What is the basic difference between Buddhism and Christianity?

by Edmund Bridgewater

(Tokyo, Japan)

The Question

What is the basic difference between Buddhism and Christianity?

My answer

I have been meaning for a long time to write a page on this very subject.

It is quite complex and I have not done all the research yet. I can say for now though, that both religions, in their purest form, teach loving-kindness toward others and introspection on our nature and our place in the world.

Some people write me and tell me they are conflicted between Christianity and Buddhism. One does not necessarily need to choose one or the other, especially if you go toward Zen Buddhism.

Thich Nhat Hanh wrote a book on the subject called Going Home: Jesus and Buddha as Brothers

Be on the lookout for my page on the subject when it is done.