Reply #6: The language of the Bible is the language of feudalism

[Squeech]

There's a Lord, and we all owe Him fealty. This speaks volumes to me.

Nor is this limited to the various Peoples of the Book-- which is how Islam describes its own heritage, including Christianity and Judaism. The tenets of Confucianism and Hinduism are also bound up with notions of hierarchy and mutual responsibilities up and down the so-called Natural Order.

As best as I can figure it right now, Buddhism is the first modern religion, in the sense of promoting self-responsible behavior. One could quibble with what the desired behavior is-- crave to give up craving?-- but the notion that you have to face the universe on your own and be on your best behavior for your own soul's sake is clearer there than in any other belief system I can think of.

It also speaks volumes to me that practicing Buddhism does not preclude following another faith. You don't worship Buddha as a god, you follow his example as a teacher. (Your mileage may vary. I know there are sects that have deities, and liturgies even more colorful than the old Latin masses, but the Japanese implementation coexists very easily with Shinto.)

My opinion, of course, and worth what you paid for it.