Taoism (or Daoism)

Taoism is an outlook on life that attempts to harmonize the individual will with natural and spiritual influences. Personal thoughts and actions alternately coincide or conflict with the Tao, which signifies the flow of the universe, or in some commentaries, … Continue reading →

Panentheism – The whole is greater than the sum of its parts

Panentheism is a religious studies term coined in 1828 by the German philosopher Karl Christian Friedrich Krause (1781–1832). Today, it belongs within the umbrella term, pantheism. However, Krause’s concept is more specific. Panentheism refers to the belief in an eternal … Continue reading →

Pantheism – Is my God bigger than your God?

Pantheism (Greek: pan [all] + theos [God] = All is God) is the belief that God and creation are one. Subtle differences and schools can be found within pantheism. Naturalistic pantheism sees nature and the cosmos as God, a cosmology … Continue reading →

The Belief in Reincarnation – Man-Made Theory or Sacred Truth?

Also called metempsychosis and transmigration, reincarnation is a man-made theory usually presented as fact or sacred law by believers. Elements of the theory can be found in diverse religions and philosophies, including ancient Greek, Egyptian, Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Jain, African … Continue reading →

What is a Saint?

Embed from Getty Images The word saint (Latin sanctus = sacred or having been made sacred)  has several meanings. In everyday usage, saints are unusually kind, ethical people who perform good works on a local or grand scale which almost … Continue reading →

Evil: Natural, Moral and Intrinsic

How we define evil is influenced by our core beliefs. Materialists and some scientists dismiss the idea of evil as if it were culturally inherited from a world once peopled by believers in magic and outdated superstitions. Today, violent criminals … Continue reading →

Rakshakas – Hindu and Buddhist demons

Embed from Getty Images Ogoh ogoh, demon procession during Balinese New Year’s Eve in Ubud. In Hinduism, Rakshakas (or Rakshasas) are demons appearing in the Puranas (sacred scripture laden with mythic stories) that are capable of shape shifting. Females are … Continue reading →

Sin

In early religion, Sin was a Mesopotamian moon god, also called Nanna. His cult was most prominent at the Sumerian cities of Ur and Harran. Bestowing light in the dark, Sin maintained justice through the night hours. In Catholic theology … Continue reading →

Tao-te-Ching

The Tao-te-Ching is a Taoist text also called the Lao Tzu. Related Posts » I Ching, Taoism, Tao  

Tao

Tao (the way or path) is a concept central to the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism. Taoism is an outlook on life that attempts to harmonize the individual will with natural and spiritual influences. Personal thoughts and actions alternately coincide … Continue reading →