Buddhism has been described as a very pragmatic religion. It does not indulge first causes there is no theology, no worship of a deity or deification of the Buddha. Buddhism takes a very straightforward look at our human condition nothing is based on wishful thinking, at all. Everything that the Buddha taught was based on his own observation of the way things are. Everything that he taught can be verified by our own observation of the way things are.
Buddhism teaches that beings experience an endless cycle of death and rebirth. If a person doesn't attain goals in her lifetime, she will live again. This may seem like doctrinal trivia, but without reincarnation, certain basic ideas of Buddhism make no sense. The Buddha explained that people live in a sea of suffering because of ignorance and greed. They are ignorant of the law of karma and are greedy for the wrong kind of pleasures. They do things that are harmful to their bodies and peace of mind, so they cannot be satisfied or enjoy life.
To end suffering, one must cut off greed and ignorance. This means changing one's views and living in a more natural and peaceful way. It is like blowing out a candle. The flame of suffering is put out for good. Buddhists call the state in which all suffering is ended Nirvana. Nirvana is an everlasting state of great joy and peace. The Buddha said, "The extinction of desire is Nirvana." This is the ultimate goal in Buddhism. Everyone can realize it with the help of the Buddha's teachings. It can be experienced in this very life.
Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the anointed savior of the world and that his presence on earth was the fulfillment of the prophesies made in the Old Testament about the Messiah who was to come and save humanity from their sins. This was achieved for Christians, by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, whereby he defeated Satan and paid the price for all the sin in the world. The consequence of this is that anyone who accepts this belief is given eternal life and freedom from sin. Christians hold that Jesus will return on Judgment Day to fulfil the rest of the Old Testament prophesies, to judge the living and the dead and establish God’s kingdom in the new creation. Christianity is a salvation religion because it teaches a message of salvation which is supposed to apply to all of humanity. How salvation is achieved varies some forms emphasize works, some emphasize faith, and some argue that salvation comes to all, regardless of the actual religion they follow. Whatever the exact circumstances, though, the long-term purpose of life is generally treated as reaching salvation and God.