Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism stand among the most influential religious and philosophical systems in the world. Their doctrines embody distinct conceptions of the cosmos, values, and human destiny. This section compares their teachings across five dimensions—concept of God, cosmology, human nature and salvation, ethical norms, and religious practice—in order to reveal both their commonalities and differences.

1. Concept of God (Understanding of the Ultimate Reality)

Christianity

Christianity believes in one omnipotent, personal God who created the universe. The core doctrine is the Trinity: the Father (Creator), the Son Jesus Christ (Redeemer), and the Holy Spirit (Revealer), equal in essence and nature. The Bible emphasizes: “The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). God is personal and establishes covenants with humanity, such as the Old Covenant with Abraham and the New Covenant through Jesus Christ.

Islam

Islam also professes belief in a single God—Allah—who is absolutely transcendent, without form, and without equal. It rejects any form of associating partners with God (shirk). Surah 112 (Al-Ikhlas) declares: “He is Allah, the One… He neither begets nor is begotten.” Unlike Christianity, Islam rejects the Trinity and regards Jesus as a prophet, not the Son of God.

Buddhism

Buddhism has no concept of a creator god. The universe is governed by the laws of karma and causation. The Buddha taught in the Āgamas that all phenomena arise through dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda) and that impermanence (anicca) and non-self (anatta) are fundamental. Mahayana Buddhism introduces concepts such as the Dharmakaya, but these are not personal deities.

Hinduism

Hinduism presents a complex theology with many gods—Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva—yet ultimately teaches that Brahman is the supreme, all-pervading reality. The Upanishads proclaim: “Brahman is the Atman; all is Brahman.” The many gods are viewed as manifestations of Brahman, and believers are free to choose their form of worship.

Confucianism

Confucianism has no defined theology or personal deity. It honors Tian (Heaven) as a cosmic moral order rather than a personal god. Confucius said in the Analects: “Does Heaven speak? The four seasons follow their course, all things grow.” Confucianism focuses on human ethics and social harmony rather than supernatural beings.

Comparison

Christianity and Islam embrace strict monotheism; Buddhism denies creator gods; Hinduism blends polytheism with monism; Confucianism stresses moral order rather than divinity.

2. Cosmology (Understanding of the World and Existence)

Christianity

The universe was created by God “in the beginning” (Genesis 1:1). Time is linear, culminating in the Last Judgment. Human history progresses according to God’s plan, and due to original sin, humanity requires redemption to return to paradise.

Islam

Islam likewise affirms that Allah created the heavens and the earth (Qur’an 2:117). Time is linear and ends with the Day of Resurrection (Yawm al-Qiyāmah). The world is a testing ground, and humans fulfill their purpose through submission (Islam) to God.

Buddhism

The universe has no beginning or end and moves through eternal cycles of rebirth (samsara) across six realms. The Middle-Length Discourses state that karma drives all existence without a creator god. The goal is to escape samsara and attain nirvana, a state beyond birth and death.

Hinduism

Hindu cosmology is cyclic, passing through creation, preservation, and destruction—overseen by Vishnu and Shiva. The Bhagavad Gita states, “I am Time, the destroyer of worlds.” Samsara is universal, similar to Buddhism but accompanied by rich mythology.

Confucianism

The universe is governed by natural principles (Dao, Heaven’s order). The Book of Changes interprets the world through yin-yang transformation. Confucianism avoids discussions of ultimate beginnings or ends, emphasizing earthly affairs.

Comparison

Christianity and Islam see time as linear; Buddhism and Hinduism view time as cyclical; Confucianism emphasizes natural order without metaphysical speculation.

3. Human Nature and Salvation (The Human Condition and Ultimate Goal)

Christianity

Humans are created in God’s image but damaged by original sin. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ (“justification by faith,” Romans 3:28) and through God’s grace. The ultimate goal is eternal life in heaven. Catholicism and Protestantism differ regarding the role of works.

Islam

Humans are servants (abd) of God, born pure without original sin (fitrah). As stated in Qur’an 2:30, humans are Allah’s “vicegerents on earth.” Salvation comes through obedience, good deeds, and Allah’s judgment on the Last Day, leading to paradise (Jannah) or hell (Jahannam).

Buddhism

Human nature is trapped by ignorance (avidyā) and the Three Poisons—greed, anger, and delusion. “The mind is the source of all things,” says the Dhammapada. Salvation is achieved through self-cultivation, cutting off attachment, and attaining nirvana. Theravada emphasizes personal liberation; Mahayana promotes universal salvation through the Bodhisattva path.

Hinduism

Humans possess a soul (ātman), identical to Brahman but obscured by ignorance. The Upanishads declare: “Tat Tvam Asi” (“Thou art That”). Liberation (moksha) comes through knowledge, devotion, or righteous action, releasing the soul from samsara.

Confucianism

Human nature is fundamentally good (Mencius: “Human nature is originally good”), but requires education and self-cultivation. There is no concept of salvation or afterlife; the goal is moral perfection and social harmony in this life.

Comparison

Christianity and Islam stress divine salvation; Buddhism and Hinduism stress inner cultivation; Confucianism focuses on worldly ethics rather than salvation.

4. Ethical Norms (Moral Teachings and Behavior)

Christianity

Central values are love and forgiveness. Jesus taught: “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). The Ten Commandments forbid murder, theft, adultery, and more. Catholicism emphasizes church authority; Protestantism emphasizes individual conscience guided by scripture.

Islam

Islam stresses justice and compassion. Qur’an 4:135 instructs believers to “stand firmly for justice.” Prohibitions include alcohol, gambling, and usury. Charity (zakat) is mandatory. Islamic law (sharia) governs all aspects of life, including diet, worship, and family.

Buddhism

The ethic is grounded in compassion and nonviolence. “Hatred is not overcome by hatred but by love,” says the Dhammapada. The Five Precepts (no killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, intoxicants) guide laypeople; monks follow stricter rules. Mahayana promotes altruism through the Bodhisattva ideal.

Hinduism

The central moral principle is dharma—duty appropriate to one’s caste and stage of life. Texts such as the Manusmriti outline social norms, including reverence for elders and non-harm (ahimsa). Devotional schools emphasize purity and devotion to God.

Confucianism

Confucian ethics are based on ren (benevolence) and li (ritual propriety). The Golden Rule—“Do not impose on others what you do not desire yourself”—comes from the Analects. Filial piety, loyalty, and moderation guide social relationships.

Comparison

Christianity and Islam emphasize divine commandments; Buddhism and Hinduism stress personal cultivation; Confucianism focuses on moral relationships and social order.

5. Religious Practice (Rituals and Worship)

Christianity

Practices include prayer, Sunday worship, and sacraments such as baptism and communion. Catholicism upholds seven sacraments; Protestantism retains two. Major festivals include Christmas and Easter.

Islam

The Five Pillars form the core practice: confession of faith, five daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, almsgiving, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Major festivals include Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Buddhism

Meditation, chanting, and offerings (such as lamps or incense) are common. Theravada stresses individual meditation; Mahayana and Vajrayana incorporate more ritual elements like mandalas. Vesak commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.

Hinduism

Practice includes puja (ritual worship), pilgrimage (such as to the Ganges), and various forms of yoga. Major festivals include Diwali and Holi. Worship styles vary widely.

Confucianism

There is no centralized religious ritual system. Traditional practices include ancestor worship and rites pertaining to social events (as described in the Book of Rites). Modern observances include commemorations of Confucius’s birthday.

Comparison

Christianity and Islam emphasize unified worship systems; Buddhism and Hinduism exhibit diverse practices; Confucianism remains primarily cultural rather than ritualistic.