Taoism in decline? (Jesus, priests, rituals, followers, America)

[PureX]

Originally Posted by cfer

So what would you say are the differences between a religion and a philosophy? I would think it hard to separate the two. Isn't religion a philosophy?

Philosophy is the study of the way humankind views itself relative to it's own existence. Theology is a branch of philosophy that deals specifically with this view as it is related to the concept of deity. Religions are collections of objects, rituals, and doctrines that are designed to help people live according to a specific theological view.

[Willamena]

Originally Posted by cfer

It's kind of my observation that Taoism is in decline and has been for a long time. It's not a very big religion at all and keeps getting smaller. Really there's only one or two places where it is still in practice.

Has anyone else noticed this? If so, why do you think that is?

I think that if that's so, that the Internet can certainly revive it.

[Jistyr]

Originally Posted by cfer

So what would you say are the differences between a religion and a philosophy? I would think it hard to separate the two. Isn't religion a philosophy?

Yes, religion is a type of philosophy, but there is a definite distinction. An analogy I feel that would be good to use here is one of math:

A square is always a rectangle, but a rectangle is not always a square.

If you replace square with religion and rectangle with philosophy, it is exactly the same.

[PureX]

Originally Posted by Jistyr

Yes, religion is a type of philosophy...

Correction. Theology is a type of philosophy. Religion is the practiced application of a given theology.

[maybe]

So what does taoism teach?

[maybe]

Does it believ in reincarnation?

[maybe]

Who are the main idols?

[lamplighter]

I think Taoism might be actually growing now, I agree the religious aspect is quickly diminishing but philosophically it has spread, probably in due part because of the internet but on the local PBS station they have some guy who does Taoism lectures.

[Francine]

Originally Posted by lamplighter

I think Taoism might be actually growing now, I agree the religious aspect is quickly diminishing but philosophically it has spread, probably in due part because of the internet but on the local PBS station they have some guy who does Taoism lectures.

Taoism lecture is almost an oxymoron, like rap music or military intelligence. If you were to seek instruction in Taoism from me, I would take you for a hike in the Columbia River Gorge, and there would be no words spoken.

[zenzero]

Friends,
This is again a good example of how the human mind functions and creates greater barriers.
Mind will keep putting up unnecessary question and fetch similar answeres.
The point is whatever we ask should be directed towards becoming enligtened then only we become aware of the functioning of the mind and understand and find means of quietening it as that itself is the barrier.
Francine has responded well stating that flourishing and decline are seasonal and so depends on what season you are looking at?
Most imporatnt are we aware of our own being? which season it is going through? Is the being more comfortable with the surroundings than before, what should we do to be at ease with our environment? how to be natural or be ordinary? etc.
Love & rgds