Question: Is Pure Land practice’s deathbed guidance (开示) similar to Christian bedside conversion?
Answer: No, it is very different. The aim of Pure Land practice’s deathbed guidance is to encourage generation of the Three Provisions (of Faith, Aspiration and Practice) in time, which is specific in nature, as can be seen at https://purelanders.com/2015/12/30/%E5%BE%80%E7%94%9F%E5%87%80%E5%9C%9F%E4%B8%89%E8%B5%84%E7%B2%AE-the-three-provisions-for-rebirth-in-pure-land A simpler way to do this can be seen in section [8] at https://purelanders.com/2015/12/30/important-guidelines-2-during-dying-pure-land-passport-section-4b
This is to connect to Amituofo, so as to be received and guided by him to reach his Pure Land. We know this works because there are countless testimonials of the dying connecting to him from ancient to modern times, with auspicious signs witnessed by the surviving family and support-chanters.
The above is not the case in Christian practice, which is simply urging of the dying person to believe in a perfect creator God (or his son) being able to save him or her. However, such a God as defined was taught by the Buddha to NOT exist at all, as can be seen at http://thedailyenlightenment.com/2016/04/is-there-a-god-who-allows-suffering This is why there is lack of clear and present auspicious signs that the dying is indeed received or guided by a deity – since he does not exist.
Unfortunately, there are many cases of somewhat forced bedside conversion, using ‘fear of eternal hell’ as a ‘threat’ for non-believers, coupled with ‘joy of eternal heaven’ as ‘motivation’. However, on this too, the Buddha taught that eternal hell and heaven do not exist, as can be seen at http://thedailyenlightenment.com/2011/08/is-there-eternal-heaven-or-hell
Related Articles:
How Do Pure Land & God-Centric Teachings Differ
https://purelanders.com/2015/08/18/how-do-pure-land-god-centric-teachings-differ
Can God-Believers Reach Pure Land
https://purelanders.com/2011/12/16/god-believers-reach-pure-land
Are Buddhas Omnipotent, Omnibenevolent & Omniscient?
http://thedailyenlightenment.com/2013/11/are-buddhas-omnipotent-omnibenevolent-omniscient
