A Main Point of Difference Between Christianity and Buddhism

[Andywelikandy]

In his book, Beyond Belief, AL De Silva, in the chapter titled 'Buddhism-The Logical Alternative', states:

Christianity is based solely on metaphysical speculation, the results of which cannot be verified, and only benefited from after death. Buddhism, on the other hand, is based on a logical approach to the reality of existence, the practice of which can be experienced and benefited from in the here and now. Buddhism is more pragmatic, while Christianity is more speculative. The reason why, if it was proven the Buddha never existed, or if there are mistakes in our scriptures, Buddhism would still go on, and has for the last 2500 years, is simply that the teaching and practices in Buddhism work. Millions of people throughout the ages have experienced the bliss and joy of having relieved their suffering. Millions have gained the wisdom that comes from enlightenment. And it still goes on today. Does Christianity have any immediate, non-speculative and non-metaphysical, pragmatic and practical benefits like this? Any thoughts on the quote?

Is there any proof whatsoever that any human being has got rid of suffering? Buddha CLAIMED to have got rid of suffering but is it possible to take that claim to a court of law to prove that Buddha's claim is foolproof?

 

[Andywelikandy]

In his book, Beyond Belief, AL De Silva, in the chapter titled 'Buddhism-The Logical Alternative', states:

Christianity is based solely on metaphysical speculation, the results of which cannot be verified, and only benefited from after death. Buddhism, on the other hand, is based on a logical approach to the reality of existence, the practice of which can be experienced and benefited from in the here and now. Buddhism is more pragmatic, while Christianity is more speculative. The reason why, if it was proven the Buddha never existed, or if there are mistakes in our scriptures, Buddhism would still go on, and has for the last 2500 years, is simply that the teaching and practices in Buddhism work. Millions of people throughout the ages have experienced the bliss and joy of having relieved their suffering. Millions have gained the wisdom that comes from enlightenment. And it still goes on today. Does Christianity have any immediate, non-speculative and non-metaphysical, pragmatic and practical benefits like this? Any thoughts on the quote?

If Christianity is of any kind of speculation then SECULAR historians of ages gone by were hallucinating. Those historians had nothing to gain from writing false literature, if Christianity was of false literature!
Pl. Google for: Ancient Secular History Speaks About Jesus

 

[Twilight Hue]

A siginifent difference by how Christianity and Buddhism are respectively engaged deals with fluidity and impermenence by observing and experiencing our very direct and dynamic nature first hand. Christianity attempts to solidify the reality of impermence by instituting a static model, by which self preservation is made into something permanent and insured by Christ offering a gift of enternal life. Effectually creating a mental oasis pertaining to the nature of the way things are by appealing soley to intangibles. A form of extreme mental ascetism imv.

Buddhism dosent focus on appeals concerning ones desire for permanent self preservation, or creates static ideologies which does not apply to the directness and obviousness of our mental and physical experiences.

To put it all another way,

One accepts and lets go.
One appeals and grips.

Both ring bells.