There are many similarities and differences between religion and philosophy, and between the types of religion and their philosophy. Comparing Judaism and Buddhism comes up with more differences than similarities, such as the following: first, Judaism proclaims divinity and that there is a God that created and watches the earth, while Buddhism do not believe in any type of perpetual god; second, Buddhists believe in reincarnation, while Judaism proclaims that, after death, the soul enters eternal life to be with God in heaven; third, Judaism proclaims that the world is good because its creator is good, while Buddhism teaches that the world is bad, so that people need ‘enlightenment’ by following the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama; fourth, Judaism proclaim their priests to be rich in food, clothing, and other needs, while Buddhism believes that their monks should live in poverty and humility; fifth and final, Buddhists bow down to godly images that, for the Jews, is strictly prohibited.As for the similarities, these consist the following: first, both religions do not believe that people need a savior to save them from original sin or destruction; second, both religions teach that there is a need for people to disconnect themselves from the present world through meditation and worship; third, both religions create shrines for their god.
As for the philosophies of Confucianism and Taoism, they, too, carry certain similarities like the following: first, both philosophies started from the teachings of two individuals—Confucius and Lao-Tse—who both believed in the need for morality, virtue, and ethics; second, both philosophies include proper exercise of political power and how rulers should live their life; third and final, both philosophies exercise that the future lies on the individual’s hands, and that he or she has the power to change or improve the future.As for the differences between the two philosophies, these may consist of the following: first, Confucianism believes in the six values of Li, Hsiao, Yi, Xin, Jen, and Chung, while Taoism believes in the value of ‘Tao’ or path; second, Confucianism contain significant rituals done over significant periods over one’s life (i. e. , birth, maturity, marriage, death), which Taoism does not contain; third, Taoism preaches that there is Yin and Yang (dark and light side) that should be balanced well, and which Confucianism does not contain; fourth and final, Taoism believe that people are good in nature, which Confucianism does not agree and so there is a need to lecture people on morality, virtue, and ethics. Religions have similarities and differences; yet they all reveal ways on how to live life to the fullest, most respectable way.
