with different religious and cultural beliefs. We have to understand and work around the different individuals worldview to help them with their problems and illnesses. Diversity is described as when people from different culture, religions and traditions come under one system and coexist. In a diverse community there are different individuals with different religious beliefs and traditions according to which they live. In order to understand the similarities and differences between religion and cultural aspects, we have be aware of the essence of their beliefs and traditions and work with them in harmony and peace. In order to do that it becomes critical for the healthcare provider to be open-minded and have a broad spiritual perspective when having patients from different religions, traditions, and cultures (Shelly & Miller, 2006). This paper will discuss the comparison between Christians and Buddhists and how traditions, healthcare worldview vary amongst them. Christianity and Buddhism overview: Buddhism is a faith that originated two 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha, had a self-awakening at the age of thirty-five. Buddhism is set of rules that explains the philosophy of life and how to lead a moral path in order to attain Nirvana. Buddhist...
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...Assignment Haley, Jennifer APOL 104 D43 November 26, 2013 Part one The Question of Origin: In Buddhism, they don’t believe in an all-powerful God who created our world so they diffidently don’t teach it. Believers look to Buddha, their religion’s founder, for a model of how act. Buddhist view, the world is infinite in both time and space; the world is created and destroyed over and over again in a process we call, natural evolution. The Question of Identity: Buddhist considers everything living to be sacred and/or spiritual in nature. They also believe in reincarnation and a person’s spiritual future is based only on ones good or bad decisions in a lifetime which is known as Karma. The Question of Meaning/Purpose: The primary purpose is to end suffering. Buddha believed and therefore taught that people suffer because they are too wrapped up in things that do not give long lasting happiness and are too busy trying to hold to things such as, friends, material possessions and things that do not last. In the end it will only lead to sorrow. This is where the Four Noble Truths come into play: teaches that all life is marked by suffering, suffering is caused by desire and attachment, suffering can be stopped, and the way to end suffering is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path. The Question of Morality: Love, respect and compassion are three things that are highly valued in Buddhism as an ethical and moral path for their model of behavior. The Noble Eightfold Path contains right...
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...Buddhism Worldview 1. The Question of Origin i. The two branches of Buddhism, one conservative and one liberal, have two different views on the existence of God. Theravada (conservative) follows that there was neither confirmation nor denial of God by Buddha. Mahayana Buddhists (liberal) create deities that they pray, bow, and make offerings to, and look to Buddha as an essence that has many manifestations (Halverson 2). Therefore, there is no origin or creator of this Earth or us; it has been in existence and a part of an impersonal force (Weider and Gutierrez 66). ii. Christianity, on the other hand, affirms that God created the Earth and us, so there is no dispute on our origin (Genesis 1). 2. The Question of Identity iii. In Buddhism, everything that exists is of an essence and is looked at as being on the same level. Karma, and good or bad deeds helps one to move either closer or further away from Nirvana in levels of life form. Mahayana Buddhists believe that there are Bodhisattvas, who have earned Nirvana but postpone it in order to help others to reach it. Although they are above man, they are still subject to karma and can lose their level when their good karma is up (Prebish 16). iv. God created us in his likeness, in order to rule over his creations of the Earth, plants, and animals (Gen 1:26-27). Sowing and reaping, in biblical context, is much like karma for Buddhists in which good deeds produce positive rewards, and bad actions...
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