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Buddhism and Romanism

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 19, 1905

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 82, No. 42.

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Buddhism and Romanism

By H. H. Votaw

H. H. VOTAW
To even the most casual observer, the great similarity between Romanism and Buddhism, in outward form at least, must be apparent. So striking is the likeness that one man said to me recently, “I am sure Rome has borrowed her forms.” Both Rome and Buddhism have their celibate priesthood, everywhere present, and always recognizable by their distinctive dress, the Buddhist priest wearing yellow, while the Roman is attired in black. In much that a Buddhist priest does he is attended by small boys, robed as he is. The same is true of a Catholic priest.
Devout Romanists leave the education of their sons and daughters to the clergy, and devout Buddhists do the same. In each case the teaching consists principally in indoctrination.
Each of these great systems has also its priestesses, distinguishable also from the common rabble by peculiarity of garb. Monasteries, where righteousness may be attained by separation from the world and its temptations, and the mind may spend all its power in uplifting meditation, are supported by each of these religions.
Again, the likeness is to be seen in the almost worshipful adoration with which the laity regard the clergy, as if they composed some entirely superior order of beings.
When we come to the temples, the parallel is fully as striking. Each has its idols. I hear some devotee denying the charge, as the educated from either sect would say that the idols are not worshiped, but simply form a concrete thought for the simple-minded folk who need something beside an abstract conception of a deity. What difference is it other than that the one image has a decidedly Mongolian feature, while the other bears the impress of an Aryan workman and his conception of a god? The burning of candles is equally in evidence, whichever way you turn.
Perhaps this is enough to be convincing. But the most striking thing is to come yet. This brand, when fully placed upon Buddhism, will mark it, beyond doubt, as a product of the same nefarious mind that conceived the papacy. The following extracts from Rangoon papers of recent dates will scarcely need any comment. To the student of prophecy they will indicate that God is giving warning upon warning before the fury of the storm breaks; that he is anxious that we discern the signs of the times:—
“The members of the Upathika Society intend forming a Sunday Union Society in Rangoon, the object of which will be to observe in a special manner the Sabbath.”—Rangoon Gazette, May 26.
“I read an article in the Rangoon Gazette of the twenty-sixth, relating to a society that has been formed, called the Sunday Union Society. Probably many of the Buddhists do not know the object and aim of this society.
“Seeing that many of the Buddhists are becoming indifferent to their religious duties, the society was formed, consisting of a large and influential body of laymen, who have banded together to rouse the energy and zeal of their brethren, and bring them to a sense of their duties to their religion.
“The society selected Sunday as a very convenient day to observe as a sabbath, owing to the day being a general holiday. Many are unable to attend to the rites of their religion during the week, owing to their daily avocations, as merchants, officials, and clerks in different offices, but they could very well observe the sabbath on a Sunday as it should be observed. . . .
“All persons who are Buddhists are eligible for membership.
“The society will be registered, and the income is to be applied solely toward the promotion of the object of the society.”—A Buddhist, in the Times.
The Buddhists have been guided heretofore in the observance of “holy days” by the moon’s phases. The agricultural classes can still be, but it is not “convenient” for the townspeople.
The beginning that has been made toward adopting Sunday is like the Sunday law of Constantine, and I fancy the adoption of a uniform plan by all the people will be soon urged. God alone knows what may occur. But it is not likely that Rome will fail to make some concession to Buddhism, in return for such recognition of the “mark of her power.” We understand from the Word that the image of the beast is to be made and given life in the United States. But the same Word declares, “And all the world wondered after the beast.”
Rangoon, Burma.