Grammy-winning American stand-up comedian, actor, author, and philosopher, Gorge Carlin once stated, “Religion is like a pair of shoes...Find one that fits for you, but don't make me wear your shoes.” Although, every world religion is unique in some way, share or form, Taoism, Islam and Christianity hold very apparent differences and similarities. Taoism is a religious Chinese philosophy based upon the writings of Lao-tzu that advocates humility and religious piety. Taoism teaches devotees to “follow their breath, to embrace wonder and the joy in living gracefully” (http://personaltao.com/teachings/taoism/taoism-101/). Islam and Christianity are two of the largest religions in the world. Islam is a monotheistic Arabic belief based upon …show more content…
According to Thoughts From The Tao-Te Ching, the proper nature of people is heavily reliant upon nature and tranquility, for “the world is sacred. It can’t be improved. If you tamper with it, you’ll ruin it. If you treat it like an object, you’ll lose it” (Jacobus, 1998, p. 20-23). Tao stresses that “humans can deviate from the natural order. When they do so, they bring destruction upon themselves and those around them”, thus Tao Te Ching, encourages follows to become one with the earth (www.patheos.com). This is a very different perspective from Christianity. Christianity emphasizes that people are sinners by nature thus; they need a savior and guidelines (The Bible), which instruct them on how to properly live their lives to the fullest in service of God and people Matthew 5:1-13, New International Version) (Luke 6:20-23, New International Version). Furthermore, Tao truly emphasizes reverence for nature alone, while Christianity emphasizes reverence for God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and Islam places emphasis on honoring Allah alone (Jacobus, 1998, p. 20-23) (Matthew 5:1-13, New International Version) (Luke 6:20-23, New International Version) (Koran). Furthermore, “Allah's law”, requires followers to fast during the month of Ramadan, give a 2.5% charity, and a pilgrimage to Mecca (Koran), while Christianity requires a ten percent tithe (Koran). Moreover, unlike Christianity and Islam, Tao speaks harshly against structure and rules, urging followers to “throw away holiness and wisdom, and people will be a hundred times happier. Throw away morality and justice, and people will [naturally] do the right thing. Throw away industry and profit, and there won’t be any thieves” (Jacobus, 1998, p. 20-23) (Matthew 5:1-13, New International Version) (Luke 6:20-23, New International Version)