Homework- Comparative Essay

1. Homework- Comparative Essay Explain the major similarities and differences between the development and spread of TWO of the religions listed below. Buddhism Christianity Islam Create a comprehensive, analytical and explicit thesis. Be sure to consider the following in your brainstorming processl Time, connections, interactions, continuity and change, cause and effect? Have you provided ample historical evidence to prove your thesis? Have you made direct comparisons and contrasts between and among societies? Have you related your comparisons to a larger global/historical context? Have you consistently analyzed the causes of the similarities and/or differences? f. Have you addressed all parts (similarities and/or differences, both topics and/or regions) of the question thoroughly?

2. Comparative Thesis Statements • Does it specify place of origins and places that it spread? • Does it make DIRECT comparisons between the two religions? For example, (“Christianity and Buddhism both gained a popular following among the lowly in their places of origin.” as opposed to, “Christianity appealed to the lower classes. Buddhism was embraced by the lower members of the caste system.” • Does it state a SPECIFIC difference? • Do you discuss historical developments – i.e. who it appealed to, why it spread and the impact upon the societies (political, social, economic, art and architecture?) THIS IS NOT A COMPARATIVE ESSAY ABOUT THE ACTUAL BELIEFS!

3. Sample Comparative Thesis Certain universal religions, such as Buddhism and Christianity spread far from their place of origin and became more widely practiced in places far from their place of origin. Buddhism started around 528 B.C.E. in India and appealed to the lower classes but became more widely followed among East and Southeast Asians. Similarly Christianity, which began in the Middle East, also gained a strong following among the disenfranchised and eventually spread to gain their major following in Europe. Buddhism and Christianity both gained the support of important political leaders. Buddhism generally gained prestige during the Tang and Song Dynasties (despite its vocal critics) and Christianity gained support and took hold when Constantine terminated the persecution of Christians and Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. It is also notable that both religions gained in popularity during turbulent times as people began to question their existing systems. Despite these many similarities, there were some differences. For example, the Christian religion engaged in bitter conflicts over territory in the Holy Land (such as the Crusades) while Buddhism tended to more peacefully blend with the traditions of those it encountered.