165 replies to this topic

[Elisha]

Do you agree that , for the Catholics , the Pope's words are also "inspired" ?

I can't comment on that...

[Elisha]

Given how rigidly you define syncretism, and how you go on about your "fundamental truths or nothing" principle, I'm hardly the judgemental one here.

I didn't define syncretism. What I'm objecting to is your tone in your post. I'll leave it as that.

[Genghis_Khan]

I think Jesus is Allah's son because Jesus is the son of god and Allah was the one and only god, so it make sense rite ? As for Prophet Mohammad was the last prophet so Hong XiQuan must be a fake one...
Sorry, if you guys don't agree...

[urofpersia]

Guys, I think the discussion is veering towards criticisms of religions/dogma, best we move back on-topic and do a little self-moderation in the spirit of the rules of the forum.

Personally I don't have anything to add at this point.

[lanjingling]

Guys, I think the discussion is veering towards criticisms of religions/dogma, best we move back on-topic

In a way , we're at the core of the topic , since Jesus & Catholicism were almost accepted as a Chinese religion, but this didn't succeed because the Catholic church was kind of too dogmatic... (just joking )

[DaMo]

In a way , we're at the core of the topic , since Jesus & Catholicism were almost accepted as a Chinese religion

That depends on how you define "Chinese religion". Is Christianity a Korean religion, now that Christians account for about half their religious population?

[Sephodwyrm]

I would personally think that religion should be a personal matter.

[Genghis_Khan]

I heard that maybe in another few more hundred to thousand years, human race are intelligent enough to know what is right and wrong and are able to control oneselve so they no longer need any religion to guide them because GOD is actually within us, how we think of GOD is how he is to be...
He doesn't exist elsewhere, he is within us...

Edited by Genghis_Khan, 03 May 2006 - 02:45 AM.

[DaMo]

^ I sense a great disturbance in the Force. As though a massive retort is hurtling your way.

But I somewhat agree.

[Genghis_Khan]

^ I sense a great disturbance in the Force. As though a massive retort is hurtling your way.

But I somewhat agree.

Hey, actually that's not coming out from me. It's an article I read somewhere i forgot where..
I did ask my Malay (Muslim) and Chinese (Buddhit) and some non-religious friends and they too agree on it.
I haven't ask this to Christian friend.. hehee
Personally I do agree too, but at the moment I still believe in god and religion.. I am not that futuristic though..

* I believe in all religions is teaching us good deeds, as long it teaches us good of morale and behave properly... That's the important points.

[lanjingling]

That depends on how you define "Chinese religion". Is Christianity a Korean religion, now that Christians account for about half their religious population?

I do not define it by "specific" or "typical" of the country (like Shinto is specific to Japan). As long as there is a relatively large amount of people in a country that practice a religion , then this is a religion of this country. Then yes, Christianism is a Korean religion , or to be precise , one of the Korean religions , like Islam is one of the Chinese religions , & Christianism also is. Only it is too recent in Korea to have an influence on the whole society the way Buddhism have .

[Elisha]

Hmm... I was reading something today that reminded me of another point. (below, slightly edited)

"The underlying foundation of all religion is performance - whether it's a tribal dance around a campfire to satisfy the fire god, or a dead religious activity performed week after week by an evangelical Christian with the intent of impressing his God. It's all religious performance, and God isn't impressed by our performance... He is interested in living relationships, not dead religion."

Steve McVey, from the book "Grace Amazing"

It's the whole point about religion versus relationship. Christianity is not a religion, it's a relationship. Authority? Here (sons) and here (marriage)

It'll be interesting to see if there's a comparative equivalent in the chinese religious text?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I do not think the 'traditional chinese mindset' approaches deity the way we approach Christ?


I like to state for the record, that I'm discussing here, trying to bring out interesting points for comparison. Forummers , you don't have to take my point; in the same way, don't be offended if I don't take yours. (in fact, if we all thought alike, there'll be no point for discussion) Anyone is free to disagree in a civil manner.

Edited by Elisha, 04 May 2006 - 01:33 AM.

[lanjingling]

It's the whole point about religion versus relationship. Christianity is not a religion, it's a relationship. Authority? Here (sons) and here (marriage)

It'll be interesting to see if there's a comparative equivalent in the chinese religious text?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I do not think the 'traditional chinese mindset' approaches deity the way we approach Christ?

Yes, Christian religion clearly states this kind of symbolical family relationship, that "all humans are brothers", with Jesus as the son of God , & that is not so much the case in traditional Chinese religions.
Interestingly, the word "religion" comes from latin, & means "relation","link" .
In chinese , "jiao" implies the teaching , therefore another kind of relation, more that from master to student.

[Elisha]

Yes, Christian religion clearly states this kind of symbolical family relationship, that "all humans are brothers", with Jesus as the son of God , & that is not so much the case in traditional Chinese religions.
Interestingly, the word "religion" comes from latin, & means "relation","link" .
In chinese , "jiao" implies the teaching , therefore another kind of relation, more that from master to student.

You misunderstood that verse, it does not say "all humans are brothers" The bible does have words like "the brethren" but they were only referring to the Jews and believers.

I think the point that you brought out about "religion" meaning "link" is quite interesting. What is the actual latin word? Do you have a site I can go to? I wonder if it influenced how religion was viewed during the middle ages. I believe the bible was in latin then. (The old testament was originally written in hebrew; and the new testament in greek) Hmm..okay, getting a little off topic.

Yes, you're right. In chinese, it's "jiao". It reminds me of how Confucius would travel from court to court and teach - and similarly for the other masters. Though this would be more in reference to ideology and philosophy originally. However, this relationship was 'forgotten' later on in the development and spread of daoism and buddhism, when it seemed to take on mystic elements.

[Borjigin Ayurbarwada]

Just about all traditional Chinese religion are philosophy and practice oriented. Later Daoism and Buddhism are no exceptions, they are merely experimenting new approaches(despite whatever superstitious component they contain), adding individual theories and opinions, thats why you have an accumulation of scriptures. This is what I see as the major difference with Christianity, which has a sacred doctrine that dictates the rules and cannot be altered(at least for people of the middle ages).