Tao

Tao, is a type of eastern philosophy, also spelled Dou or Tou, and despite the letter “T" being used, it is always pronounced without a “d” sound. According to Merriam Webster’s dictionary, it is a Chinese word meaning “way.” The dictionary goes on to define Tao as, “the unconditional and unknowable source and guiding principle of all reality as conceived by Taoists.” Apparently, it is the principle of “The Great Ultimate,” that flows through every living and sentient object, as well as through the entire universe. In a word, it's pantheism.

Taoist teachings include thoughts like: “The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao;” and “The name that can be named is not the eternal name.” Statements like these speak directly to the main principals of Christian thought, attempting to negate them. These words go directly in opposition to the Christian belief that in the beginning was the word... and Jesus is the word, and that one is to preach the good news to all creation and the concept of Jesus being the only name under heaven by which men might be saved. Taoist believe God is silent and ever changing, all is God, while Christian believe God is immutable and completely holy, and that He speaks life and light into the world.

The underlying principal of Taoist thought is the Yin and the Yang. These are described as two basic forces in the world that oppose one another and yet compliment one another. We see this expressed a round, half-black, half-white symbol called the Taijitu. The Yin is said to be passive, dark, feminine, downward, part, and corresponding to the night, darkness and death while the Yang is white, said to be active, lively, light, masculine, upward and corresponding to the day. In Tao beliefs, when the two opposites are in opposing but equal balance it is possible to find perfect happiness, even in the midst of chaos and confusion.

There are two opposing forces in Christian thought as well. One is good, the other evil, and like the yin and the yang, people often see these forces as black and white, light and darkness... opposing forces that oppose, but not for harmony's sake, they battle for ultimate control. One force seeks to ultimately overcome the other. The underlying principle in Christian thought is that God who is holy and in whom no darkness dwells at all, is the only one who has the power to overcome.

In contrast to the Tao, Christianity teaches that telling of “the way” is esential, for hearing is how one comes to faith in Jesus who is the way, the only way for a soul to be redeemed to God. (John 14:6) They also believe and teach that human beings stuck in the conflict between good and evil will not know or find that way unless they are told and it is spoken. (1 Peter 4:6) There is a name that can be named, and it is clearly names and spoken, even professed, (Romans 1: 19-21) and we take the name upon us when we believe in God. (Ephesians 1: 21-22; 3:15.)

Taoist, on the other hand, strive to maintain balance in their lives and remain silent.