Section C: 2.1 A vision of salvation


Religions in general are deeply concerned with salvation. Salvation may be understood as freedom or safety from forces that are destructive. It refers to a sense of health or wholeness. Depending on the religion, salvation can refer to this life or to an afterlife and is either an activity initiated by God, or depends entirely on the action of the individual. The question of salvation is related to the question of destiny; where is human life headed?



Past Exam Question

Compare the understanding of salvation/liberation found in either Christianity or Judaism with that found in one of the following world religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam

Judaism


Reverence for and holiness of all life is the central value of Judaism. Made in God’s image, human life is sacred, and every area of life, from the exalted to the mundane, has value and is meaningful. This is why the laws of Judaism cover the daily life experiences of working, eating, dressing, relationships and nature. For Jews the focus is on the human experience – to hallow and sanctify all of life, to work for justice, righteousness and freedom. Work inspired by the mind and done by the hands is an act of glory and praise to the Creator God, who gave the gift of life.


Belief in the afterlife, with eternal reward for good and punishment for death, never addresses the idea of resurrection nor the existence of a soul without a body. However, life after death, though not clearly indicated in the Hebrew Scriptures, has been a fundamental belief of Judaism for two thousand years.


‘We are primarily a social religion. We always use the word ‘salvation’ in a collective sense, never in an individual sense. And the emphasis is on deed, not creed. Pure faith is meaningless unless translated into behaviour. We are not freelancers in the world – we are accountable to God.’ Immanuel Jakobovits, Rabbi

All aspects of Jewish life are governed by laws, ranging from worship to business relations to dietary rules. There is no distinction in Jewish law between religious and secular, spiritual and material. Everything is religious and all of life is a daily blessing. The fact that the Jewish people are free to accept or reject the Commandments of God, is central to their vision of salvation. The response of obedient love and committed loyalty is an acceptance of God’s offer of salvation. The lasting faith in God’s presence is a source of deep joy, gladness and honour, which leaves one open to enjoy all that is good and beautiful in the world.


Buddhism

Attaining salvation is central to Buddhist thought. Nirvana, or a state of enlightenment and freedom from attachment, craving and rebirth, is the goal of Buddhist life. In cultivating love and compassion and developing inner peace the Buddhist hopes his/her next birth will be one step closer to nirvana.
Acting thoughtfully, taking account of the consequences of one’s actions, meetings the needs of each situation – all of these responsibilities shape the nature of future lives on the cycle of rebirth. Buddhism sees the renewing cycle of birth, old age and death as a flow of existences – a rebirth without transmigration of the soul.

A person is a temporary combination of skandhas – the physical body, with feelings, tendencies and perceptions, all of which continually change. There is no permanent soul. All existence is made up of: Anatman (no soul) Anitya (impermanence) Dukkha (suffering).
In Buddhism the monastic community (Sangha) offers the ideal lifestyle within which to live this quest for truth and enlightenment. Each monk makes a threefold vow, called the Three Jewels of Buddhism:

– I go to the Buddha for refuge
– I go to the Dharma for refuge
– I go to the Sangha for refuge

The recitation of the three refuges is followed by the Pansil – five precepts or resolutions which are guidelines on the road to salvation

– Not to harm living creatures
– Not to take what is not given
– Not to misuse the physical senses and avoid sexual contact
– Not to speak falsely
– Not to use drink or drugs

The avoidance of luxury is not considered in any sense extreme, but it can encourage and develop an attitude of mindfulness and self-discipline (Mahayana), which is central to achieving salvation. Buddhist doctrine is described as a raft or ship which carries devotees across the ocean of life’s suffering to salvation/enlightenment (nirvana).

Similarities – there is a strong social aspect to salvation in both traditions – love, compassion and community are crucial to each believer’s journey and each religion has rules that regulate our interaction with, and treatment of, others.

Differences – in Judaism salvation can only be achieved through a relationship with the divine. In Buddhism liberation does not require a relationship with the divine – it is achieved by the individual.


Comments

  1. GuestSeptember 27, 2021 at 11:20 AM

    Hiya sir, could you upload an example of a past religion RSR? I'm a bit confused on the exact distribution of the 1,500 and I can't seem to find an example online. :(
    Appreciate it!

    ReplyDelete

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