Compare and Contrast the spread of Christianity and Buddhism

8/29/13
Kali, Alexis, and Bryan.

Both Buddhism and Christianity from their origins to the sixth century C.E. had similarities in that the diffusion was attributed through missionary work and conquest. Meanwhile, Christianity spread through the down fall of Rome and Buddhism spread by Ashoka who sent monks to share the teachings of the Buddha.

Christianity and Buddhism both spread through missionaries. Specifically, Buddhism, towards part of South and Southeast Asia and, Christianity the Middle East through Europe. Buddhism’s missionaries were in forms of monks that lived in monasteries and taught the Buddhist’s beliefs. On the other hand, Christianity, was spread through the downfall of Rome by groups of missionaries, like Paul, that taught to European and Middle Eastern cities.

The diffusion by conquest was different with Christianity than Buddhism in tactics used to convert the religion. German tribes such as Saxons, Angles, and Jutes were impacted by missionary workers in the Western empire spreading Christianity and overtime they adopted the religion. When the tribes invaded and conquered most of England, they made the conquered convert to Christianity. Meanwhile, Buddhism is stationed on the belief of non-violence. Ashoka was a Hindu when he was younger and after witnessing many bloody battles and becoming troubled by the effects of wars on humanity, he decided to convert to a life of non-violence. Ashoka being a king made him be able to adopt the religion of Buddhism and he sent monks to surrounding territories to share the teachings of Buddha.

Buddhism and Christianity had several similarities in how they diffused. However, they each had different roots and beliefs. Buddhism began in India in the late sixth century B.C.E, while Christianity began several centuries later in Israel and started spreading from Jerusalem. Buddhism shared some beliefs with Hinduism and soon became rooted in China. Meanwhile, Christianity shared roots with Judaism and Islam. While both religions spread with the help of missionaries, Christianity also spread when Constantine converted. Buddhism believed in nirvana and Christianity believed in heaven and hell. All in all, Buddhism and Christianity have many different beliefs and roots that each contributed to their diffusion.

Buddhism and Christianity are two of today’s major world religions, but they each gained followers in many different ways. Spreading from Eastern Asia to Europe, both religions influenced a variety of people and groups as they spread their beliefs. With the help of missionaries, they each continued to impact people from their origins to the sixth century C.E.