The Wiser Religions?

Question

Can it not be said that the aim of all religion is to benefit life, respect, love, co-existence, dignity and the raising up of all living things to betterment. In this way which could be seen as the "wiser"religion? in your view.
In my opinion it must fall to Taoism. The 3 "Religions of The Book" the monotheist religions of the Western World preach over devotion and enslavement to outer-world elements like God or heaven. The Hindu & Buddhist religions teach good not just in itself but for karmic reasons-we should do good coz its good, not for a better life ahead. The Tao teaches us a "Real World Religion" seeking harmony, balance, co-existence and peace in the here and now. Is this not what is more needed if not in the world then in the weary hearts of each person's world. If there is a GOd would he not prefer this way for his/her people. And if not then is it not embracing "The Greater Good" anyway in our individual Taoistic Ways.
Please let me know your opinion, Thanks,

Answer 1

I practice Taoist Tai Chi and I have read the Tao Te Chang several times. I see wisdom there but I don't call myself a Taoist.

I have also read the Bible (though it is insufferable to read cover to cover so I only read parts of it). I believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ but I don't call myself a Christian.

I am part Buddhist and part Animist. I don't know a lot about Hinduism or Islam but from what I do know there is wisdom there too.

I cannot pick a 'wiser' religion. I like what Gandhi said: All religions are paths to the same point. And while to my knowledge he didn't specify the point, I would have to add that that point is the full realization of love and respect for all of life and all of nature, or in other words, God.

Answer 2

I agree with your idea that the teachings of the Tao won't do us wrong. If everyone in the world followed the priciples of Taoism, the world would be a much better place.

But I disagree with your idea that Taoism is a religion at all, I think it's a very, very good philosophy for living, but there's not really much religious practice or structured dogma to qualify it as a Religion per se.

Of course, that's one of the reasons I like it so much!

I wouldn't be so critical of all the religious systems out there though. They can all be helpful in achieving balance and harmony. It's often our faulty warpings of their various teachings that lead to problems, not the religions themselves.

Answer 3

I don't see any religion as being wiser than another. I see that a person can be wise, no matter what religion they follow. Or they can be ignorant and follow the same religion the wise person follows. Some of the Pagan paths also teach to seek harmony and balance with all living things, including those you'd love to slap around. So I don't view a path as being wise, but rather a person who uses the path wisely.

It's a wise man who admits he knows nothing.

Answer 4

Christianity and Judaism both teach being fair to people now and doing right now. But that your reward will be in the life after.

Hinduism is in many ways the same. Respect is paid to God. If you do good next life will be better.

I don't know about taoism but buddhism is just about ending the cycle or rebirth and not existing at all.

Answer 5

Well, it could be said that the aim of all religion is to benefit life, respect, love, co-existince, dignity, and the raising up of all living things for the betterment...

..You _could_ say that... it just would be wrong.

The purpose of our faith, our religion, our daily life of Christianity is not to serve ourselves. Christiay

Christianity is tough! It's hard work!

--We have to forgive someone when we'd rather just punch their lights out.

--We have to turn the other cheek when we are struck, as if to say "Hit me again! And this time put some _stank_ on it!"

--We have to take at least 10% of our hard-earned money and give it back to the church, but then we're always called to give even more to other causes.

--We have to go to church on Sunday morning when really we'd rather sleep in and forget the whole thing.

--We have to volunteer to work at our church on activities (as if the money we send wasn't enough because guess what--it isn't!) doing stuff like mowing or painting or changing diapers or feeding those poor people

--We have to humble ourselves before God, and admit our faults to Him and to ourselves, recognizing that we can never deserve anything but death and yet be loved by Him so much that He comes to see us every day.

Do we really "have" to do all that stuff? No, not really... but I hope you get the idea.

Y'see, Christianity is not a self-improvement program. It's not about us, it's about serving our Lord and Saviour! It's about a cause that is much greater than you and me and even all of us.

If you want a self-improvement program, go see Tony Robbins (he's great). But if you want to truly change your life and become more than a conquerer, take a few steps closer to Christ and just see--just see what happens!

Make no mistake about what I am saying here: "the benefit life, respect, love, co-existence, dignity and the raising up of all living things to betterment" -- these are all noble, wonderful, and honorable things. But in comparison of serving the One True Creator those things just seem so trivial.

So here's my challenge: why not do all of those things? Benefit life, respect, love, co-existence, dignity and the raising up of all living things to betterment--AND serve the Almighty!

Answer 6

"Can it not be said.." is that a future imperfect phrase ? Any way , no. Most religions are supposed to make/allow the people to feel better and collect money to support the priests lifestyle.

The Witter Bynner transliteration of the Tao Teh King is the most beautiful religious book I have ever experienced. It is worthy of hand written and illuminated copies.

Most Christian religions specialize in finding people in dire condition and coercing them to join.

Thank you for your question.

Answer 7

Yes u r right. In fact all eastern religions have strong philosophical base ...even though the formal face may look simple

eastern religions give you more liberty to find the truth, instead of blindly following a book or a prophet

Answer 8

I agree. If this is what the Tao embraces then I am all for it. Wayne Dyer is coming out with a book based on the Tao soon, and I am looking forward to studying more of this concept.

Answer 9

Not Christianity:

This is why:

Virgin Birth - Was it a preconceived notion?

What is the Imacculate Conception?

An Imacculate Deception?

Did Jesus give up Saturday for us?

Jesus? Christianity? .

If Jesus died, he could NOT have been God.

Gods do not die? Do they?

If Jesus 'died' on Friday and 'undied' on Sunday, what else besides Saturday was sacrificed?

If Jesus died for our sins, there should not be any more sins, else why go through with it?.

If Jesus really DIED, he should be dead, dead, dead!

If you swallow this stuff, you are not going to like the folks who don't. You want them to swallow it too.

Answer 10

any major religion worldwide that has not only survived but intimately influenced culture for thousands of years should be respected. the lessers have come and gone. Different messengers for different people - same message.