Essay- Buddhism rituals (taking refuge & Buddhist funeral) compared to Christian rituals (baptism & Christian funeral)
Buddhism and Christianity are two religions which have many similarities and differences. Both religious have ceremonies which bring the person into the religious community and both religions also have ceremonies which take place after the person passes away. Discussed in this essay will be the background and order of these religious ceremonies. Similarities and differences will be drawn from these ceremonies and in conclusion the meaning of these ceremonies will be discussed.
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in the initiation process of becoming apart of the Christian community. Baptism takes place at a young age. Most infants taking place in Baptism are only a few months old. Baptism is all about welcoming a new member to the Christian community and letting them live the way Jesus lived his life. The ceremony of Baptism takes place in 6 parts.
The parents and the selected godparents of the child are asked what their intentions are. Prayers are made and a couple of readings are taken out of the bible. The blessing of the child is then made and the Priest touches the child's forehead with the holy water. The water is a symbol of washing away a person's sins. The child is clothed in a white garment which is a symbol of purity and innocence. A Baptism candle is lit and the Priest says a pray to bless the child. The conclusion of the rite takes place and the Lord's Prayer is said by the mass.
The equivalent ceremony to Baptism in the Buddhist religion is known as Taking Refuge. This ceremony takes place after the person has really thought about what they are doing. The person involved in this ceremony is not...