- Buddha was not concerned with the existence of God. In fact, Buddhism teaches that ultimate reality is Nirvana, or impersonal nothingness. Jesus claimed to be God (John 8:56-58, 10:30) and he revealed himself personally to us (John 1:1-14).
- Buddha viewed the physical world as an illusion that must be escaped. Jesus created the entire universe and declared it to be good (John 1:3; Genesis 1:31).
- Buddha’s goal was to eliminate suffering through the elimination of desire. Jesus told us to expect suffering in this world, but said in him we would find peace (John 16:33). He also encouraged us to desire righteousness (Matthew 5:6).
- Buddha professed a way that humans could be freed from suffering to become one with the impersonal nothingness. Jesus declared, “I am the way” and offered us salvation and eternal life with God (John 14:6; John 3:16-18; John 11:25-26).
- Buddha believed one must be reincarnated countless times in order to purge their bad karma and experience Nirvana. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins as a gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). At death, all who trust in him will immediately enter his presence and experience eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:1-8; Philippians 1:21-23).
For more information on the religion of Buddhism, please check out Dr. Carlson’s lecture, Buddhism, Hinduism, Yoga and Reincarnation, available in our online store.