Buddhism vs. Christianity — What's the Difference?

The teaching or religion of the Buddha.

The embodiment of God the Son in human flesh as Jesus Christ.

The sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.

Christ's rising from the gone.

The state of being free from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

Deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Christ.

A state of perfect knowledge or wisdom, combined with infinite compassion.

The free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners.

Buddhism (, US: ) is an Indian religion based on a series of original teachings attributed to Gautama Buddha. It originated in ancient India as a Sramana tradition sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, spreading through much of Asia.

The Christian Godhead as one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

A widespread Asian religion or philosophy, founded by Siddartha Gautama in north-eastern India in the 5th century BC.

Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the world's largest religion, with about 2.4 billion followers.

The teaching of Siddhartha Gautama that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct, wisdom, and meditation releases one from desire, suffering, and rebirth.

A religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus. Most forms of Christianity hold that Jesus is the son of God and is the second person of the Trinity, through whom humans may attain redemption from sin.

The religion represented by the many groups, especially numerous in Asia, that profess varying forms of this doctrine and that venerate Siddhartha Gautama.

Christians as a group; Christendom.

The religion based upon the doctrine originally taught by the Hindu sage Gautama Siddartha, surnamed Buddha, "the awakened or enlightened," in the sixth century b. c., and adopted as a religion by the greater part of the inhabitants of Central and Eastern Asia and the Indian Islands. Buddha's teaching is believed to have been atheistic; yet it was characterized by elevated humanity and morality. It presents release from existence (a beatific enfranchisement, Nirvâna) as the greatest good. Buddhists believe in transmigration of souls through all phases and forms of life. Their number was estimated in 1881 at 470,000,000.

The state or fact of being a Christian.

A religion represented by the many groups (especially in Asia) that profess various forms of the Buddhist doctrine and that venerate Buddha

Pl. Chris·ti·an·i·ties A particular form or sect of the Christian religion

The teaching of Buddha that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct and wisdom and meditation releases one from desire and suffering and rebirth

The religion of Christians; the system of doctrines and precepts taught by Christ.

Practical conformity of one's inward and outward life to the spirit of the Christian religion

The body of Christian believers.

A monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior

The collective body of Christians throughout the world and history (found predominantly in Europe and the Americas and Australia);

Buddhists generally view gods as beings who are also trapped in the cycle of rebirth and not as creators or ultimate beings.

Buddhism emphasizes meditation and ethical living as pathways to enlightenment, whereas Christianity focuses on prayer, worship, and the sacraments.

The main goal of Buddhism is achieving Nirvana, which means escaping the cycle of suffering and rebirth.

The core belief of Christianity is salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Both religions stress moral behavior and compassion, but Buddhism emphasizes personal responsibility and the laws of karma, while Christianity focuses on following God’s commandments and grace.

Ethics in Buddhism are based on principles that lead to a harmonious life and ultimately to enlightenment.

Buddhists believe suffering is inherent to life, but it can be overcome through spiritual practice and enlightenment.

In Buddhism, salvation is self-achieved through enlightenment, while in Christianity, salvation is granted by God through faith in Jesus.

The end goal of Buddhism is achieving Nirvana, a state free from suffering, whereas Christianity’s end goal is eternal life with God in heaven.

Meditation is a core practice in Buddhism, used to develop mindfulness, concentration, and insight.

The Bible is the sacred scripture and guide for faith and practice in Christianity.

Combining practices and beliefs from both Buddhism and Christianity is possible and is done by some, but it involves reconciling different theological doctrines.