Comparative Religion Project Essays

11/15/2011

You can add them as an attachment ot your post or just cut and paste them if they will fit.

Good luck,

Mr. Cripe

paige

11/20/2011 01:56:58 am

I am comparing the religions Christianity and Islam. One thing that is different between the two religions is funerals. Christian funerals are designed to say goodbye to loved ones. First, you have to make sure that your loved one has not already left plans for his or her funeral. If they have not left plans, then you have to choose a funeral home and a minister. Funerals are one of the rare times in life when non-Christians stop to think about eternity. A funeral is the perfect opportunity for a Christian family to share their faith and the hope for eternity with non-believing family and friends. If you wish to clearly present the gospel and offer the hope of salvation in Christ, be sure to ask the minister to include this in his message. Next, you have to plan the funeral service. Make sure to include any special songs, Bible verses, poems, specific photos or any special speakers. Also make sure to include a eulogy of the loved one's life. The actual funeral service is recommended to be 30-60 minutes long.
Islamic funerals differ from Christian ones. Upon death, those with the deceased are encouraged to remain calm, pray for the departed, and begin preparations for burial. The eyes of the deceased should be closed, and the body covered temporarily with a clean sheet. Muslims strive to bury the deceased as soon as possible after death, avoiding the need for embalming or otherwise disturbing the body of the deceased. An autopsy may be performed, if necessary, but should be done with the utmost respect for the dead. In preparation for burial, the family or other members of the community will wash and shroud the body. The deceased will be washed respectfully, with clean and scented water, in a manner similar to how Muslims make ablutions for prayer. The body will then be wrapped in sheets of clean, white cloth. The deceased is then transported to the site of the funeral prayers. These prayers are commonly held outdoors, in a courtyard or public square, not inside the mosque. The community gathers, and the prayer leader stands in front of the deceased, facing away from the worshipers. The funeral prayer is similar in structure to the five daily prayers, with a few variations. There is no bowing or prostration, and the entire prayer is said silently but for a few words. The deceased is then taken to the cemetery for burial. While all members of the community attend the funeral prayers, only the men of the community accompany the body to the grave site. It is preferred for a Muslim to be buried where he or she died, and not be transported to another location or country. The deceased is laid in the grave (without a coffin if permitted by local law) on his or her right side, facing Mecca. At the grave site, it is discouraged for people to erect tombstones, elaborate markers, or put flowers or other momentos. Rather, one should humbly remember Allah and His mercy, and pray for the deceased. Loved ones and relatives are to observe a 3-day mourning period. Mourning is observed in Islam by increased devotion, receiving visitors and condolences, and avoiding decorative clothing and jewelry. Widows observe an extended mourning period, 4 months and 10 days long, in accordance with the Qur'an. During this time, she is not to remarry, move from her home, or wear decorative clothing or jewelry.
Christian and Islam birthday celebrations are also different. According to Scripture, it is not a time to express joy, sing and expect gifts, simply because one is born into the world on a specific date. Some Christian religious organizations frown upon birthday celebrations, yet most people nowadays celebrate the birth of a loved one. People celebrate with birthday cakes and parties and presents, even though these are said to be occult practices.
Birthday celebrations are not permitted in the Islam religion. Birthday celebrations also involve imitating the Jews and Christians, and it is strictly permitted to imitate the unbelievers. If the origins of birthday celebrations are connected to a particular faith, then there is no doubt in its impermissibility. If, however, it has no connections with the faith of the non-Muslims, then it seems that it would be permissible to celebrate it. If one thanks Allah and shows gratitude for being blessed with one more year of his life, thus expresses happiness and joy, then there is nothing wrong with that.

Troy

11/20/2011 02:23:16 am

Some people say that Hinduism and Buddhism are fairly similar. Well, in some ways those people would be correct. But there are some things that differ between the two religions. Otherwise, there would be no reason for the extra religion. Think of Hinduism and Buddhism like you would a Venn diagram.
How about we compare Hindu weddings to Buddhist weddings: The Hindu wedding is thought to be the bringing of two people who are “compatible”. Hindu wedding ceremonies are traditionally conducted at least partially in Sanskrit, the language of most holy Hindu ceremonies. The pre-wedding ceremonies include engagement, and arrival of the groom’s party at the bride’s residence, often in the form of a procession. The post-wedding ceremonies involve welcoming the bride to her new home.
The Buddhist wedding is slightly different. When asking for the woman’s hand in marriage, the man must first have a monk, called Lama, decide when he will do so. This is followed by the betrothal ritual. The lama recites the prayers and then a concoction called the madyan, which is considered a religions drink, is served to the guests. When it is time for the wedding, in the early morning, the bride’s and the groom’s families arrive at the temple. The groom’s family carries a procession of trays containing fruits, wine, traditional cake, tea, meat, and most importantly jewelry that the bride will get as dowry. The trays have to be either six or nine in number, never seven or eight as these are considered unlucky numbers. The trays will also have two candles, symbolizing the union of the two families.
The couple and the audience recite a procession hymns – Vandana, Tisarana, and Pancasila. Next, the bride and groom recite the traditional undertakings as inscribed in Sigilovdda Sutta. The groom says:
“Towards my wife I undertake to love and respect here, be kind and considerate, be faithful, delegate domestic management, present gifts to please her.”
The bride then says her lines, and the ceremony is concluded with recital of Mangal Sutta and Jayamangala Gatha as a blessing for the newlyweds.
Now let’s talk about a holiday that is shared between the two religions: Diwali. It is best known as the “Festival of Lights”. It is celebrated between mid-October and mid-November for different reasons. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes.
While not a large occasion for the Buddhist community, Newar Buddhists celebrate Diwali through the chanting of mantras and remembering Emperor Ashoka who is said to have converted to Buddhism on this day, and therefore Buddhists also know the festical as Ashok Vijayadashami. Their temples and monasteries are well decorated during this time and the Buddha is worshipped with full honors.
Although Diwali is not considered a major holiday in East Asia or in most the Mahayana schools of East Asian Buddhism, the lunar calendar birthday of Bhaisajyaguru Buddha (whose healing aspect is in the form of burning lights) is commemorated during Diwali.

Darlene

11/20/2011 06:09:31 am

Darlene Ramirez
AP Human Period 4
November 19, 2011

There are many Religions in the world and I chose to compare Christian traditions and clothing with Islam traditions and clothing. I chose to compare a Christian wedding against an Islamic wedding. And the clothing each religion allows and/or prohibits.
In Christian weddings, it doesn’t matter what religious background the spouse is. But it is up to the woman’s family to send out the invitations of the wedding and pay for the wedding reception. Where as to an Islamic wedding, a man can marry only a Christian woman or of Jewish background. Women are not allowed to marry out of Islam. In a Christian partnership, only monogamy is practiced, but in an Islamic partnership, Polygyny is allowed with certain restrictions, however Polyandry is not. If the parents of a Christian partnership don’t approve of polygyny, in fact think of it as a sin. But the parents of an Islamic partnership don’t think anything bad about it. Another big difference between the religions is the way they dress. Christians dress like normal Americans with jeans and a t-shirt and a pair of tennis shoes, but don’t dress in clothing that reviles private parts unless they are with their partner. Muslims on the other hand, women are required to wear a niquab over her face to cover herself and not show off her beauty as a symbolism to state that she is taken. Muslim men wear hijabs.
As you can see, Christianity and Islamic Religions are very different from each other. Christians have certain ways they go about their daily lives and Muslim men and women have a daily routine of their own. These two religions are far from each other but maybe with time might diffuse towards each other.

Allysa

11/20/2011 06:51:50 am

I am comparing Islam and Buddhism. The first difference is the weddings. In Buddhist countries marriages are arranged by the parents of the couple. This is because parents are suppose to know best since they have had more experience in life. It is also because marriages join families and so the decision should be made by the families. Often the parents will ask people who tell the future from the stars to suggest which would be the best day for the wedding ceremony. There is no religious wedding ceremony in the temple instead a simple ceremony takes place in the home. In Britain marriages are not allowed to be held in ordinary houses so Buddhists often marry in Buddhist temples. Although monks are usually invited they do not perform the ceremony. A male relative of the bride is in charge. The bride and groom exchange vows promising to honor and respect each other. The couple give each other rings and the thumbs of their right hands are tied together. Sometimes their wrists are tied together with a silk scarf. This is a symbol that they are being 'joined' as husband and wife. Later on the bride and groom will visit the monastery to receive the monks blessing and hear a sermon of the Buddha's teaching about married life. At the end of the ceremony, everyone shares a meal. The celebrations may go on for several days. For Islam an arranged marriage is common. Most people are happy that their parents will make a good choice for them. Family opinion, social standing, similarity of interests, background and personality will be taken into consideration when a partner is being chosen. It is very unusual for a Muslim man to have more than one wife. He can have up to four but he must be able to provide equally for all of them. It might happen that if the man's wife cannot have children or she becomes very ill and needs looking after, then the man will take a second wife but it is not common. The marriage ceremony is often held in the bride's home or the mosque. Muslims in different places around the world have developed their own customs, many of them are for fun and not necessary. On the day of the wedding the groom will take his family to the bride's home. Occasionally the men will go to one room and the ladies to another but this is quite rare now. Often the ceremony is conducted by the imam, a religious leader, if not it may be any of the men who knows the process.
Islam and Buddhism also celebrate the deaths differently too. Muslims are always buried and never cremated because they believe that their body will live again at the time of resurrection. Before the funeral the body is washed and wrapped in a shroud of clean cloth. Women do not usually attend the funeral but will often visit the grave after and take flowers. Buddhists may be buried or cremated. At the place of burial the monks will recite the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts. The relatives perform the symbolic actions of giving the white cloth which covers the coffin to the monks, and the mourners pour water into a cup until it overflows.. The monks will then recite suitable verses from Buddhist scripture and give a sermon on life and death

Nathan

11/20/2011 08:01:49 am

The funerals between Christians and Buddhists are very different. In a Buddhist funeral death is a new beginning to them. A time of rebirth for there people. They believe that when death comes from them they will be brought back with spiritual enlightenment."Offering of cloth on behalf of the dead" Prior to a cremation, at the deceased's home or cemetery, the funeral's presiding monastics are offered a white cloth to be subsequently stitched into monastic robes. "Preaching for the benefit of the dead" This is within a week after the funeral (usually on the third day after), a priest returns to the deceased's home to provide an appropriate hour-long sermon for the family, relatives, and neighbors. The sermon is usually held on the sixth day after the death occurred and often family, friends and neighbours are treated to a meal afterwards. "Offering in the name of the dead" Is after three weeks of the funeral and then annually afterwards, the deceased's survivors(family) hold an almsgiving on their behalf.
As for a Christian funeral the body is buried and sent to heaven. If a strong faith is in Jesus they will be sent to heaven.
In weddings they are very much similar. Buddhist and Christians must stay faithful to their spouses always. Taking care of their families and making sure they are happy. But within the Buddhist wedding ceremonies they are done bu the parents while in the christian wedding ceremonies it is done by more the couple with the help of there parents.

Chase

11/20/2011 08:39:10 am

Religions vary in many ways. Each religion is unique to the world in its own certain way. Even with these many varieties of traditions and religions, some religions carry common characteristics.

The Islamic religion differs from Christianity in one way because Muslims must pray at least five times a day. These ritual prayers are also know as Salah. Christians do not have a set limit on how much they must pray in a single day. Another difference in prayers is the fact that Muslims recite the prayers in the Arabic language, where as Christians typically use the English language. The regulations of Islamic prayers are very specific and proper, while Christian prayers can be performed whenever and wherever it is pleased. There are five elements that make a prayer valid as a Muslim. However, there are some similarities in the two religion prayers. They both are used as a way to communicate with God.

Islam and Christianity share a common characteristic as well. Both religions are monotheistic, or only believe in a single god. Also the descriptions and characteristics of this God are quite similar to each other. The only slight differences is that Muslims call the god Allah. Muslims focus on Muhammad, who they believe was the last prophet of God, while Jesus Christ, who was believed to be sent as the savior of humanity by God in Christianity, is the main focus.

Trinity

11/20/2011 08:52:13 am

Zoroastrian Vs. Buddhist

Noruz is the Iranian New Year, which is celebrated each year around the Spring Equinox which is like March 21. It is the most important holiday in the Zoroastrian calendar, and it is symbolism, history, myth, and joyous festivals. There are many meanings to Noruz: astronomical, mythical, historical, ritual, and spiritual. The word Noruz, in Persian, means "New Day," and the origin of the festival is in the universal rhythms of Earth and nature. In ancient Iran, it was the time to begin plowing fields and sowing seeds for crops. In Zoroastrianism, light is the great symbol of God and Goodness, whether in the light of the sun or in the sacred fire. The Spring Equinox and the lengthening of the days is thus a symbol of the victory of Light over the cold and darkness of winter.
The New Year is a time for great joy and celebration amongst the Buddhist community around the world. Statues of Buddha are bathed in a ceremony and worshipped by devotees. Other Buddhist gods are also paid homage. Candles are lighted in the temples to give honor to these gods. People clean up their house, dress up in new clothes and pay a visit to their friends and relatives to exchanges wishes and gifts. Dishes are prepared in traditional manner and served to all. Fireworks on street add that extra bit of charm on New Year. The way of celebrating New Year also varies from country to country depending upon local customs and traditions. Also, the New Year festivities are the religious customs of Buddhism.

Buddha accepted the basic Hindu doctrines of reincarnation and karma, as well as the idea that the main goal of the religious life is to escape the cycle of death and rebirth. Following death, according Buddhism, the spirit of the dead goes through a process lasting forty-nine days that is divided into three stages called "bardos." At the end of the bardo, the person either enters nirvana or returns to Earth for rebirth.
According to Zoroastrianism belief death is the soul leaving the body. The purity of life is lost once you die. Once the soul leaves your body, it stays on Earth for three days and nights staying near the body. Then the soul will leave Earth and enter what they call the spiritual realm, lead by the guardian spirit named Daena. They believe in the final decision day where God will decide if he wants to let you into Heaven or let you go back to Earth and live another life.

Anna Nace

11/20/2011 09:23:03 am

My two religions are Judaism and Buddhism. One thing that is different between the two religions is funerals. In Judaism death is not a bad thing because they understand that it is a natural process. The Jews mourn by showing respect to the dead and comforting the decease's family. People called keepers sit with the body until it is buried. Eating or drinking around the dead is considered to be mocking the dead. Cremation is not aloud, they believe that you body must come in contact with the earth. At the funeral, open casket is not aloud, it is forbidden by Jewish law. After the burials the family, and very close friends will get eggs and bread, and this is what begins the Jewish mourning period.

For Buddhist, funerals are different. All Buddhist are cremated because Buddha’s body was cremated. Monks come with the families to funerals to comfort then. The Monks chant, “Even the gorgeous royal chariots wear out; and indeed this body too wears out. But the teaching of goodness does not age; and so Goodness makes that known to the good ones."to release good energies of the person into the world.

Wedding are different for these two religions also, Buddhist normally have there spouses picked for them. At the ceremony they light candles and put flowers on a table with Buddha's image. They then turn to each other say the traditional undertakings, then the parents, should recite the Mangala Sutta and Jayamangala Gatha as a blessing to the new couple.

On the other hand, Jews do things differently. Kiddushin, is the Jewish version of how we would think of an engagement but far more binding. The Kiddushin can only be broken if there is a death or divorce. They day before the wedding the bride and the groom fast. At the wedding people through candy at the bride and groom to show the sweetness. The ceremony itself lasts 20-30 minutes, and consists of the Kiddushin and the Nisuin. The Nisuin is basically the ending of the ceremony where the bride and groom begin there married life together. Also at the ceremony, the bride and groom say seven blessings and drink wine at the end. After the wine is gone the groom smashes his glass with his right foot to show destruction of the temple.

Emily

11/20/2011 10:01:34 am

Hinduism vs Buddhism

I have chosen to compare the traditions between Hinduism and Buddhism. Weddings in the Hindu and Buddhist faiths are very similar. Buddhist weddings have been greatly influenced by the Hindu culture. Despite that fact, there are many differences in the wedding customs as well. Both Hindu and Buddhist marriages are called Vivahas. They are both very small ceremonies with only close friends and family invited. Traditionally, they both take place in temples. When you enter the temple for you must remove your shoes. Also in both ceremonies, offerings are given. In Hindu weddings the bride's father offers the groom yogurt and honey as the expression of welcome and respect. At a Buddhist wedding offerings such as flowers, food, sweets and medicines are given to the monks. At times, money is also given to the temple. In the Buddhist faith the bride and the groom bow in front of Buddha image. After this, they recite certain prayers and chants and light incense sticks and candles in front of the image. The Hindu ceremony begins by asking for blessings of Lord Ganesha. Hindus couples invoke Agni, the god of Fire, to witness their commitment to each other. Crushed sandalwood, herbs, sugar rice and oil are offered to the ceremonial While the ceremony includes the exchange or rings and vows, it also includes a series of other rituals that make up the greater part of the ceremony. The wedding is looked at as the joining of husband and wife and the joining of two families together. For a Hindu wedding, picking a day to marry requires consulting a calendar. There are certain days in which it is prohibited to be married on. One major difference between Buddhist and Hindu weddings is that most Buddhist weddings are arranged by a marriage broker who matches the bride and the groom. The match is made according to health, wealth, and social status. After the marriage broker has suggested a spouse, the family will visit with each other several times before the couple that is going to be married ever meet. An astrologer will pick a date and time for the wedding to take place. Hindu people are allowed to pick their spouses themselves.

Another ceremony I’m comparing is funerals. At Hindu funerals, preparation of the body usually entails bathing, anointing with a mixture of water and sandalwood (a perfume from an Indian tree),and coating with powder and water. The body must be clothed with new something new. Flowers, incense and rose water enhance the casket. For most Hindus, cremation is the ideal method for dealing with the dead, although many groups practice burial instead. Infants are usually buried rather than cremated. At the funeral site, in the presence of the male mourners, the closest relative of the deceased takes charge of the final rite.Those who are unmarried may be buried. When family and friends express grief at Buddhist funeral services, their main goal is to ensure the deceased a safe and pleasant journey to the next life. The early Buddhists followed the Indian custom of burning the body at death. Although Buddhists understand death is not an end, only a transition from one form to another, it is acceptable to show grief. In doing so, friends and family members acknowledge the loss of their loved one. Buddhists are not very particular regarding the burial or cremation of a dead body. In many Buddhist countries, cremation is customary. There are always flowers at the ceremony. The service is usually 45 - 75 minutes. A similarity is that at both Hindu and Buddhist services it’s open casket. A major difference is that at Hindu funerals the dress code is to wear white and light colors and at Buddhist funerals dark colors and black is worn. It you were to wear black to a Hindu funeral, it would be seen as inappropriate.

Holly

11/20/2011 10:23:34 am

The two religions I’m comparing are Judaism and Sikhism. The two traditions that differ from each other are weddings and Funerals. Weddings are very important to both religions as it is a time of joining together as one, although they are celebrated differently. Funerals in both religions aren’t a sign of grief, but a sign of respect and continuing one’s life in a place other than Earth, but are also celebrated differently.
The Sikh marriage is called 'Anand Karaj' which means the ceremony of joy. The Sikh wedding is held in the morning in a Gurdwara. After the Milni ceremony, which basically is when close relatives of the couple honor each other in a spirit of goodwill and have refreshments. Everyone enters the Gurdwara congregation hall where the bride sits alongside the bridegroom facing the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. A short prayer is said and then the wedding ceremony begins and the Ragees sing the hymn of 'Palla'. A Palla is a traditional scarf worn by women. The bride’s father gives the Palla to the bride which is symbolic of giving away the bride. This is followed by 'Lavaan', the wedding ceremony.
A wedding celebrated by Jews is a bit different. Marriage is highly respected and strongly encouraged in Judaism. Before a wedding ceremony, a marriage contract, which is called a ketubah is drawn up and signed by both parties. The first ceremony is the betrothal ceremony. The bride approaches and circles the groom, then two blessings over wine are recited: a standard blessing and one related specifically to marriage. Rings are exchanged with the declaration of marriage. In the marriage ceremony, the couple stands under a canopy, which symbolizes the couple's new home together. The bride and groom recite the seven marriage benedictions and share a glass of wine. The groom then breaks a glass under his foot, which symbolizes the destruction of the Temple. It has also been thought to frighten away evil spirits. Some also say it symbolizes the taking of the bride's virginity.
Another tradition practiced by both of these religions is funerals. The Sikhs have a very strict way of practicing this tradition. Sikhism death is considered a natural process and God's will. Any public displays of grief at the funeral such as wailing or crying out loud are discouraged. Cremation is the preferred method of disposal, although if it is not possible, any other methods such as burial or submergence at sea are acceptable. Worship of the dead with gravestones, etc. is discouraged, because the body is considered to be only the shell, the person's soul is their real essence. The body is usually bathed and clothed by family members and taken to the cremation grounds. There, hymns are recited by the worshippers which encourage feeling of detachment.
Jews also respect the death of a person, but in a different way. Upon the death of a Jew, the eyes are closed, the body is covered and laid on the floor, and candles are lit next to it. The body is never left alone as a sign of respect. Those who stay with the body are guards. Eating, drinking, or performing mitzvot are prohibited near the body, as such actions would mock the person who is no longer able to do such things. In Judaism, death is not a tragedy, even when it occurs early in life or through unfortunate circumstances. Death is a natural process. They believe that our deaths, like our lives, have meaning and are all part of Gods plan. In addition, they have a firm belief in an afterlife, a world to come, where those who have lived a worthy life will be rewarded. Mourning practices in Judaism are extensive, but they are not an expression of fear or distaste for death. Jewish practices relating to death and mourning have two purposes: to show respect for the dead, and to comfort the living, who will miss the deceased.

Zach

11/20/2011 10:28:13 am

Comparing the Jainism religion to the Hinduism religion.
As we know both of these religions originated from India however their Origin of the world is much different. The Jains regard the world as eternal while the Hindus hold it to have been made by a creator. Another difference is the holy scriptures of the two obviously. All the holy scriptures are much different from each other. The sacred books of the Hindus such as the Vedas, Smrtis, Puranas are not accepted by the Jains and the Hindus also do not recognize even a single scripture like the Agamos of the Jains. Another difference is the object of warship or purpose of the warship. In Jainism, worship is not offered to an eternal and eternally pure God, but to those great ones who have realized their high ideal and attained Godhood for themselves; in Hinduism worship is performed of many forms of one God who is the creator and the ruler of the world. The purpose of warship is basically the significance of worship in Hinduism is also not the same as that in Jainism. In Jainism, there is no offering of food and the like, nor is a prayer made to the deity for boons. On the other hand, in Hinduism the attainment of the desired object is by the will of certain divine beings who are to be propitiated. Another difference is the attainment of salvation and the path of salvation. While the Hindus believe that Gods alone can attain salvation, the Jains consider that it is, the right of human beings only. The path of salvation prescribed by Jainism is only one and it is known as Ratnatraya-marga, the threefold path of Right Belief, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct, which is to be simultaneously pursued by all persons. But in Hinduism, there is no prescription of one single, definite and clear path of salvation. Instead, in Hinduism different ways have been laid down for the attainment of salvation by various religious preachers in different periods of time. Another minor difference is the idea about karma. The Hindus regard Karma as an invisible power but the Jains think it as a form of matter which can stick to the soul. The principles of logic of the Jains are distinctive principles like Syadvada, Nayavada, and Niksepa which are not found in the Hindu religion.
A large difference in these two religions is the Jains deities, temples, places of pilgrimage, holy days, fasts, festivals, rituals and ceremonies are quite different from those of the Hindus. Such as meditation, fasting, pacifist, and praying at the feet of the statue of Lord Bahubali. One Jain ritual that is completely overlooked in the Hindu religion is called the Navakar Mantra. The Navakar Mantra is the fundamental prayer in Jainism and can be recited at any time of the day. Praying by reciting this mantra, the devotee bows in respect to liberated souls still in human form (Arihantas), fully liberated souls forever free from re-birth (Siddhas), spiritual leaders (Acharyas), teachers (Upadyayas) and all the monks (sarva sadhus) and nuns (sadhvis). By saluting them saying "namo namaha", Jains receive inspiration from them to follow their path to achieve true bliss and total freedom from the karmas binding their souls. In this main prayer, Jains do not ask for any favours or material benefits. This mantra serves as a simple gesture of deep respect toward beings that are more spiritually advanced.
A few examples of fasting that is overlooked by the Hindus is shown here. Maaskshaman: A person practising this form of fasting will not eat anything for thirty days.
Atthai: A person practising this form of fasting will not eat anything for eight days. Normally on 8th day of fasting, the success is celebrated by the community by organising a procession to the temple. On the 9th day, the person will stop fasting. The relatives and friends will come and help the person to break the fast.
One other example differs these two religions that are sometimes mixed up with each other. Festivals differ the Jain religion with the Hindu religion. A few festivals practiced by the Jains are non-existent to the Hindu such as the Paryushana. The Paryushana is the most important festival among the Jain festivals. It happens during late August/September commencing on the twelfth day of the fortnight of the waning moon cycle and ending in the fourteenth of the fortnight of the waxing moon cycle. This is generally a rainy season in Northern parts of India. During this 18 day period[48] Jain scholars and monks visit temples and explain the Jain philosophy. Jains during this period practice external austerities such as fasting, limiting their normal activities so as to reduce the harm to worms and insects that thrive during this season. At the conclusion of the festivities, a reflection on the past is encouraged, and Pratikraman is done for repentance of faults. Forgiveness is given to and asked for from all those considered.

Mackenzie

11/20/2011 10:47:49 am

Buddhist and Islam Weddings
Islam Wedding:
The venue of the wedding is usually in a hall. While the bride’s dress is very important, the covering of the head is done as a sign of respect. The ghunghat, which is what we call the veil of a Christian bride, is worn, and is usually a reddish color. The chunri, (draping) worn with a ghaghra choli, is tucked in at the waist on one end, delicately over one shoulder. The groom wears what they call a safa with its flowing tail-end. White flowers can be tied in suspended strings over the forehead, called sehra. The groom may wear a white silk brocade suit, sword and turban as his wedding apparel. .
The wedding ceremony is unique. The meher is decided upon by elders of both families. Before reading a selected piece from the Koran witnessed by two male persons and a lawyer or eminent person, the priest will ask the bride if she is happy with the arrangement and whether she agrees to marry the groom. The guy is asked the same. The marriage is registered.• After their first meal, the groom and bride are seated together. The Holy Koran is kept between them and they are allowed to see each other through reflection by mirrors. The groom spends the night in a separate room at the girl's house with a younger brother. In the morning he is given clothes, money and gifts by the bride's parents. That afternoon his relatives come to accompany the bridal couple to their home. The Rukhsat Ceremony is the farewell by the father of the bride. He gives her hand to her husband and asks him to protect always her.

Buddhism Wedding:
Your typical Buddhist wedding includes the ceremony taking place inside a Buddhist temple. The bride’s has many options for her dress, but must choose the alternative of a blessing from the Bhikkhu or Lama before or after a civil wedding. The groom’s attire includes the wearing of a Bhaku, with sleeves and reaching just above the ankles. With a temple marriage being a social occasion rather than a religious one, there is no set pattern for how the day is planned. You could choose to celebrate the blessing in any way you see fit, as long as you respect the rules of the temple. Many however, choose the alternative of a blessing from the Bhikkhu or Lama before or after a civil wedding.

Islam and Buddhist Funerals

Buddhist Funerals:
The religious faith of Buddhism believes that death for the deceased marks the transition from this life to the next. Among Buddhists, death is regarded as an occasion of major religious significance for both the deceased and survivors. For the deceased, death is the moment when the transition to a new mode of existence within the round of rebirths. When death occurs, all of the forces that the dead person accumulated during the course of their lifetime is activated and determining the next rebirth. For the living, death is a powerful reminder of the Buddha's teaching on impermanence, as well as provides an opportunity for them to assist the deceased as they travel on to their new existence.

Islamic Funerals:
Islamic rule dictates that a burial occur as soon as possible after death. Burial rituals include cleansing and dressing the body of the deceased in cloth made of a simple material. Muslims of the community gather for the Janazah prayer and proceed to take the body to the burial site. Only men are allowed at the gravesite service where the body is positioned in a manner which reflects Muslim traditions. A collective prayer marks the end of the service. Family members of the deceased return home to observe the morning period. This period is extended for widows of the deceased.

Dylan

11/20/2011 12:55:58 pm

Dylan Paarlberg
Christianity and Islam
Christianity has one common historical thing in common. They both originated in the Middle East. Now the Muslims look at Christians and see them as the people of the book. Islam and Christianity share a golden rule love your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. They also share love your neighbor as yourself. Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God, but Muslims don’t believe he is the Son of God. Another difference is Christians believe God can divide into the trinity, but you ask anyone Muslim they would say not even God could do that. Muslims do believe that Jesus is the Messiah, and that he is prophet sent to the children of Israel.
Eid al-Adha happens on December 20. It is day where people will sacrifice sheep, goat, camel, or cow. The poor families will divide up the animals. The sacrifice is called Qurban. During the sacrifice, the following prayer is recited:
In the name of Allah
And Allah is the greatest
O Allah, indeed this is from you and for you
O Allah accept it from me.
Around this time Christians are getting ready for Christmas. The day the Lord Jesus Christ was born. A Christian family celebrates the birth of Christ. So the Muslims are giving a sacrifice to Allah, and the Christians are praising and giving to the Lord. So both holidays and traditions are around the same time, and they both are somewhat alike.
A wedding ceremony for a Muslim is three day ceremony of people asking them questions. On the last day some brings them a marriage certificate they sign it in front of witnesses. Then they are happily married. The three day ceremony is called a nikah. A Christian’s ceremony generally is one day. Husband and wife proposing vows and have part of the scripture preached. The reception for a Muslim is called Dholki which happens one to two weeks before the three day ceremony. This is a time where young men and women sing and dance while beating on the Dholk. The Christians reception is very similar. Christians tend to sing and dance at a reception, and most the time it is younger couples.
Christians and Muslims may have a lot of similar traits in their religions but don’t mix them up; because they are two totally different religions.

shelby

11/20/2011 08:11:19 pm

Islam and Buddhism are two of the biggest religions in the world and they have many different rituals.
When the Islam gets married, it is arranged by the parents or other elderly family members. But they do get to state what they want in a partner. On the other hand, Buddhists don’t encourage people to get married or discourage it. In some Buddhist books, they actually give negative reasons to get married. Buddhists are required to follow the laws of marriage by the government and Muslim men are actually allowed to get married to more than one person; however there is a small percentage that do. Muslims follow the Quran for the ceremony. Buddhists receive blessings from a monk.
In the Buddhist religion, when someone is dying, monks are chant in order for all the good energies to escape from the dying person’s body. When someone dies, it is actually a new beginning for another life. The monk is offered gifts and a white cloth. Cremation is the most common way to dispose of the body and mummification occurs also. But in the Islam religion, cremation is forbidden. According the sharia, the religious law of Islam, the body has to be buried. It is a simple ritual where the body is bathe and then wrapped in a usually simple plain cloth.

Jacob

11/20/2011 08:21:34 pm

Coming of Age
Both the religions of Hinduism and Baha’I have coming of age ceremonies although they differ substantially. In Hinduism, the ceremony signifies that a boy or girl is mature enough to take on the responsibility of the family and society. There is a sacred thread ceremony for boys marking their coming of age and girls have a ceremony where they are dressed with sari and their maturity is announced to the community. The Baha’I ceremony, or lack of, comes when a child is 15 and deemed mature enough to decide whether they choose to remain a member of the Baha’I community. This is also the time when those that choose to remain a member must abide by Baha’I law.

Funerals
In Buddhism, when a person dies, incense is offered at their funeral as a priest chants a sutra and the deceased receives a new Buddhist name. The name is used to prevent the return of the dead and the length of the name is supposed to be determined by the deceased virtue of their lifespan. Differently, in Confucianism, a ritual table is set up for the deceased and a bier is prepared to be taken to the gravesite the following day. On the following day, the coffin is placed on the bier as a ritual is performed.

Derek Pflughaupt

11/21/2011 01:20:25 am

There is a historical and traditional connection between Christianity and Islam. The two faiths share a common origin in the Middle East. Muslims consider Christians as the People of the Book. From a Muslim standpoint, belief in the Injil, which is the original Gospel of Jesus, is an important part of Islamic theology. The bond extends even further with the Islamic Prophet Muhammad teaching the Muslims to defend the Christian faith from aggressors in documents such as the Achtiname of Muhammad.
What I also found interesting is that Islam and Christianity share at their core, the twin "golden" commandments of the paramount importance of loving God and loving the neighbor. Also, the Islam’s holy book or holy scripture, is similar to the Christians. The Islam’s call theirs the Qur’an and the Christians call theirs the Holy Bible. While both are somewhat similar, they are both very different.
Despite the similarities between the two faiths, there are some major theological differences. Islam denies that God can be divided into a Holy Trinity. Muslims consider this division of God's Oneness to be a grave sin (Shirk). This difference, though, signifies a fundamental misunderstanding between the faiths. Christians also consider it heretical to deny the unity of God. Their articulation of the Trinity holds in tension the paradox of both the unity and Trinitarian diversity of God as one God who is three Persons. Islam also denies that God has a son. Muslims see Jesus as the last prophet sent to the Children of Israel like Elijah. Islam fully accepts Jesus as the Messiah. Christians worship God in Churches, Chapels or Cathedrals, while the Islam’s worship Allah in a Mosque.

Derek P.

11/21/2011 04:09:51 am

I read Paige's essay and we compared the same religions. I agree with paige on what she said and i enjoyed reading what she wrote.

I also read Jacob's essay and i enjoyed reading about how Hinduism and Baha'l both have "coming of age" ceremonies but they are completely different. Hinduism has it when they are mature enough but Baha'l has it when the children are 15 and if they are not mature enough they are basically banished.

Shelby

11/21/2011 07:21:49 am

I read Allysa's essay and I also wrote about the Islam funeral. When Paige and I researched the Islam religion, we also found that during a Muslim funeral the bathe the body and wrap it up with white cloth and that it is forbidden to have the body cremated.

I also read Holly's essay and it was very interesting because I didn't research about either Judaism or Sikhism. Both religions respect the dead, but yet in different ways.

Chase

11/21/2011 07:54:37 am

I found Jacob's essay and I like the topic of coming of age. it is interesting to see how people celebrate throughout the world.

also i like how dylan showed the prayer that the Muslims cite during prayer. it makes me curious to know if there are other prayers that can be said

Dylan

11/21/2011 08:10:20 am

I read Zach's essay, and I found it was interesting how the Hindus don't believe in karma. But the Jains do believe that Karma can stick to their soul.

I also read Mackenzie's. I thought it was interesting how the Buddhist believe that once someone has died. The things they did while they were alive will predict the next birth. It was also fascinating when a Muslim would die they would dress them up right away and buried them.

Darlene

11/21/2011 09:06:24 am

i really thought paige's was interesting just because muslim funerals place the body on the right towards Mecca and i thought that was really cool and distinctive unlike the funerals we are accustomed to.

I also liked Derek's because it wouldve never crossed my mind that christianity and islam could be somewhat similar in how they both have holy scriptures. I was aware of the holy trinity and how it is a big thing in the christian community but i did not know that the muslims didnt believe in the holy trinty. I did not know muslims believed in jesus. And that was really interesting to know how christianity an islam diverged.

paige

11/21/2011 09:26:35 am

I read Allysa's comparisons and I thought it was interesting that both Buddist and Islamic people normally have marriages arranged by their parents/families. I also wrote about Islamic funerals and our information was the same.
I also read Chase's comparisons of Christianity and Islam and I found it interesting that he states the similarity of the religions to be in the monotheistic property of both religions. Muslims calling their god Allah and focusing on Muhammad who was said to be a prophet and Christians believing in God and the prophet Jesus Christ. I hadn't thought of these religions to be so similar until now.

Emily

11/21/2011 10:18:41 am

I read Shelby's comparisons. I wasn't aware that so many religions still have arranged marriages. In her essay she mentions that Muslims have arranged marriages and i read for mine that Buddhists do the same. This was really surprising.

I also read Trinity's essay. I didn't know anything about Zoroastrianism before and I didn't realize that New Year's was such an important event for both this religions and Buddhists. Most people celebrate the New Year as a party, but know I know there's religious ways too.

Troy

11/21/2011 10:27:46 am

I really enjoyed reading Derek Pflughaupt's article, in how he mentions that Christianity and Islam come from the same area of origin, (relatively) yet they have completely different customs after all of these years.

After reading Derek's, I went ahead and read Jacob's article. Strictly speaking about his funeral section, I find it... interesting that there are so many different ways that people go about these ceremonies.

Nathan

11/21/2011 10:36:12 am

I found it crazy in Derek's that the Islam and Christian faiths were that close. Muslims having to keep away aggressors. That's something I never knew.

In Jacob funerals of the Buddhist I may put that in my PowerPoint because it is something interesting to add as a good point of their views on their peoples death.

Allysa

11/21/2011 10:39:48 am

I read Darlene's essay and i thought it was intresting that a Muslim man was suppose to marry a women that is christan or of jews belief. I also did Christanity and i relised it is hard for a christan women to marry outside her religion.
I also read Shelby's and thought that it was intresting that the most common thing to do is to be cremated when dead. it is usually uncommon.

Mackenzie.

11/21/2011 11:07:57 am

I read in Chase's essay and found it interesting that the Muslims have an exact amount of how many times they pray, when Christians have no limit and some do not even pray. The Islamic religion is very strict and they have many rules to follow. In Allysa's I found it weird how the Buddhist religion has arranged marriages where as myself as a Christian, couldn't handle my spouse being picked out for me. Just because the parents have more "experience" doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to find someone you love.

Clayton Hatfield

11/21/2011 11:57:46 am

Baha’i and Christianity are two religions that are based on many of the same ideas but one idea that they don’t share sets them vastly apart from each other. A primary similarity between the two religions is a belief in an omnipotent, all knowing eternal force that both religions call God. Another similarity between the two is that to become enlightened or achieve salvation that we must try to become closer to Him and understand Him. Another similarity between the religions is that they preach the same values of love, peace, equality between all people and that every human being should try to live life according to these principles. A final similarity between the two religions is that every person has a soul that lives on after death and that Jesus Christ is an important figure in religious history.
The three major differences between the two faiths is how other religions are perceived, and who reaches “salvation” and what happens after we die. Most Christian sects say that all other religions are incorrect and that the followers of these faiths are misguided. The Baha’i Faith believes that every major faith on Earth is a correct interpretation of God and His teachings, but each one that was modified to be easily accepted by the people of the particular time and place while still maintaining the core beliefs and teachings. They believe that as long as you are striving to live a good life according to the basic teachings of love, peace, doing good to your fellow man and trying to become closer to God that you will achieve “salvation.” They believe that it doesn’t matter what you call your faith, only that you strive to live a good life according to these principles. A final difference between the two religions is that Baha’i acknowledges that they don’t know exactly what happens to the soul after death. Their belief is that our time spent on Earth is to prepare our souls for the next life. What happens after we leave this Earth is a mystery to them. Christianity on the other hand focuses most of its energy toward explaining life after death. They believe that when we die our actions during our life will be judged by God and Jesus and according to whether or not the deeds we did were good or evil are either sent to Heaven or Hell.

Clayton Hatfield

11/21/2011 12:02:39 pm

I read Trinty's and Zach's essays and liked how they didn't explain the differences between the funerals and weddings in the religions like EVERYBODY else did. They actually got into how the beliefs differ between the two which was interesting

Trinity

11/21/2011 09:55:12 pm

I read Jacobs eassay and I think that iut was interesting that the people take so much pride into the fact that their children become more mature and it seemed like he did a lot of research.

I aslo read Dylans and i liked that he spent a lot of time adding in the examples, it made it more interesting a lot more informational. I enjoyed learning about the prophets.

Jacob

11/23/2011 01:59:53 am

I read Shelby's essay and found it interesting about the Buddhist marriages. I had no idea that any religion would give negative reasons for marriage.
I found Anna's eassy informative, i never knew that Hebrews had a keeper sit with a deceased person or that cremation is prohibited.

Comparative Religion Project Essays

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