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Essay / Comparison of Christian and Buddhist perspectives in...
God and the teachings of the Bible are used as a framework for finding meaning in life and the purpose of human presence. The purpose lies in the potential of every human to strive for peace, seek equality, nurture relationships and the environment to achieve harmony with the earth (Valk, 2012). “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior and my hope is in you all the day” (Ps 25:5). The Holy Spirit, known as God's active force and power in action (Luke 1:35), is used as a guide by Christians to test and determine what is right. “We choose to act on the basis of good thoughts, scripture, and prayer, and the Holy Spirit helps us discern good alternatives” (Shelly & Miller, 2006, p. 89). Viewing others as the image of God, the choice of good and evil is influenced by beliefs, cultural context and mutual respect. In this religious culture, the tendency to do evil is considered a sin. However, it is the confession of sin that leads Christians to Jesus Christ to find and experience God's forgiveness (Shelly and Miller, 2006). Recognition of sin and eventual redemption strengthens the relationship with God that directs a life of service to humanity (Shelly & Miller,