Which Word? (2)

There are both differences and similarities btw the dao of the bible (as described by John in the opening of his gospel) and the dao of Lao Zi.

1) Understanding of Dao (the Word)

Lao Zi sees dao as eternal and present everywhere, but it is not perceivable by the senses or the mind. Difficult to define as it is, Dao is first and foremost be understood as an ontological rather than a temporal cause. It is a principle and the ultimate basis of change, though itself changeless. Dao extends beyond the human mind and beyond the human word. Dao can be comprehended through its effects or by observing the events in nature and human actions.

The general revelation provided by God is somewhat similar to the Taoist's understanding that Dao can be comprehended through its effects or by observing the events in nature and human actions. As David says, "The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. " (Ps. 19:1, NASB) Or as the New International Reader's Version puts it more simply,"The skies show that his hands created them." (Ps. 19:1b) Whenever we look at the sky, we see the evidence of the infinite power, wisdom and glory of God. Romans 1:19-20 reiterates this, "For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." All men are able to recognise this evidence, but "although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened"(Romans 1:21).

Lao Zi said that we can use words to describe Dao, but this is at best only knowledge by description and not knowledge by acquaintance. I sense another similarity here. A Christian can have a lot of bible knowledge, but he may not know God personally. The thief who was hanged next to Jesus when he was crucified was not an expert of bible knowledge, but he recognized who Jesus was. This was something which the learned Pharisee was not able to see. Not that bible knowledge is useless, but bible knowledge should lead us to love God, to want to know Him. Bible knowledge, by itself, is useless as it cannot save us. But, It can point us to (help us to learn more about) the one who can save us, so that we can know God personally. This may be why it is written in Matthew 7:7-8, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”