Keith W. Pittman
INT-244 World Religions
November 1, 2015
Professor Anthony Colombo
The Highest Good
When thinking of the highest good, the greatest or supreme good comes to mind. Just at he religions of the world provide us with guidelines for all mankind to follow in order to obtain the highest of goals. Lao-Tsu (570-490 B.C.) wrote the following on the highest good in his Tao Te Ching, “The highest good is like water.” (Lecture notes) Here is where the journey begin through the religions of Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity and their guidelines in seeking the highest good. In viewing theses three religions Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity and the ways they are taught are very different. In all three religions there will be some similarities and along with that comes differences.
In traditional Chinese Spirituality several similar sources meet: The original teaching of the highest principle; Taoism; and Confucianism. (www.ways-of-christ.net part 4) Now as the teaching of the highest principle consist of Tao and the bonding before dividing of Yin and Yang. Taoism is based on the nature and emphasize on natural ways to deal with life and that living right is the way to doing right. Confucianism has often had to contend with Taoism and it’s belief is doing right comes to being right. Christianity evolves with the relationship with God and to abide by the laws in which He gave us through the Ten Commandments and also to repent of our sins.
Taoism is an Oriental religion. Not an Abrahamic religion and most followers of Taoism believe in numerous deities. Their goal is to achieve a balance in life. The highest being the Jade Emperor. Tao is defined as “The Way”, worship is given to the three pure ones. As a religion and a philosophy Taoism stresses humanity’s relationship with nature. In achieving compassion, moderations and humility one will live in natural harmony and will be able to follow the path of living right is the way...