The primary doctrinal differences between Jainism and Christianity revolve around key theological beliefs, including the nature of deity, the concept of salvation, the understanding of human existence, ethics, and religious practices. Here’s a summary of these differences:

Doctrinal Differences:

1. Nature of Deity:
   • Christianity: Belief in one God who is personal, transcendent, and immanent, with attributes such as omnipotence, omniscience, and omnibenevolence.
   • Jainism: Non-theistic belief system that does not recognize a creator God. Instead, Jainism emphasizes the existence of eternal and infinite souls (jivas) that undergo cycles of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) based on karma.
2. Concept of Salvation:
   • Christianity: Salvation is attained through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, with an emphasis on grace, forgiveness of sins, and the redemptive power of Christ’s sacrifice.
   • Jainism: Salvation (moksha) is achieved through the purification of the soul and liberation from the cycle of rebirths. This is accomplished through adherence to the principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-attachment (aparigraha), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possession (asteya), among others.
3. Understanding of Human Existence:
   • Christianity: Views human beings as created in the image of God, with inherent dignity, moral responsibility, and the capacity for spiritual relationship with God.
   • Jainism: Regard human beings as possessing an eternal soul (jiva) that is subject to the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) due to karma. The ultimate goal is to achieve liberation (moksha) from this cycle by following the path of righteousness and spiritual discipline.
4. Ethics:
   • Christianity: Moral teachings in Christianity are based on divine commandments and ethical principles derived from the Bible, emphasizing love, compassion, justice, and righteousness.
   • Jainism: Ethical principles in Jainism are centered around the concept of non-violence (ahimsa) towards all living beings, as well as truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession. Jains strive to live a life of non-violence in thought, word, and deed.
5. Religious Practices:
   • Christianity: Religious practices in Christianity include sacraments such as baptism, communion (Eucharist), and prayer, as well as worship gatherings, fellowship, and acts of service.
   • Jainism: Religious practices in Jainism include meditation, prayer, temple worship, observance of fasts, and adherence to ethical guidelines. Jains also engage in rituals such as the recitation of scriptures and participation in religious festivals.

Five Arguments for Preferring Christianity:

1. Assurance of Salvation through Faith in Christ:
   • Christianity offers believers assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The message of the Gospel emphasizes God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, providing a sense of peace, security, and hope for eternal life.
2. Historical Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection:
   • The historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection, including eyewitness testimonies, early Christian writings, and archaeological findings, provides compelling support for the truth claims of Christianity. The resurrection serves as the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming Jesus’ victory over sin and death.
3. Personal Relationship with God:
   • Christianity emphasizes a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, fostering intimacy, guidance, and spiritual fulfillment. Believers experience God’s presence through prayer, worship, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, offering a profound sense of purpose, identity, and belonging in the context of divine love.
4. Universal Message of Salvation:
   • Christianity offers a universal message of salvation, extending God’s grace to all people regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or background. The Gospel message transcends cultural and religious boundaries, inviting people of every nation to embrace faith in Christ.
5. Transformative Power of Grace and Redemption:
   • Christianity emphasizes the transformative power of God’s grace and redemption, offering forgiveness, healing, and new life to all who believe. The message of the Gospel provides hope and restoration for individuals burdened by sin, guilt, and suffering.