An important milestone in the history of religion was the emergence of the world's religions, which, in contrast to the ethnic and regional religions, have grown to and achieved an interethnic character. Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam – is the result of a long development of political, economic, and cultural contacts between countries and peoples. World religions emerged in the era of great historical turns, transitions from one to social relations the other. Despite all the differences and disagreements between world religions, there are such common characteristic features among them:
1) These religions brought the idea of equality of the coreligionists before God or Absolute (for Buddhism – equality in suffering, for Christianity – in sin, for Islam – in obedience.), about the opportunity of withdrawal from traditional cultures, related to national-state ideology (Trimarco).
2) Turning to all people, regardless of ethnic, social, or another origin. The main thing – is moral self-improvement, that is, the focus shifted to the individual religious life, to meeting moral norms by every believer that, under Buddhism, makes it possible to earn good karma and decent reincarnation in the future life (Siderits, 2015).
3) Social and ethnic flexibility, adaptability, i.e. the ability to adapt to different social, political, and national features, which is confirmed by the long history of these religions in a particular country.
4) Proselytism – the desire to attract more followers to the faith (Mirus, 2008). For the need to involve the largest possible number of followers there is, for example, the concept of the broad and narrow path of salvation in Buddhism. A narrow path of salvation (Hinayana) defines an ascetic way of life (essentially monastic); the wide path of salvation (Mahayana) involves the implementation of Panchsheel principles and does not require the abandonment of social life (“Panchsheel”, 2004).
Moreover, Nobel laureate XIV Dalai Lama has repeatedly stated – "Christianity and Buddhism coincide in their pursuit of human happiness". According to Dalai Lama, Buddhism, and Christianity preach “love, compassion, and self-discipline” (“Buddhism, Christianity share goals”).
References
“Buddhism, Christianity share goals: Dalai Lama” (2013). Business Standard. Retrieved
Mirus Dr, Jeff (2008). “Understanding Proselytism”. Trinity Communications. Retrieved
“Panchsheel” (2004). External Publicity Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Government
of India. Retrieved from: http://www.mea.gov.in/Uploads/PublicationDocs/191_panchsheel.pdf
Siderits, Mark (2015). "Buddha". The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from:
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/buddha/
Trimarco, Genevieve (n.d.). “World Religions”. University of Metaphysical Sciences.
Retrieved from: http://umsonline.org/PrinterFriendly/WorldReligions.pdf
