Eastern Religions: Taoism and Confucianism
Taoism
History
The usual answer for the founder of Taoism is Lao-Tse (604-531 BC) (Alternative spellings include: Lao Tze, Lao Tsu, Lao Tzu, Laozi, Laotze, etc.). Some historians believe that he was simply a mythical figure or a synthesis of a number of historical figures.
“The story goes that Lao-tzu, ‘saddened by his people’s disinclination to cultivate the natural goodness he advocated,’ decided to head west and abandon civilization. As he was leaving, the gatekeeper asked if he would write down his teachings for the benefit of society. Lao-tzu consented, retired for a few days, and returned with a brief work called Tao-Te Ching, ‘The Classic of the Way and Its Power.’” (www.probe.org)
This book serves as a key text for Taoism, and has been translated numerous times into different languages, with scores of English translations. Taoism was eventually adopted as the state religion of China Though the number of adherents seems to vary, a safe estimate would be 20 million adherents throughout the world (much of it centered in Taiwan)
Beliefs/Practices
“We believe in the formless and eternal Tao, and we recognize all personified deities as being mere human constructs. We reject hatred, intolerance, and unnecessary violence, and embrace harmony, love and learning, as we are taught by Nature. We place our trust and our lives in the Tao, that we may live in peace and balance with the Universe, both in this mortal life and beyond.” (creed of www.reformtaoism.org)
Tao
“The concept of Tao (alternatively spelled “Dao”) is our most deeply held belief, and the foundation for our religion…The Chinese word ‘Tao’ roughly translates as ‘Way’; for Taoists, it refers to a non-sentient, impersonal power that surrounds and flows through all things, living and non-living.” (www.reformtaoism.org)
“The Tao regulates Natural processes and nourishes balance in the Universe. It benevolently embodies the harmony of opposites (i.e., there would be no love without hate, no light without dark, no male without female)” (www.reformtaoism.org)
Lao-Tse taught that “The Tao that can be told is not the Eternal Tao; the Name that can be named is not the Eternal Name.” In other words, the Way simply defies description. The only true way to seek it is through personal spiritual exploration and dedication.” (www.reformtaoism.org)
The Tao is the creator/first-cause of the universe, and it is impersonal. The goal of Taoism is to harmonize oneself with the Tao. The way to harmonize yourself with the Tao is “wu-wei,” which means “non-action” but refers to not doing anything contrary to nature (it is compared to allowing a river to run its course, which twists and turns in a natural way and does not try to break through obstacles.)
Taoism also emphasizes the importance of developing virtue. Taoism encourages seeking Three Jewels: compassion, moderation and humility.
Other Common Associations
Yin Yang Symbol: This symbol represents the balance between forces in the universe, while also picturing the continuing change and mixture of the universe.
Tai Chi
Acupuncture
Confucianism
History
“K’ung Fu Tzu (Confucius in English) was born in 551 BCE in the state of Lu (modern day Shantung Province in China). He lived during the Chou dynasty, an era known for its moral laxity. When he was 22 years of age, he opened a school. Success in teaching led to his appointment as minister of justice of Lu. After a conflict with the Marquis of Lu, he left the state and wandered for 13 years throughout China, giving advice to their rulers. He accumulated a small band of students during this time. The last years of his life were spent back in Lu, where he devoted himself to teaching. He died about 479 BCE at the approximate age of 72.” (www.religioustolerance.org)
“His disciples were able to gain significant positions in government after his death. They modified his teachings and added their own insights and centuries such that Confucianism later shaped Chinese culture by becoming the official religion of China. The values he espoused of education, family loyalty, work ethic, value of traditions, conformity to traditional standards, honoring of ancestors, and unquestioning obedience to superiors remain entrenched in Asian culture.” (www.probe.org)
Confucianism is not a traditional religion, but is more of an ethical code. It is often combined with Taoism and/or Buddhism to form “Traditional Chinese Religion.”
Beliefs
Confucius basically avoided spiritual teachings, just focusing on the natural. Thus, the teaching of Confucius is man-centered and focuses on self-effort.
Three Key Concepts
Li
“Li has several meanings which are often translated as propriety, reverence, courtesy, ritual, or the ideal standard of conduct. It is what Confucius believed to be the ideal standard of religious, moral, and social conduct.” (www.probe.org)
Jen
“It is the fundamental virtue of Confucian teaching. Jen is the virtue of goodness and benevolence. It is expressed through recognition of value and concern in others regardless of their rank or class. In the Analects, Confucius summarizes the principle of Jen in this statement often called the silver rule: “Do not do to others what you would not like them to do to you.” Li provides the structure for social interaction; Jen makes it a moral system.” (www.probe.org)
Chun-Tzu
“The idea of the true gentleman. It is the man who lives by the highest ethical standards. The gentleman displays five virtues: self-respect, generosity, sincerity, persistence, and benevolence. His relationships are described as follows: as a son he is always loyal, as a father he is just and kind, as an official he is loyal and faithful, as a husband he is righteous and just, and as a friend, he is faithful and tactful. If all men lived by the principles of Li and Jen and strove to the character of the true gentlemen, justice, and harmony would rule the empire.” (www.probe.org)
Nature of Man
Confucius taught that man was naturally good,
“The Master said, ‘Is goodness indeed so far away? If we really wanted goodness, we should find that it was at our side.’”
But he also recognized that no one had ever attained true goodness
“I for my part have never yet seen one who really cared for goodness, nor one who really abhorred wickedness.”
“As to being a divine sage or even a good man, far be it from me to make any such claim.”
“The master said, the ways of the true gentleman are three. I myself have met with success in none of them.’” (quotations taken from probe.org)
Problems
Personality of God
God remembers (Is 43:25), speaks (Gen 1:26), hears (Ex 2:24), sees (Gen 6:5), creates (Gen 1:1), knows (2 Tim 2:19), and has a will (1 Jn 2:17)
We are personal beings, and it does not make sense for an impersonal force to be able to create personal beings.
An impersonal being provides no ground for morality
Salvation is a relationship with God, which means he must be a person
“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (Jn 17:3)
Reality of the Spiritual Realm
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Eph 6:12).
Nature of Man
Taoism and Confucianism teach that man is basically good, and thus can look to himself for answers and improve himself through education. Yet they recognize that no one has ever been able to do actually accomplish perfection through these means.
The Bible explains why people have failed. It teaches that man is basically evil, and needs Jesus Christ to save him
“The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Ge 6:5).
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Je 17:9).
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” (Eph 2:1-5).
“So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Rom 7:21-25).
Role of Evil
Taoism ultimately provides no grounds for morality, but is left to hold the untenable position of relative morality. Taoism also views evil as necessary in order to maintain balance and order in the universe.
The Bible provides a basis for morality, and shows the answer to evil by an outside force coming into the universe to put an end to evil and allow righteousness to triumph
“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” (Ge 9:6).
“But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Heb 5:14).
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Re 21:4).
Reality of Justice
If evil just continually balances out good, then there can never be true justice, but an ongoing cycle of good and bad. The bad that balances out the good does not necessarily happen to the one who did bad. Many people do horrible things in this life but are never actually brought to justice in this life.
The Bible teaches that God will ultimately mete out justice in the next life.
“When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Pe 2:23).
Conclusion
Though the virtues promoted within these religions have much overlap with Christianity, the religions themselves provide no real means of gaining these virtues.
People need to have the new birth that comes through faith in Jesus Christ
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