Religion Camparison

CHRISTIANITY

CHRISTIANITY

• Follows the teachings found in the Holy Bible.
• There is one God; embodied by the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Founder: Jesus Christ, died for humanity's sins on the cross and resurrected.
• Sinners who repent of their sins will be saved and enters into the Heavens and eternal bliss in the affterlife.

CHRISTIANITY

• Follows the teachings found in the Holy Bible.
• There is one God; embodied by the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Founder: Jesus Christ, died for humanity's sins on the cross and resurrected.
• Sinners who repent of their sins will be saved and enters into the Heavens and eternal bliss in the affterlife.

ZEN BUDDHISM

• Buddhism is prevalent in Asian countries with over 5 million followers.
• It follows the teachings of Buddha, its less traditional as Christianity, with no holy day and no divine being.====
• Non-theistic
• Basic doctrine of the Four Noble Truths: Life means suffering, the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering is attainable, and the path to the cessation of suffering.

What Is a Parable?

Biblical Parables vs. Zen Parables
The purpose and moral of both of these texts is what set them apart the most, For example, in the Biblical Parable, the Prodigal Son, portrays a boy who sins and offers his repentance to his father. The father does not judge his son on his past mistakes, instead loves, forgives, and celebrates the time they have together. The Parable of the Prodigal Son teaches us that despite what we do in life each person is precious to God and he is willing to forgive you no matter what we have done. It also shows Gods love for us.

The Zen Parable, the Muddy Road, Ekido disapproves of Tanzan's deed since it violates Buddhist code. Tanzan explains his simple intention in helping someone. It basically illustrates that are minds naturally produces thoughts and ideas which prevents one from perceiving the truth of each moment. Situations needs to be seen as they are truly are, instead of letting our personal or religious views blind us from the truth or reality of things.

Biblical Parables vs. Zen Parables

The similarities of the purpose and manner in the textual use are both parables give a moral lesson and uses ancient
life to illustrate the stories. They also defines the unknown by using the known and promotes self reflection.


The differences of the purpose and manner in the textual use were the Biblical Parables are longer stories, a story within a story that is used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Bible. The Biblical Parables are difficult to interpret because its always a double or hidden meaning. The Buddhist Parables, was more of a short story open for interpretation by the reader or listener. There is no right or wrong interpretation as each person
will interpret it from their perspective based on his or her own life, religion, and circumstances.

Similarities of Literary Sturcture and Style

• Both are narrative prose that conveys a moral message/lesson.
• Literary devices used are aphorisms, allegory, imagery, etc.

Differences of literary structure and style

• Biblical parables are longer, more difficult to read and interpret, There is a story within a story that is used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, and has a double meaning, uses aphorisms, metaphors, symbolism, repetition.
• Zen Parables are shorter and easier/open to interpret. They are associated to mostly life, in regards to the truths of reality. There is no right or wrong interpretation as each person will interpret it from their perspective based on his or her own life experiences and circumstances.