Is Taoism Less Legitimate Than Christianity?

Every religion is legitimate if you are a disciple of it and walking its path, not just a tourist. The goal of spiritual enlightenment is common to virtually all religions, including Christianity and Taoism, and they all have their means to that end.

Defining Legitimacy in Religion

The concept of legitimacy or validity in religion often arises from a cognitive error known as fundamentalism. Fundamentalism is declaring unprovable matters as proven and depriving others of the freedom to decide about unprovable matters. This can result in denying interpretative choices and persecuting those who do not agree with one's interpretation.

Taoism and the Path of Spiritual Enlightenment

Taoism and Christianity are fundamentally different. Russell Kirkland defines Taoism as 'pursuing individual self-perfection through self-discipline and meditation'.!

Many people assert the concept of 'the one true religion'. This concept comes from the 'fundamentalism' of declaring unprovable matters as true.

The Role of Religion in Our Lives

Religion is meant to lovingly dance with the unknowable, offering hope, grace, gratitude, inspiration, and upliftment. Is it possible to prove the unknowable? Of course not. Therefore, the stories around religion are always allegorical. The historical aspects, if any, refer to mere human persons, not gods or superhuman figures.

Comparing Religions: Legitimacy and Morality

Certainly, both Taoism and Christianity can uplift. Both affirm life and advocate non-violation. Hence, both are righteous and legitimate because they consistent with the purpose of religion. The pressure to compare religious stories stems from the belief that if stories are not literally true, faith is groundless. This is an insidious lie.

Emperor Constantine, who constructed the current Bible, might have decided to frame religious stories as literally true for political purposes. However, the stories are always allegorical and do not make faith any less important. Faith is about the love and confidence in the heart, centered around who or what one trusts.

Letting Go of Literal Interpretations

Religion is about living vicariously, not through others. Let go of literal interpretations, relics, and provable analyses. Trust your heart about whatever religious figure or philosophy connects you to the great mystery. Maintain your faith as the building, and the stories as the temporary scaffolding.

Life is worth living, despite the great suffering we see. There is hope, and the universe is more beautiful than ugly. Someone or something is in your corner. This is the essence of faith. No holy book can contain the great mystery; it defines us.

Conclusion

The legitimacy of religions is not about proving one's truth or superiority. It is about living a life of personal spiritual enlightenment and moral righteousness. Both Taoism and Christianity fulfill these purposes, making them equally valid and legitimate.