I am a Buddhist. Why should I consider becoming a Christian?
Introduction to Buddhism and Christianity
Buddhism and Christianity are two of the world’s major religions. Buddhism originated in ancient India, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, over 2,500 years ago. It teaches that the root cause of suffering is desire and that the path to enlightenment is through moral self-discipline, meditation, and wisdom. The ultimate goal is to escape the cycle of rebirth and attain nirvana, a state of perfect peace.
Christianity emerged in the 1st century CE in the Levant region. Its founder is Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God. Christianity teaches that Jesus’ death and resurrection saves people from sin and death. By having faith in Christ, people can have a restored relationship with God and receive eternal life. Core Christian beliefs include the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus, original sin, atonement through Jesus, and Jesus as the sole path to salvation.
While Buddhism and Christianity share some similarities, such as moral ethics and a spiritual worldview, they differ substantially in their core teachings. As a Buddhist, you may wonder why you should consider becoming a Christian. Here are some key reasons:
1. Christianity offers a personal relationship with God
A fundamental difference between Buddhism and Christianity is that Christianity teaches having a personal relationship with a loving God. Christianity sees God as deeply interested in humanity. God created us to have fellowship with him and wants us to know him (Genesis 1:27). Jesus said eternal life is knowing the one true God (John 17:3).
In contrast, Buddhism does not teach a personal God. The Buddha is not considered a deity but an enlightened human teacher. Buddhism focuses on escaping suffering through one’s own efforts rather than relying on divine help. From a Christian perspective, one of the deficiencies of Buddhism is the absence of a loving God to have a relationship with.
Christianity offers a joyful relationship with God where we can communicate with him through prayer and experience his presence, grace, guidance, and provision in our lives. God promises to never leave or forsake those who follow him (Deuteronomy 31:6). We are able to call him “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). Having an intimate relationship with our Creator fulfills our deepest longings.
2. Christianity provides assurance of salvation
Christianity claims we can have assurance of eternal life with God in heaven. The basis for this assurance is accepting Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins on the cross. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish” (John 10:27-28). Whoever believes in Christ shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
In Buddhism, nirvana is not a place like heaven but a state achieved through enlightenment. There is no guarantee of achieving nirvana, so practitioners cannot have eternal security. One can regress spiritually and morally between rebirths. Nirvana is attained only after many lifetimes of spiritual progress through one’s efforts. Even enlightened Buddhists do not know for certain if they will achieve nirvana.
The assurance of salvation in Christianity brings tremendous hope and comfort. Since eternal life is a gift from God based on his grace and promises rather than our works, Christians can be confident of going to heaven. God accepts us fully because of Christ’s atonement for our sins.
3. Christianity believes in only one lifetime on Earth
Christianity teaches that we have only one life to live on Earth and then face judgment before God (Hebrews 9:27). There is no reincarnation or cycle of rebirth. Given this one precious life, it is vitally important to get right with God because our eternal destiny depends on it.
Buddhism has a cyclical view of time. One is reborn repeatedly into different realms and different beings. There are potentially unlimited chances to eventually attain enlightenment. Christianity, in contrast, places greater urgency on repenting and believing during our single lifetime because “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” before entering heaven or hell (Hebrews 9:27).
The Christian view of one lifetime means this life has profound meaning and purpose. We are called to maximize our limited time by pursuing God wholeheartedly and trusting in Christ as our Savior. The Bible says, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
4. Christianity promises victory over sin
A key struggle for many is overcoming sinful habits and addictions. Buddhism’s solution is escaping desire through one’s efforts. But Christianity offers divine help to achieve lasting victory over sin.
The Bible teaches we were created good but fell into sin. Now our natural state apart from God is slavery to sin (Romans 6:16-17). Try as we might, we cannot defeat sin in our own strength. The harder we try, the more entrapped we become because even motives are tainted by sin.
Jesus came specifically to set us free from sin (Romans 6:18). Through Christ, sin’s mastery over us is broken. Believers receive new spiritual power and freedom to overcome sin. Evidence of genuine faith is increasing holiness as the Holy Spirit transforms us into Christ’s image (2 Corinthians 3:18). Though stumbles still occur, sin’s domination is broken as we grow in obedience to God.
Gaining victory over destructive sins provides tremendous hope. Christianity offers freedom from sin’s grip through relying on Christ rather than our own efforts. By God’s power, Christians break free from addictions and experience real change as salvation permeates every part of life.
5. Christianity gives meaning and purpose to life
Buddhism sees life as saturated with suffering rooted in desire and ignorance. The goal is to escape suffering by eliminating attachment and reaching enlightenment. But Christianity offers abundant life filled with meaning and purpose.
The Bible teaches we were made in God’s image with intrinsic dignity and worth (Genesis 1:27). Our lives have meaning because God created us to know him and live for his glory. He has prepared specific good works for each of us to do (Ephesians 2:10). Eternal life begins now as we experience joyful relationship with our Creator.
King Solomon concluded after a lifetime of pursuing every pleasure: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Our highest purpose is worshiping and enjoying God. Christianity provides the fulfillment of knowing God and living as his image bearers.
6. Christianity leads to radical transformation
Buddhism teaches enlightenment comes through one’s efforts to change thought patterns and behavior. But Christianity teaches true heart transformation comes from God’s grace.
When people sincerely turn to Christ, God gives them new spiritual life (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Holy Spirit empowers believers with new motivations, desires, and power to overcome sin. Christian conversion involves supernatural regeneration so that obeying God becomes our delight. God gets all the glory for saving sinners from the penalty and power of sin.
Radical transformation is a mark of genuine Christianity. The desire and ability to obey God come from rebirth through the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27). Changed lives displaying the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – provide powerful testimony to Christ’s transforming grace (Galatians 5:22-23).
7. Christianity gives a hopeful perspective on suffering
Human suffering is universal – a reality both Buddhism and Christianity address. Buddhism attributes suffering to craving and ignorance. The solution is eliminating desire and ego. But Christianity offers unique hope for those undergoing suffering.
The Bible teaches that while humans are fallen, the original creation was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Evil is a distortion of good, not the inherent nature of reality. God promises to redeem suffering and make all things new (Revelation 21:5). For Christians, suffering has meaning and hope because God can use it for good purposes (Romans 8:28).
Jesus suffered unjustly on our behalf to bring salvation. He promises to be with believers during trials, providing comfort, grace, and strength (Psalm 23:4). Christian joy in suffering comes from experiencing God’s presence and future reward. Suffering drives reliance on God rather than self-reliance. The Holy Spirit produces spiritual fruit during difficult times.
8. Christianity alone offers full forgiveness through Christ
Buddhism teaches escape from personal karma through disciplines like meditation. But Christianity teaches forgiveness of sin based on Christ’s atonement.
Jesus lived a perfect life and died sacrificially to pay the penalty for human sin (Romans 6:23). God offers complete forgiveness to those who accept Christ’s payment for sin (Acts 13:38-39). No amount of personal effort can warrant God’s pardon. Peace with God comes through trusting in what Jesus finished on the cross, not our good works.
Christianity offers full forgiveness of sins because of Jesus’ finished work. Believers are no longer condemned but enjoy peace with God (Romans 8:1). Guilt is replaced with acceptance in God’s family. Knowing with certainty that our sins are forgiven brings great psychological as well as spiritual relief.
9. Christianity provides the witness of the resurrection
Christianity stands unique among religions in teaching Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. After being crucified, Jesus physically rose again with a resurrected body and appeared to over 500 eyewitnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3-6). The transformational impact of Christianity stems from its resurrection power.
The resurrection vindicates Jesus’ claims to divinity. It shows he conquered sin and death, the greatest enemies. The resurrection assures believers they too will be raised immortal one day. Death no longer has the final word. The risen Christ lives in Christians by the Holy Spirit, transforming hearts and lives.
The historical evidence for the resurrection is compelling. If Jesus rose physically from the dead, it confirms he is the only way to God. No founder of any other religion has risen from the dead. The resurrection offers credible hope of eternal life for believers.
Conclusion
Buddhism and Christianity differ substantially in their core doctrines. As a Buddhist, you may be satisfied with your current faith. But carefully examining Christianity reveals unique blessings it offers not found in Buddhism. You owe it to yourself to thoughtfully consider the person of Jesus Christ, his teachings, sin-atoning death, and mighty resurrection. Becoming a follower of Jesus will bring the abundant life he promised. The rewards are out of this world – an eternal relationship with God knowing your sins are forgiven through trusting in Christ.
