Irrelevance (tradition, Buddhism, beliefs, grace, America)

[Willamena]

Originally Posted by lilithu

The Taoist didn't say that God is irrelevant. The Taoist said that whether or not he believed in God is irrelevant.

If it's the Image of God, I can understand that.

[Scarlett Wampus]

Originally Posted by lilithu

Well I can't force anyone to think differently than they do. But I do occasionally try to shake things up a bit. I posted the view from liberation theology, which is ****** off at liberal religion for its complacency. We argue about God while people continue to suffer. But I could just as easily have posted from Kierkegaard, who was ****** off at Christians for saying that they believe when they don't really. Meaning that their so called beliefs do not move them to act any differently. We've come to the point where we think that holding correct beliefs is all there is.

Sometimes I wonder if, as well as a lack of recognition, there is an agenda of trivialising the profound. Since its difficult not to be deeply moved by the profound its a threat so is trivialised and substituted with 'false idols' in attempt to disarm it. This is compounded by envious attacks on it since beyond the fear people crave it. Taken in context of that actual text it comes from Nietzsche's often quoted 'God is dead' (and we have killed him) refers to this imo. Confusing though because with Nietzsche the sadness and horror of it is also mixed in with a perverse admiration of the arrogance of having killed God.

Originally Posted by lilithu

I do not see the difference in Buddhism and Taosim as being one of rationalality. The Buddha's rational expanation leads one to the conclusion that the question is irrelevant. The Taoist arrives at the same place, just doesn't try to explain it. Where Taoism is silent, Buddhism writes tomes. Buddhism tries to explain the inexplicable (and does a very good job, I think) and Taoism attempts to not mislead by avoiding explanation. I must admit that my temperment lies more with Buddhism. But I do see the two as leading to the same place.

Well admittedly if it weren't for Buddhism I would've found Taoism so inaccessible that I'd never have remained curious about it. In fact I consider Zen Buddhism to have inherited and preserved the spirit of early Taoism.

Originally Posted by lilithu

I know. And may I say that it's good to see you around again. I've missed you!

Missed you too. You were often in my thoughts when I was away.