The philosophies of Christianity and Buddhism have much in common though they remain quite distinct from one another in a number of ways. With respect to creeds, both Christians and Buddhists have a number of screeds, or guiding principles, that form the fundamental beliefs of each philosophy. The ApostleÆs Creed is one of the oldest Catholic creeds, basically embodying the fundamental beliefs of Christians, particularly with respect to Jesus Christ and redemption. Buddhism, likewise, maintains various screeds expressed in such concepts as karma, Nirvana, and right action and right thinking. This paper will compared and contrast some of the creeds of both Buddhism and Christianity.
All of the creeds of both Buddhism and Christianity are principles or values that were created by human beings and do not represent the word of a ôGodö or serve as a replacement for scripture or other doctrine. However, these creeds do represent responses by those who adhere to the beliefs of Christianity or Buddhism to various aspects of faith, worship, and right conduct and living. The oldest Christian creed is known as ôThe ApostleÆs Creed.ö ôThe ApostleÆs Creedö is very significant to Christianity and Christians, because it primarily explains the relationship of human beings to Jesus Christ and God. As the creed begins, ôI believe in God, the Father Almighty, / the Creator of heaven and earth, / and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lordö (ApostleÆs, p. 1).
ôThe ApostleÆs Creed,ö then, defines for Christians that God is the supreme being responsible for all of creation. His son, Jesus Christ, was God incarnate on earth. It is through the suffering of Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, the human beings find redemption and are saved. ôThe ApostleÆs Creedö makes it clear that Jesus was ôcrucified, died, and was rebornö, where he ascended to Heaven and sits at ôthe right hand of Godö (ApostleÆ
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