I’m new to the forum and was drawn to this discussion on Tao and God. I’m not an expert on Taoism, though Taoism plays a large part in my development in the spiritual and philosophical realm.
It’s not uncommon to see a similarity with the Christian idea of God and the Tao. Some say that they are one in the same thing, but opinions differ greatly when compared with other Taoist sects and writings. I think the biggest question most readers of Taoist philosophy ask is, “Is the Toa personal or impersonal?”
It’s an important question because if the Tao is impersonal than it’s not the same as the Biblical God of the Jewish and Christian faith. Indeed many have denied that Tao is personal and many Taoist masters have stated that Tao is indeed an impersonal force.
Why then the debate over the similarities with Christianity’s concept of God and Tao? The Tao Te Ching is the reason why many see personal attributes to Tao. In the field of philosophical Taoism, truly Lao Tzu is the father of this school of thought. Taoism existed long before Lao Tzu, but with the advent of the Tao Te Ching Taoism became a system of thought others could follow.
Later on you have Chang Tzu and his classics. It’s in Chang Tzu’s teachings that the idea of Tao as being impersonal is really developed, not that it isn’t hinted at in the Tao Te Ching, but Chang Tzu goes into depth as to the impersonal nature of Tao. This conception of Tao is more instep with Buddhist ideas, that a all embracing force would be neither good nor evil. This doesn’t mean Chang Tzu was Buddhist, but it does mark a departure from Lao Tzu in the philosophical model of Tao.
Now the argument that the God of the Judaism and Christianity could not be the Tao is based upon the fact that it is explicitly stated that God is righteousness, goodness, light, est…and would exclude him as the source from which all existence originated. This is a valid point, after all there is both good and evil in the world the Yin and Yang, or is it?
· Now this is my own theory and I have a long way to go to validate it in any scholarly context, so please excuse me for its short comings.
In Christianity, Judaism, and Islamic teachings God displays both positive and negative attributes. The Lord is love and judgment a positive and negative in one. If you will remember Yin and Yang is “Positive” and “Negative” this does not mean to say a negative is “Evil”, but that negative and positive in balance is needed for life and growth. That’s why Satan in scripture is not depicted as the opposite of God, but a mere creation. That is why the idea of a single living God- and not two opposite gods forever balancing each other into harmony – is the basis of Christian, Jewish ,and Islamic faith. Tao is not the interplay of Tin and Yang, but the source from which the two arose.
However, these are only some of my insights into the study of Taoism as a philosophy.
I have some other information on my small homepage under "links" is anyone would like to make some coments. As I said its not perfect, but I would like to learn more about Taoism and the truths that it holds.
www.templerock.zoomshare.com
It’s not uncommon to see a similarity with the Christian idea of God and the Tao. Some say that they are one in the same thing, but opinions differ greatly when compared with other Taoist sects and writings. I think the biggest question most readers of Taoist philosophy ask is, “Is the Toa personal or impersonal?”
It’s an important question because if the Tao is impersonal than it’s not the same as the Biblical God of the Jewish and Christian faith. Indeed many have denied that Tao is personal and many Taoist masters have stated that Tao is indeed an impersonal force.
Why then the debate over the similarities with Christianity’s concept of God and Tao? The Tao Te Ching is the reason why many see personal attributes to Tao. In the field of philosophical Taoism, truly Lao Tzu is the father of this school of thought. Taoism existed long before Lao Tzu, but with the advent of the Tao Te Ching Taoism became a system of thought others could follow.
Later on you have Chang Tzu and his classics. It’s in Chang Tzu’s teachings that the idea of Tao as being impersonal is really developed, not that it isn’t hinted at in the Tao Te Ching, but Chang Tzu goes into depth as to the impersonal nature of Tao. This conception of Tao is more instep with Buddhist ideas, that a all embracing force would be neither good nor evil. This doesn’t mean Chang Tzu was Buddhist, but it does mark a departure from Lao Tzu in the philosophical model of Tao.
Now the argument that the God of the Judaism and Christianity could not be the Tao is based upon the fact that it is explicitly stated that God is righteousness, goodness, light, est…and would exclude him as the source from which all existence originated. This is a valid point, after all there is both good and evil in the world the Yin and Yang, or is it?
· Now this is my own theory and I have a long way to go to validate it in any scholarly context, so please excuse me for its short comings.
In Christianity, Judaism, and Islamic teachings God displays both positive and negative attributes. The Lord is love and judgment a positive and negative in one. If you will remember Yin and Yang is “Positive” and “Negative” this does not mean to say a negative is “Evil”, but that negative and positive in balance is needed for life and growth. That’s why Satan in scripture is not depicted as the opposite of God, but a mere creation. That is why the idea of a single living God- and not two opposite gods forever balancing each other into harmony – is the basis of Christian, Jewish ,and Islamic faith. Tao is not the interplay of Tin and Yang, but the source from which the two arose.
However, these are only some of my insights into the study of Taoism as a philosophy.
I have some other information on my small homepage under "links" is anyone would like to make some coments. As I said its not perfect, but I would like to learn more about Taoism and the truths that it holds.
www.templerock.zoomshare.com