I’ve been reading K.K. (Khiok-Khng) Yeo’s discussion of “Paul’s Theological Ethic and the Chinese Morality of Ren Ren” in Cross-Cultural Paul (ed. Cosgrove et al.) and am finding it very difficult to understand how the concept of dao has helped mould Chinese culture(s). What follows are but ponderings.
Philosophical Daosim/Taoism is also termed daojia. Dao is often rendered “the Way” and jia as “family.” Dao may also be translated as “channel” or “road” or “doctrine” or “line.” Scholars disagree as to the precise meaning of dao in the Daoist philosophical system and matters are complicated by the fact that Daoism has never been a unified system of thought. Dao refers to the universe as it is; to the power behind the universe which keeps it balanced and ordered. Indeed dao is closely associated with de, which can be rendered “power” or “virtue” or “morality” or “integrity.”
In the Dao De Jing, the classic text of Daoism, dao is unnameable and cannot be categorised, completely transcendent.
For humans the more they live in harmony with the universe (dao de), the more they will accomplish and the easier they will do this.
From a biblical standpoint it is difficult to see how an impersonal universe can provide adequate foundations for morality. Because the whole system is grounded in a mystical assumption it is no wonder that throughout history Daoism and Chinese culture still today is infused with mysticism, magic and divination, e.g. astrology, fengshui, qigong, superstitions concerning food, Chinese traditional medicine, Chinese alchemy, various martial arts, etc. While Daoism recognises the duality in nature, insisting that neither positive nor negative forces can exist without the other (yin/yang), it is difficult to understand why primacy should be accorded to dao as creative power. If the duality of the universe is taken seriously might not harmony with nature actually be a destructive experience?
In the Bible it is the Fall that has led to the unleashing of destructive forces on Earth (Romans 8:20-21; cf. Genesis 3). Consequently, duality is not integral to the nature of the universe per se, but is itself the consequence of moral failure on the part of humans, by way of God’s response in judgment. As Romans 8 makes clear the deliverance of the universe from disorder is dependent on the moral restoration of humanity. This is the exact opposite of Daoism, as I understand it. In biblical thought it is necessarily disastrous for humans to base their ethics or morality on trying to synch with the way things are; for human morality to depend on the universe. In Romans 1 this is a classic expression of idolatry, substituting the creation for the Creator.
Posted July 23, 2009
Upon clicking 'Buy now' you will be redirected to paypal.com where you can securely and quickly complete your purchase with a few clicks.
Immediately after payment at PayPal you will be redirected to a download page which
provides you instant access to your purchase.
