To become conscious of death was to become conscious that they were living life, which was not death. As we came to perceive the basic distinction between life and death, we became more aware that we were alive. The intellect is based on the consciousness that makes distinctions, and the most basic of those is the distinction between life and death. 62

But in Buddhism, especially in the Mahāyāna tradition, talking refuge means that we aspire to become like Buddha ourselves, and in that act, individual pride is very strong, and we do not become dependent.
In religions that accept the existence of God, however, everything is created and determined by God. God is great, but I am nothing.
In that way of thinking, the self cannot act autonomously, because we are perfectly dependent on the creator God, and God determines everything.
This way of thinking is very useful for some people, but from a Buddhist point of view, it discourages people form having self- 89 confidence, pride, the creative power to accomplish things.
The Buddha taught that ultimately you yourself should become a Buddha. and he himself was once an ordinary person like us. He set an example for us by practicing until he attained Buddhahood. 91 89-91

"No matter how profound a teaching is, if it does not keep up with the times, it has no power to help those who are suffering." 106, 107