Religion

All religions are based on trying to make sense of the unknown in our universe.  For people to remain convinced about a religion’s view, each religion has to dangle a pretty big carrot for everyone to follow.  I broadly can think of two categories – what each religion teaches and towards which goal.

Punishment vs. Reward:

Islam – penance – heavenly afterlife

Christianity – sacrifice – heavenly afterlife

Judaism – penance – heavenly afterlife

Emancipation:

Hinduism – contemplative meditation – inward understanding

Zen Buddhism – spontaneous simplicity – inner peace

The first group of religions was born out of strife, in adverse sociological conditions – the second through meditation and philosophical discourse.

As to which path is better of the two – only God can tell :-)