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Religion has always played a very important role in peoples lives. It has caused a lot of progress and development, but at the same time, it was the greatest subject of disputes, and sometimes-even wars, among people. In the modern world, the three most followed religions are Christianity, Islam and Buddhism. In order to understand why people argue so much about religious questions both inside and outside of their religions, it is extremely important to know about the essence of each of them. Every belief system is based on a set of rules or guidelines for a person to follow in order to be successful in his spiritual life. Judaism and Christianity are two rich and complex religious traditions, which have the same origin, and one of which is a historical and theological continuation of another.
Both are monotheistic religions. Monotheism is a belief in a single, superior God, the creator and the only governor of universe, who has existed before time and is eternal (Websters Dictionary). Through the ages these belief systems have succeeded to keep characteristic features and now although there are many significant differences between Judaism and Christianity, they still have the same foundation Ten Commandments. Firstly, they were given to Jewish people to follow, but later, the Commandments were modified and adjusted by Jesus Christ. In the Ten Commandments God expressed His will for the mankind in a form of rules and imperatives, according to which individuals were to live and communicate with God. By following the law of God and obeying His divine will, mankind could get a perfect harmony and blessing from the Lord (Bible, Exodus 19: 5).
The Ten Commandments were engraved on two stone tablets. The Ten Commandments were the first part of the Covenant between God and the Hebrews disclosed - that is why this part obtained very special status in Judaism/Christianity belief system (Microsoft Encarta). Traditionally, the Commandments are organized in the following order: (1) not to have any gods before God; (2) not to commit an idolatry; (3) not to misuse the name of God; (4) to observe of the Sabbath; (5) to honor one's father and mother; (6) not to commit murder; (7) not to commit adultery; (8) not to steal; (9) not to give false testimony; and (10) not to covet the property or wife of one's neighbor (Bible, Exodus 20: 1 - 18). It is necessary to understand that all the Ten Commandments were given to regulate social relations in Hebrews society and relationship with God. Most of commandments were imposed by that time and had crucial effect on uniting the people (Microsoft Encarta).
It is not compulsory for every belief system to have God as its crucial element. Buddhism can be the best example for this statement. Indeed, this ancient religion does not have God as a personified powerful individual (Noble Eightfold Path, Ch. 1). Moreover, Buddhism does not have any Creator as a usual element for the most of religions. Instead of this, this belief system concentrates on the idea of self-perfection and salvation. Likewise Judaism and Christianity, Buddhism also has its core, which is put in the realization of the Four Noble Truths, discovered by Gautama under the tree of wisdom.
The first statement is that the whole life is suffering. However, it is more than mere establishment of the fact that suffering is present in existence. It is a statement that pain is the essential thing for the human existence, starting from the birth till the very moment of death. Even death brings no relief; it is leading to further rebirth, forming a life cycle this way.
The second one is that all suffering is caused by ignorance of the nature of reality and the craving, attachment, and grasping that result from such ignorance. To finish the suffering a person should be able to overcome an ignorance and attachment. The fourth statement is the most important since it shows how to suppress the suffering through the Noble Eightfold Path (Rahula, 12). It consists of eight principles: (1) right views; (2) right intention; (3) right speech; (4) right action, (5) right livelihood; (6) right effort, (7) right-mindedness; and (8) right contemplation (Rahula, 5).
In its turn right action contains the following five elements: do not kill any living creature, do not steal, do not lie, do not commit adultery, and do not drink heady drinks (Rahula, 13 - 14). Following the Eightfold Path and other requirements of Buddhism a person can reach a perfection and dive into nirvana, which is considered to be an ideal state of human existence and means freedom of sufferings, desires and mortal covering (Rahula, 14). The eight principles also are usually divided into three categories that form the cornerstone of Buddhist faith: morality, wisdom, and samadhi, or concentration (Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia). Each belief system is a unique one due to the traditions it comes from, historical context and its impact on people. In this case, it is necessary to mention Islam, religion that makes huge influence on many countries and nations. The essence of Islam can be represented in its Five Pillars, the essential religious duties required of every adult Muslim who is mentally able (Islamic Beliefs, Ch. 3).
They are described in some part of the Quran and were already practiced during Muhammad's lifetime. Although some of practices had precedents in Jewish, Christian, and other Middle Eastern religious traditions, taken together they distinguish Islamic religious approaches from those of other religions. These Five Pillars of Islam, called Area in Arabic language, perform five ritual duties that mainstream Muslims view as central to their faith. These are: (1) pronouncing the confession of faith (shahada or karma); (2) performing the five daily prayers (sale); (3) fasting during the month of Ramadan (said); (4) paying the alms tax (zakat); (5) and performing, at least once in life, the major pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) (Al-Hussein, 3). In most places where Islam is the official religion, Muslims are not punished for failing to perform these duties. In some Islamic states, however, public denial by a Muslim of the validity, importance, or centrality of the five pillars is generally considered an act of heresy and is punishable by death (Microsoft Encarta).
The shahada is the Arabic statement La islam illa Allah wa Muhammad rahula Allah, meaning There is no God but the one God and Muhammad is His prophet. In addition to this confession of faith, Muslims must also express their belief in the Q " an (Koran), angels, and the Last Day (Al- Hussein, 4). The sal atthe five obligatory daily prayers is also known as the name in Iran, India, and Turkey. These prayers are only performed after ritual bathing and take place before sunrise, at noon, in the mid-afternoon, immediately after sunset, and before midnight (Microsoft Encarta). The said is a fast prescribed only for healthy, adult Muslims during the 30 days of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. From dawn until dusk, no food, drink, or sexual relations are permitted (Islamic Belief, Ch. 3).
The zakat or alms tax is levied annually on the crops, livestock, precious metals, and cash of all those living above subsistence and whose debts do not exceed their assets. The hajj is the greater of the two pilgrimages to Mecca required of all Muslims. All healthy adult Muslim men and women should perform it at least once in their lifetime if they have sufficient means and safe transport (Al-Hussein, 4). The role of religions or belief systems is very significant and important.
They give a sense of existence, hope, and confidence to the people who follow these religions. Belief systems educate people, up-bring their moral tastes and can be considered as social regulators. They store and reproduce our traditions and history. Everything in our world is fast changing and evolving, however, religions remain the same.
This is the most important problem for religions and their main disadvantage. The Ten Commandments have very strong obsolescent character. Many statements from the Old Testament are not used anymore. However, it is necessary to point out that the Ten Commandments also made considerable positive effect. This belief system contains important moral rules and obligations, which are necessary for the society to exist and to maintain trust in religion.
This fact made possible the establishment of the Christianity. Whatever foundation a belief system has, it should be viewed in terms of current historical context. The difficulties in following the Old Testament are caused by the contradictions between the old belief system and new changing world. If a person decides to follow the law of Moses, it is mandatory to follow it completely and to use all the traditions and procedures described in the Old Testament (Bible, Ephesians 2: 14 - 15), including sacrifice giving, circumcision, eye for eye, and so on. It is an inevitable fact that the cradle of Islam is late Judaism and early Christianity. However, through several ages this belief system developed into a completely independent and significant religion.
Islam, like any other belief system, has its own peculiarities and traditions. Islam also like the Ten Commandments makes positive effect on the society: it regulates important social relations, protects on the religious basis poor classes of population, and contributes much to cultural life. The important drawback of this belief system is its significant resistance to change, as it is the case of the Ten Commandments as well. Another of its notable features is an aggressive character of Islam towards other belief systems, which puts additional responsibility and obligations on the follower. All of this makes the Five Pillars and Islam itself the most difficult system to live-by. Buddhism stands separately in comparison with the other two religions.
The Eightfold Path has more common features with philosophy than with religion - that is why this belief system can be easily followed. The main difference between Buddhism, Christianity and Islam is that Buddhism concentrates on a man and his inner state, instead of glorifying God as it is done in Islam and Christianity. The fact that the figure of God is not the central idea of Buddhism makes it possible for the believer to focus on himself and his purpose in life. Buddhism does not put any pressure on its followers and leaves all the decisions to be made by them.
The final result of the Eightfold Path is self-analysis and self-perfection. As it is clear from the above, Buddhism is the easiest belief system to practice and to live-by. Works cited: Bible, New International Version Fasting Ramadan, Hussein Al-Hussein, Phaidon, 1997 Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2002 Websters II New College Dictionary What the Buddha Taught, Walpole Rahula, Rev. ed. , Grove, 1974. web - Islamic Beliefs web - Noble Eightfold Path
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Research essay sample on Noble Eightfold Path Confession Of Faith
