Similarities Between Buddhism And Catholicism

At first glance, Buddhism and Catholicism might seem to be as unlike as any two religions can possibly be. In some sense, this statement is correct. Originating from northern India, Buddhism views the rights and role of women in their society in much differently than Catholicism, which grants its roots from Judaism and was created in the now non-existent Roman Empire. The typical modern-day Catholic may assume that Buddhism holds its female population in a lower regard than their own religion, but according to some theological experts, this has been proven opposite. As dissimilar as these religions may seem, they do share some common elements, but their variances greatly outweigh this factor. When the Catechism of the Catholic Church was first …show more content…
With the help of Pope John Paul II, it was published in 1992 (“The Catechism”). The years of 1991 and 1992, especially in the United States, marked significant changes in the role of women. Six women were granted seats in the U.S. Senate during the 1992 election, leading the local media to coin the term “Year of the Woman” (Parker). Unbeknownst to the politicians in America, the effects of this historic event could be felt in the Vatican. Unfortunately, the Pope’s opinion on the role of women greatly differed than the opinion of modernized Catholics in the Western World. Many people took great offence to one statement in particular: “[the] woman belongs at home” (Knights of Columbus Inc.). Other parts of the Catechism go on to mention that “the husband is ruler of the family and the head of the wife; the woman as flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone is to be subordinate and obedient to the husband . . . but she shall maintain her dignity” (“The Catechism”). In support of these …show more content…
Women reaching enlightenment is possible in both religions, however they obviously have different names. Buddhists use the term “Arahantahood” (Hass 6), whereas Catholics call it “moral perfection” (“Women”). It is the duty of all females to strive in achieving such enlightenment. It is also permissible for women to hold jobs and own property, in which the latter goes to her husband in the event of her death (Maha Thera). Mentioned in both texts is the statement that women possess their own souls, yet have a duty to form a union with a man” (“The Catechism”, Maha Thera). In this, one can see that Buddhism and Catholicism do share some common elements in regard to the treatment and regard of women in their respective