Buddhism, as I know it, has the user define what is right and wrong. That is easy. "I won't think sexual thoughts between 2-3pm AND I won't have sex with more than 2 women at a time!"
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Christianity says even sexual thoughts are equivalent to the act! As a college student and a Marine, I assure you this is quite frustrating and also an endless source of energy!
The difference is Christianity has objective values, while Buddhism is about self-discovery. As I understand it, there are very few objective criteria by which the Buddhist judge will use once you die, if there is a judge at all.
Ah! oh I see what you are getting at - sry I misunderstood.
Yea, I think what you are describing is true, but I also think the difference might be less than one might think.
By looking inwards to oneself you cannot help but discover something like the Christian objective good. And, of course, the bible does not contain explicit directions for every moral situation either. Meditation on compassion etc... is a standard exercise. Buddhist teachings have generally the same lessons as Christian teachings, as far as right and wrong. However, there is nothing like the 10 commandments or, like your saying, any objective verification.
From what you've said I can see how looking at sin etc.. from a Christian perspective can be more motivating towards active change. This is something that should perhaps be added to this paper.
Here is another excerpt:
Christianity focuses on God, rather then self and Buddhism focuses on self, rather then God. Often times the difference between the two can be broken down into mere semantic differences, but it seems to me both religions might benefit from occasionally shifting their focus, Christians to self and Buddhists to God. By focusing on self you raise your awareness, enhance your compassion, and thus can more easily understand God and fulfill the will of God. Focusing on God enables one to step outside of oneself and, by viewing yourself objectively (instead of subjectively), lead one to become more in-tune with oneself and become more in tune with God's will. Different perspectives of the same thing can lead to fuller understandings. In understanding the game of football, it might help to view the game from the perspective of both a player (self) and a coach (God).
You should know more about Buddhism before defining what it says. It is actually much stricter in discipline than Christianity. Christianity allows for much more freedom. I love the Bible verses you refer to. To look upon another mans wife with lust is the same as committing adultery. To hate someone is the same as murder. It all comes to the concept of what you do unto others you do unto God. He says, "what you do to the least of these, you do unto me." When did we see you naked to clothe you, or in prison to visit you, or hungry to feed you, or sick to take care of youlord? When you did not do these things to least of your brothers, you did not do them unto me. God is within each and every one of us. God is love.