What do Taoists believe? What is Taoism / Daoism?

TL;DR:

Taoism teaches harmony with an impersonal “Way” through balance, simplicity, and flow, but it offers no personal God or assurance of salvation. The Bible points us to a personal God who offers true peace, guidance, and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

what does the bible say?

Taoism (or Daoism) is a Chinese philosophical and religious system that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (the Way), which is an impersonal, ultimate principle underlying the universe. Taoists focus on balance (yin and yang), naturalness, simplicity, and alignment with the flow of life rather than pursuing a personal relationship with a deity. They also value meditation, rituals, and moral teachings that cultivate inner peace and longevity.

The Bible teaches that God is personal, sovereign, and relational, and that true peace and fulfillment come from knowing Him (Psalm 139:1-4; John 14:6). Unlike the Tao, God is not an impersonal force; He desires a relationship with His creation and reveals His will for how we are to live (Deuteronomy 6:4; Micah 6:8). While Taoism emphasizes going with the natural flow of life, the Bible calls us to follow God’s moral guidance and be transformed by His Spirit (Romans 12:2; Galatians 5:22-23). Inner peace is found not in harmonizing with an abstract principle, but in trusting Jesus Christ for salvation and walking in obedience to God’s commands (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16). God’s Word provides clarity, purpose, and assurance, unlike the Tao, which offers no definitive standard or personal hope for eternal life. By knowing God and living according to His ways, we experience true balance and fulfillment that transcends mere natural harmony (Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 4:7). Therefore, while Taoism seeks alignment with an impersonal “Way,” the Bible points us to a personal God who invites us into a transforming relationship with Him.

from the old testament

The Bible teaches that God is personal, sovereign, and relational (Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 139:1-4). In contrast, the Tao is impersonal and more a guiding principle than a personal God.
Humans are not simply to “go with the flow” of the universe; the Old Testament calls for obedience to God’s moral law, which is revealed for His glory and our good (Exodus 20:1-17; Micah 6:8).
The Bible acknowledges the created order (Psalm 19:1; Proverbs 3:19-20), which can overlap with Taoism’s respect for nature, but it frames creation as God’s handiwork rather than an impersonal force.

from the new testament

Christianity teaches that eternal life and peace come through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:11-12), rather than through aligning oneself with an abstract principle.
The New Testament calls for transformation by the Spirit, not merely harmonizing with natural patterns (Romans 12:2; Galatians 5:22-23).
Jesus’ teaching emphasizes love, moral obedience, and salvation through faith, which contrasts with Taoist emphasis on balance, flow, or inner harmony as the ultimate goal (Matthew 22:36-40; Ephesians 2:8-9).

implications for today

"Tao" means "way" or "path" in Chinese. Taoism has been around since the third or fourth century BC. Generally, someone who follows Taoism believes in a force or flow in the universe that keeps balance known by some as the "yin and yang," or equal forces of "good" and "evil."

Taoism, also spelled Daoism, is centered in China, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore and is followed by several hundred million people. Its main scripture is known as the "Tao." The full Taoist canon is known as the Daozang.

There is a wide spectrum of belief in Taoism. Some believe in polytheism, others ancestor worship. Religious holidays find Taoists placing food out as a sacrifice to gods or to the spirits of departed ancestors. Another practice is burning money meant to rematerialize in the spirit world for the use of a dead ancestor. Some Taoists practice Tai Chi Chuan and Bagua Zang as part of their belief system.

Scholars sometimes identify Taoism as philosophical, religionist, and/or a Chinese folk religion. Taoism is not the same as Zen.

Taoism is not the way to God. Jesus Christ said He is the only way to God (John 14:6) and then backed up His claim by rising from the dead. Taoism does not believe Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior.

understand

Taoism emphasizes harmony with an impersonal Tao through balance, flow, and simplicity, without a personal God or assurance of salvation.
The Bible teaches a personal, relational God who calls for obedience, Spirit-led transformation, and eternal life through faith in Jesus.
Christianity offers true peace, purpose, and hope through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, surpassing Taoism’s focus on natural harmony.

reflect

How does your understanding of God as personal and relational change the way you seek peace and fulfillment in your life?
In what ways do you rely on “going with the flow” rather than following God’s guidance and Spirit-led transformation?
How can you better demonstrate the hope and eternal life found in Jesus to those who pursue harmony through Taoism?

engage

How does Taoism’s focus on balance and natural flow compare with the Bible’s call to obey God and be transformed by His Spirit?
In what practical ways can we show people that true peace and purpose come from a personal relationship with Jesus rather than an impersonal principle?
How can understanding Taoist beliefs help us more compassionately and effectively share the gospel with those who follow this path?