Compromising your religion to "keep up with the times" (Jesus Christ, ritual)

[ChrisP]

The bible doesn't change M_V this is why I am Taoish, and not Christian.

[Master Vigil]

Originally Posted by ChrisP

The bible doesn't change M_V this is why I am Taoish, and not Christian.

Nor does the Tao Te Ching. But our understanding of it does, just as our understanding of the bible changes.

[ChrisP]

Originally Posted by Master Vigil

Nor does the Tao Te Ching. But our understanding of it does, just as our understanding of the bible changes.

The Tao advocates being aware of change and moving with it. Having read the bible several times, it does not come accross this way to me. It advocates being aware of change certainly, but there are some things it does not allow for change with.

[Master Vigil]

Originally Posted by ChrisP

The Tao advocates being aware of change and moving with it. Having read the bible several times, it does not come accross this way to me. It advocates being aware of change certainly, but there are some things it does not allow for change with.

I agree. I also think our understanding of it is also important. For instance, one can view the bible as literal truth, and therefore change is extremely difficult. Or one can view the bible as myth, and therefore change is extremely easy. Nevertheless. You are correct, the bible does not necessarily teach to change with the change like the Tao Te Ching does.

[Scarlett Wampus]

To harmonise our rhythm and balance with a world of constant change is not easy. If the world was in accord with the Tao, or rather, we ourselves were in accord with the Tao, the Tao Te Ching's words would seem clumsy and obsolete. While the Tao Te Ching doesn't lay down rules it does emphasise an approach to life. As such it is a rickety crutch we fall on because we cannot find our feet. Taoists resist change too.

[Master Vigil]

Originally Posted by Scarlett Wampus

To harmonise our rhythm and balance with a world of constant change is not easy. If the world was in accord with the Tao, or rather, we ourselves were in accord with the Tao, the Tao Te Ching's words would seem clumsy and obsolete. While the Tao Te Ching doesn't lay down rules it does emphasise an approach to life. As such it is a rickety crutch we fall on because we cannot find our feet. Taoists resist change too.

Good post! The Tao cannot be explained in words because the Tao Te Ching says so. I definitely agree with your statement, which is why I usually tell most people interested in learning about the Tao to watch a stream, instead of reading a book.

[Scarlett Wampus]

Originally Posted by Master Vigil

Good post! The Tao cannot be explained in words because the Tao Te Ching says so. I definitely agree with your statement, which is why I usually tell most people interested in learning about the Tao to watch a stream, instead of reading a book.

indeed! Reminds me of a Zen story.

A young monk approached Master Hsuan-sha while he was sitting by a stream. He sat with him for a while but became restless and said, "I seek the truth, where is the entrance to the path of Buddhism?". Master Hsuan-sha looked at the monk and raised his hand, "Do you hear the murmering of that stream?" "Yes," the monk replied. "Then seek no further."

[Green Gaia]

If your religion is accepting and open to change and new understandings, are you then compromising when you change your beliefs or allow for a new understanding?