is that the Chinese philosophies of Taoism and Confucianism are less about dualistic

notions of good verses evil but rather focuses on balance and harmony between the major complementary

forces of all of life. Secondly, Chinese religious and philosophical traditions are quite open

to incorporating ideas and insights from other religions. For instance, they quite easily

blend Buddhist insight on the nature of the self with Taoist notions of passivity. It

makes great sense to present Taoism and Confucianism together in one chapter, since they are both

based on the two fundamental forces of life, referred to as yin and yang. Everything in

creation, from the natural world, to our personalities, to the phases of the moon, to the spices used

in food, we are told, emerges from the unfolding of these two complementary forces, yin and

yang.

There is one word that best summarizes the goal of ancient Asian philosophies and religions.

That word is harmony. Harmony keeps society running smoothly. Harmony guides the chef

when creating a meal that balances hot spices and cooling flavors. Harmony guides the nation

vis-à-vis its citizens, with leaders and their people both seeking to live harmoniously

together.

If you travel to Asia or know Asian populations outside of Asia you will find that knowing

Taoism and Confucianism will help you understand the role of parents, filial piety, respect

for authority, and deference demonstrated in these communities. The East Asian tradition

of bowing as a form of respect, a practice that is decreasing nowadays in modern Asia,

illustrates the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships. Knowing Taoism and

Confucianism will dramatically lessen the culture shock typically experienced by travelers

unaware of the importance of deference to elders and maintaining peaceful, rightly ordered

relations.

Of course, no religious tradition is static, and the same applies to Taoism and Confucianism.

In our late-modern era, Taoism and Confucianism are still significant features of East Asian

societies. Knowing these religious-philosophical systems will help us all appreciate the substructure

of much of the business, cultural, and religious practices in Asia and Asian diasporic communities

worldwide. Yet today traditional notions of harmony are difficult to sustain, as people

seek higher education, money, and various forms of success that put immense stress on

families, societies, and nations.

Who is God in relationship to the Tao? Is there a unique East Asian perspective on Jesus

Christ? How Asian is Jesus? I hope you enjoy this chapter and are challenged and encouraged

by the great insights of Taoism and Confucianism.