The Christian vs. Buddhist Worldviews in a Nutshell

Fr Gerald Vogin, of the Missions étrangères de Paris in Cambodia, quoted in Between salvation and gratitude, Christ in Cambodia:

"One thing that distinguishes Christianity from Buddhism is without a doubt the notion of thanksgiving. In Buddhism, each person is alone and no one can help others to save themselves. A convert to Christianity discovers that although he or she may have done nothing deserving and may have in fact many sins to account for they still receive boundless love and find that their lives are considered precious. Former Buddhists are truly moved by this because in Buddhist culture, life is about suffering and sadness. By contrast, Christians proclaim that life is a gift from God and this comes as a shock.

"Buddhism clearly differentiates suffering from reason. If you suffer you have done something wrong. When Christians receive the body and blood of Christ they feel intimately touched by God’s love, something they may feel they do not deserve. If Buddhism tells you, you get what you deserve, Christianity says that you freely receive salvation and thank God for it. Christians are happier for salvation and give thanks in the Eucharistic celebration."