How Does Christianity Relate To Other Eastern Religions?

Response: Christians who believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God can appreciate the Sikhs’ devotion to the Adi Granth. But whereas for Sikhism their holy book itself is a sacred object, for Christians the Bible is the revelation of God’s message. The Bible offers to Sikhs (and anyone else) a hope for the future and an assurance of salvation that is absent from Nanak’s message.

3. Daoism (formerly spelled Taoism) is part of popular Chinese religion, originally based on some fairly esoteric philosophical writings. Its founder, the legendary Laozi (roughly sixth century BC), taught that the true “Way” (the Dao) of life could be found by allowing the opposing forces of the universe—yin and yang—to find their balance. This philosophy eventually metamorphosed into a religion devoted to the service of many gods and spirits, presided over by the Jade Emperor in heaven. Religious Daoism emphasizes devotion to one’s ancestors.

Response: In contrast to philosophical Daoism, the Bible asserts that good and evil are genuine realities, not just matters of cosmic imbalance. The Bible condemns all worship of creatures, including nature spirits, ancestors, or images of deities. The Christian gospel offers release from the bondage to the spirit world in which religious Daoists usually live.

4. Confucianism is the philosophy of life taught by Confucius, another sixth century BC figure in China. It is primarily a code of conduct for individuals and the society they comprise rather than a set of doctrines about gods or worship practices. The fundamental premise of Confucianism is that there is a proper way in which all persons should act, depending on their station in life and the specific relationship of the moment. Thus a prince lives under a different set of expectations than a common worker. The obligation of setting the right example lies with the prince; if he will set the proper example, his subject will follow him in proper behavior, and a perfect society will result. The highest Confucian virtue is filial piety, the unconditional obedience of children to their parents. Even though many Confucian ideals are outdated, the attitude of filial piety persists prominently among traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean people today.

Response: Christians can resonate with the Confucian commitment to a life of virtue, though they will take exception to the way it puts forms ahead of sacrificial love. Even more importantly, the Bible teaches that perfection is unattainable for human beings, who need inward reconciliation with God before outward changes in actions are possible.

5. Shinto is the national religion of Japan, worshiping spirits and deities. The Kojiki, the Shinto sacred writing, claims the emperor of Japan is a direct descendant of the sun goddess and therefore divine—a claim now officially renounced. Shinto shrines, marked by the traditional torii gate, are colorful ceremonial centers.

Response: Shinto illustrates two problems commonly addressed by the Bible: ritualism and escape into myth. By contrast, the Bible offers salvation grounded in the historical Christ, whom we can receive by faith.