Diffusion of Buddhism and Christianity: Similarities
PROMPT: Analyze similarities and differences between the diffusion of Buddhism from its origins to 1450 and the diffusion of Christianity from its origins to 1450. Be sure to discuss how each religion gained followers as it diffused. Diffusion of Buddhism and Christianity from their origins to 1450 share many similar traits such as a religious leader who later on helped to diffuse the religion, and that the religion was diffused by willing missionaries. Their diffusion differs in what they offered converts and in their locations. Both Buddhism and Christianity started from, or became known by some religious leader, both of these religious leaders spread their religious ideals similarly. In northeastern India 500’s BCE, a man named Siddhartha Gautama had discovered how much poverty and sickness was in the world, so he searched for a way to find enlightenment. His search led him to enlightenment and the discovery of the basis of Buddhism. Gautama, now known as Buddha, then went and spread the word of his findings to convert the people. Christianity had started similarly when Jesus of Nazareth told his teachings to twelve men called apostles. From there the two religions also spread similarly, by missionaries. Buddha spread his religion throughout northeast India and converts would spread it further. Many converted merchants spread Buddhism to China by the Silk Road. Jesus and his apostles became missionaries and spread Christianity throughout Europe from Israel. Buddhism differed from Christianity in what the religions offered converts. When these religions appeared, they offered different things for the people as a reason to join. For Buddhism, the current religions in India were Hinduism or Vedic, and Buddhism offered a peaceful different solution from the other religions. It was also liked because they did not sacrifice animals like some religions did then. In the beginning of Christianity, it was difficult to be a convert because places like Rome would stone