The doctrine of salvation in Theravada Buddhism and seventh-day Adventism: A comparative study

Abstract

This study compares the doctrine of final salvation in Theravada Buddhism and Seventh-day Adventism. Theravada Buddhism understands the human predicament as dukkha (suffering) and teaches that man's deliverance is escape from it. The four Noble Truths of the Buddha are the great over-arching categories for the discussion of the Theravada doctrine of salvation. While the first two Noble Truths deal with the aspects of dukkha and its cause--craving (tanha), the last two Noble Truths concern the eradication of dukkha and the path leading to its end. The Noble Eightfold Path of self-salvation is the way which leads to Theravada sainthood or arahantship, which is the state of complete freedom for man from dukkha and evil. The SDA doctrine of salvation recognizes that man is in a state of pain and alienation but need not remain there. Christ's atoning death on the cross is the central factor in God's work of salvation for man. The believer in Christ is not only forgiven of his past sins, but also reclaimed from sin. Christ's righteousness is imputed (justification) and imparted (sanctification) to him. Man is saved not by any power within him, but from without. Christian salvation is the gift of God for man which he accepts in faith. It is not earned. Man's holy living in Christ prepares him for glorification at Christ's parousia. The SDA view of the human problem agrees with the Theravada idea that man is in a state of dukkha, but goes beyond and shows that this state of suffering is but a by-product of a greater problem-man's sinful nature. Man is not only ignorant and deluded, but depraved and sinful. The resolution of the human condition in both systems entails a transition from this-worldly to supra-worldly activity through a process of sanctification. In Theravada Buddhism, this transition involves a purification of man's mind while Adventism, in contrast, emphasizes a change of heart in man in which he is reconciled with God. The method of salvation in Theravada Buddhism does not altogether reject the role of grace and faith. Similarly, SDAs recognize the validity of good works in the operation of man's salvation. However, human salvation in the Theravada teaching is self-derived. Man is his own savior. In marked contrast to this view, is the SDA notion that man cannot be saved by any intrinsic power within himself. Man must have a power outside of himself for salvation. SDAs affirm, only God can save him. The Theravada concepts of the Tilakkhana and selfhood could provide an effective means of explaining to Buddhists the Christian beliefs on the human predicament and the way of transcending it. SDAs should develop an open, inclusive attitude to Buddhism while maintaining their faith perspective of the finality of salvation in Jesus Christ.