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I mean, on the opening paragraph, you can pretty much replace the word Buddhism with your choice of religion. “Buddhism is often treated with special regard, a

by hbarka 4y ago

I mean, on the opening paragraph, you can pretty much replace the word Buddhism with your choice of religion. “Buddhism is often treated with special regard, as if it is a superior philosophy that correctly identifies the source of all human misery, and correctly lays out the path to its elimination.”

tsimionescu 4y ago
If discussing European and American discourse, that is certainly not the case. In particular, if you replace it with Islam, you will find virtually no agreement. If you replace it with Christianity, it will only be true for how (devout) Christians view it - secular philosophy mostly sees Christianity as a major source of suffering. Not to mention, neither Islam, Christianity nor Judaism even purport to address human suffering (in this world). The first two do at least promise that suffering will stop after death if you follow their tenets - Judaism doesn't even do that (this is not a criticism of Judaism, just an observation of how it doesn't fit with the quote). Also, I don't think that Hinduism receives any significant respect from European or American scholars, especially in the many-gods forms. Zoroastrianism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Shinto are too obscure for most to even have an opinion. So no, I think Buddhism is the only one that really fits in that sentence, if we're talking from a mainstream secular European and American discourse point of view.
- hbarka 4y ago
  Monotheistic religions most certainly do address human suffering. The very basis of religion is how to overcome our suffering (due to sin or purity test) in order to be closer to God.
  - tsimionescu 4y ago
    Suffering in this life is seen as temporary and ultimately unimportant, at least in Christianity. You are supposed to endure it while keeping your faith in God, with the knowledge that you will be rewarded in the next life, or whenever God deems it (like in the book of Job). But suffering is not something that is in your power to control: suffering happens to you for reasons you may not understand, and you can only pray that God will take mercy and end your suffering. That is essentially all that Christianity at least has to say on ending (physical) suffering.

by hbarka 4y ago

tsimionescu 4y ago

If discussing European and American discourse, that is certainly not the case. In particular, if you replace it with Islam, you will find virtually no agreement. If you replace it with Christianity, it will only be true for how (devout) Christians view it - secular philosophy mostly sees Christianity as a major source of suffering. Not to mention, neither Islam, Christianity nor Judaism even purport to address human suffering (in this world). The first two do at least promise that suffering will stop after death if you follow their tenets - Judaism doesn't even do that (this is not a criticism of Judaism, just an observation of how it doesn't fit with the quote). Also, I don't think that Hinduism receives any significant respect from European or American scholars, especially in the many-gods forms. Zoroastrianism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Shinto are too obscure for most to even have an opinion. So no, I think Buddhism is the only one that really fits in that sentence, if we're talking from a mainstream secular European and American discourse point of view.

hbarka 4y ago
Monotheistic religions most certainly do address human suffering. The very basis of religion is how to overcome our suffering (due to sin or purity test) in order to be closer to God.
- tsimionescu 4y ago
  Suffering in this life is seen as temporary and ultimately unimportant, at least in Christianity. You are supposed to endure it while keeping your faith in God, with the knowledge that you will be rewarded in the next life, or whenever God deems it (like in the book of Job). But suffering is not something that is in your power to control: suffering happens to you for reasons you may not understand, and you can only pray that God will take mercy and end your suffering. That is essentially all that Christianity at least has to say on ending (physical) suffering.