2007-03-27 18:35:04 · 5 answers · asked by holla 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
As an atheist, I believe I connect on a number of levels with Eastern religions. I take in wisdom mainly from Buddhism and Taoism. In all honesty, I've never really understood Hinduism. The central idea between these two belief systems is to find peace in a world of chaos. I think that is a beautiful thing...
2007-03-27 18:54:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are several differences. Firstly it is difficult to use the categorisation "Asian" about religions, because there are differences within Asia as well.
One of the main differences between "Eastern" and "Western" religions however, is the notion of polytheism (believing in multiple gods) that exists in the East versus the traditional monotheism (believing in one god) of the West. Another predominant feature of the East is the belief in rebirth a cyclic (versus linear) time perspective. The third thing I would like to mention is the reliance on the written word which seems much more predominant in the West than in the East. All of the above are generalisations of course.
If there is one thing that seems more or less universal, it is the so-called "Golden Rule" or versions of it;
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." (Jesus in the Gospels, Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31, Luke 10:25.
"What you do not wish upon yourself, extend not to others." (Confucius)
"Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful." (Udana-Varga 5:18)
2007-03-27 19:06:10 · answer #2 · answered by VT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is life a continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth?
The similarity end there.
2007-03-27 18:41:18 · answer #3 · answered by J. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if they believe in Jesus Christ as Lord I guess we have no differences.
2007-03-27 18:38:57 · answer #4 · answered by carpentershammerer 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
god is universe and universe is god.
2007-03-27 18:41:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋