Buddhist Beliefs
What does “Dukkha” mean?
Suffering or dissatisfaction — one of the Three Marks of Existence.
What does “omnipotent” mean when describing God?
All-powerful — Christians believe God can do anything consistent with His nature
What is a Just War?
A war fought for a fair reason and in a fair way according to Christian ethics.
Name one aim of punishment.
etribution, deterrence, or reformation.
The Story of Angulimala - What does this story teach Buddhists?
No one is beyond forgiveness; compassion can transform lives., they can reform and change
Name one of the Four Sights and explain its importance.
Old man, sick man, dead man, holy man — they showed Siddhartha that suffering is universal.
Name one part of the Trinity and explain its role.
Father (Creator), Son (Saviour – Jesus), Holy Spirit (God’s presence and guide).
Name one condition of the Just War theory.
Must have just cause, right intention, last resort, and be declared by authority.
What does “reformation” mean and why do Christians support it?
Helping offenders change behaviour; supported because God forgives and people can change.
Parable of the Sheep and the Goats - Give two topics this parable links to.
A: Salvation and Aims of Punishment (justice and compassion). Afterlife, Victims of War
How did the Buddha’s ascetic life influence his discovery of the Middle Way?
He realised extreme self-denial didn’t lead to enlightenment; balance is needed.
Why do Christians believe the crucifixion was necessary?
It paid for human sin, allowing reconciliation between God and humanity.
How might Christian beliefs influence attitudes towards protest?
Many support peaceful protest (Jesus’ example of nonviolence); violence is rejected.
How might Christian beliefs influence views about the death penalty?
Many oppose it (sanctity of life – only God can give/take life); some support it for justice.
Kisa Gotami and the Mustard Seed - What Buddhist teaching does this story show?
Anicca and Dukkha
Explain how Anicca and Anatta are linked.
Both teach impermanence — nothing is fixed or eternal, including the self.
How does belief in the resurrection influence Christian behaviour today?
It gives hope of eternal life and inspires faith, courage, and forgiveness.
Explain how nuclear weapons challenge religious views on peace.
They destroy innocent life, violating sanctity of life and Just War principles.
Compare Christian and Buddhist views on forgiveness.
Christians forgive as Jesus did (“forgive 70×7”); Buddhists forgive to reduce hatred and gain compassion (metta).
Angulimala - How might this influence a Buddhist's behaviour today?
Buddhists may try to forgive others like the Buddha forgave Angulimala.
They may believe people can change, so they show compassion instead of anger
Dukkha is the most important of the Three Marks of Existence.
Some agree — it sums up life’s main problem; others say Anicca and Anatta are equally vital for understanding suffering.
And anything Ma'am agrees upon!
Salvation through faith is more important than good works.
Give one FOR and one AGAINST
Some agree (Ephesians 2:8–9 – salvation is a gift of faith), others disagree (James 2:17 – faith without works is dead).
Or anything Ma'am agrees upon!
War can never be justified.” FOR AND AGAINST
Some agree – war causes suffering (Buddhists: ahimsa); others disagree if it protects the innocent (Christian Just War).
Anything Ma'am agrees upon!
Retribution is the fairest form of punishment. FOR AND AGAINST
Some agree – justice demands balance; others say forgiveness and reformation are more compassionate.
Parable of the Saw (also known as the Simile of the Saw) - What did it teach Buddhists?
What It Teaches
Violence and anger only create more suffering (Dukkha).
Hatred cannot end hatred — only compassion can.
True patience and peace come from controlling the mind, not the situation.
Non-retaliation is a sign of deep spiritual strength