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.
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.
"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.