In Hinduism all is one. The name of that fundamental oneness is Brahman. Brahman is the impersonal ultimate reality. The human self is called Atman. And here is the deep insight of Hinduism: Atman is Brahman.
But Buddhism teaches the opposite. Rather than teaching that the self is divine or one with ultimate reality, Buddhism claims there is no self, expressed in the Pali word anatta. Due to the constant changes we experience in thought and experience, there is no permanent self. This teaching, it is argued, alleviates selfishness, which is the primary cause of suffering. Since there is no self, there is nothing to be selfish about.
So far we have two views of the self: (1) Brahman and (2) anatta.
The Christian faith is more complicated. According to the New Testament, we have an old self and a new self. The old self is deceitful and full of corrupt desires. It must be denied, taken off, and even put to death (Romans 8:13). In fact, it was crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6). After removing the old self, we must be clothed with the new self, which is “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). In essence, the new self is like Christ.
After graduating from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, I served as a high school Bible teacher in Asia. I enjoy traveling, writing, and playing the drums. My latest book focuses on Paul’s work as a tentmaker and what it means for today.