Actually, Buddha ever told us in sutras that his teachings is
not what ordinary human being like and somewhat 'against the
current'. Like when he say there is no God, then people will argue
and dislike this statement, thinking theres a God. When Buddha
spoke of suffering in life, people dislike and some tarnish it
thinking that what he says is very pessimistic.
I feel personally, that the teachings of Buddhism will not be as
popular and widely accepted as Christianity. Why is that so?
Because most people dont want to hear the truth and face reality.
They rather go to church and hang out with their friends, do a bit
of singing and hear some preachings that they themselves are
ordinary beings kind of agree with. Then they feel happy just like
that.
Therefore if you want me to compare, Buddhism is a teaching
from mudane to supramudane, and is very profound. Only those who
are wise or have affinity with Buddhism will really understand that
the more difficult path is indeed the higher path.
Thats right. Good observations.
Of course, we also have to take into accounts of things, such as
miracles, such as the promise of salvation and the fear of eternal
condemnation, and so on.
Bible is 'simple' -- or appears to be simple, in that
all you have to do is have faith, and be saved. It sounds like a
simple message that appeals to the masses, thats why Christianity
is now the most popular religion in the world.
And what about hell? Don't all of us fear being forever
condemned in a lake of fire? That's why, fear is part of it.
For Buddhism, we have a very rich philosophy and is very
practical to all our lives... still, it requires certain kinds of
conditionings for people to turn and look upon Buddhism... for me
I'm fortunate, because my mom brought me to Buddhism at a very
young age. But not everyone are so fortunate.