Jul 25 2008
Comparative Scripture #3: The Bible and Confucius
At the request of a friend, I will include some sources this time. The text is made up of
Confucius’ Doctrine of the Meanin the first few pages, the rest are the words of Deuteronomy 30:19, Revelation 3:16 and Jesus in the Gospel of Mathew 6:4. Peace be with you all and wax poetically as always!
Having a Choice to Do Good or Evil and Your Secrets That God Knows:
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So [therefore] choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants. [If you should be, or] because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
The path may not be left for an instant. If it could be left, it would not be “the path”. On this account, the superior man does not wait till he sees things, to be cautious, nor till he hears things, to be apprehensive.
There is nothing more visible than what is secret, and nothing more manifest than what is minute. Therefore the superior man is watchful over himself, when he is alone. so that [his] giving will be in secret; and [his] Father who sees what is done in secret will reward him.
While there are no stirrings of pleasure, anger, sorrow, or joy, the mind may be said to be in the state of Equilibrium. When those feelings have been stirred, and they act in their due degree, there ensues what may be called the state of Harmony. This Equilibrium is the great root from which grow all the human actings in the world, and this Harmony is the universal path which they all should pursue.
Let the states of equilibrium and harmony exist in perfection, and a happy order will prevail throughout heaven and earth, and all things will be nourished and flourish.
Stumble It!
::hugs:: Thanks for the sources
I am curious what you are attempting to compare. Please explain.
Oh I see. I read your other posts on this for explanation. What I think is important to note is that the context of the book does change the message portrayed in the individual text. Although you can take words out and put them together it doesn’t mean in actuality they are truly compatible. What you have done, in a sense, is make a new religious text rather then prove compatibility.
However with this objection aside, I would note in your defence, that religious texts and older philosophical treatise have vast similarities. I think this is due to them heavily influencing each other more than we historically give credit for. Interesting read, it required work!