I have just recently come into the idea of finding myself through religion. I was raised to believe in the Christian way of life, but went a little rouge and explored the possibility of other religions. Through this journey, I learned a lot. Not only about myself, but about the world around me.

Through difficult times, people often turn to somebody. I myself am the type of person who does not like to vent to people all that often, so I explored my spirituality as a way of keeping my mind busy. While exploring, I found myself loving the idea of Buddhism.

The way in which Buddhist people live their lives is so simple and healthy. They focus on themselves as well as the world around them. As I spent time concentrating so heavily in this way of life, I found many similarities to that of the Christian religion.

Now, before you get angry at the fact I am comparing the two religions, hear me out.

Both religions teach you to:

• Treat others how you would like to be treated. (karma)
• Do no harm unto others
• Love everybody for who they are
• Do not seek out revenge
• Leave the world better than when you came into it
• Do not steal
• Do not lie
• Stay positive

Now, there are some differences as well. A major one being, in the Ten Commandments, god says to put no idol before him (such as the Buddha). But, I think there is a justifiable way to be able to believe in both religions without doing any harm.

I myself believe in the Buddhist Eightfold Path, but believe in God and Jesus. Is that wrong? I really do not think so.

I pray to god on a daily basis, but believe that the teachings of Buddha and the way in which he says to live is more attainable for me.

What I really wish others would realize is that while these religions have some major differences, they also have a lot in common. So why is it that wars based on what people believe in are so common? These are not the only two religions that have similarities. In fact, almost all religions have common factors.

And if I’m not mistaken, almost if not all religions in one way, shape or form tell us to love each other for who we are. So why are we fighting a battle for a superior religion? This very country was founded on the belief that each individual person is free to believe in what they want to believe in.

No religion teaches hate and violence as the answer to the problems we face in the world. Instead of attacking others for their differences, we should be using what we were taught and believe in to help those who are struggling find their way and overcome the hate, fear and anger they feel inside.

No one person is wrong for believing in what they do. It is only when they use hate or violence to try and prove a point that they are wrong. If we set aside our differences, even for just a moment to try and understand others, the world would become a much safer and well-rounded place.