Egyptian Religion, Judaism, and Taoism: Comparative Analysis

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Egyptian
Taoism
Judaism
Comparison
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

The emergence and development of world religions are frequently guided by practical considerations. They can be of moral or economic nature and reflect the critical needs of people of the time, and this fact explains their similarities and differences. From this perspective, comparing the Egyptian beliefs, Judaism, and Taoism is advantageous for understanding this mechanism while emphasizing the importance of varying conditions for Gods guidance.

Egyptian

The development of the Egyptian religion took a long time, and it started even before the kings. However, its wide dissemination did not occur until the sixteenth century, when temples were built (Garland). Meanwhile, the roots of this system were in respect of citizens for both the dead and the gods, as they both were viewed as a symbol of immortality (Garland). The significance of deities, including those in animal and human forms, was underpinned by their economic role as religion as an institution creating jobs for the people (Garland). The powers of gods were usually limited to specific areas, such as motherhood, and the most known of them were Ptah and Amun-Re as humans and Horus and Hathor as animals (Garland). In this way, the polytheistic belief was quite complex and linked to different regions.

Taoism

The history of Taoism is directly linked to the philosophy developed by Lao Tzu. He wrote the book named Tao Te Ching in the sixth century BC, which laid the basis of this religion while incorporating the wisdom of previous generations of thinkers alongside original ideas (Chakra). According to this system, harmony is the main goal of humanity, and it can be achieved if one follows the path or, in other words, Tao (Chakra). In other words, the natural order of things is believed to be appropriate guidance in life (Chakra). Hence, this religion is opposed to self-interest, which is the wrong way.

Judaism

The development of Judaism was conditional upon the importance of communication with god for Jewish people, who followed what their prophets advised. This religion was founded by Abraham, a Hebrew man, who is considered to be the first person to ever talk to God (Judaism). In turn, the main text is known as the Tanakh, consisting of several books that reflect on the significant position of the nation in the world (Judaism). In Judaism, the generations of Israelites, starting from Abraham and his son Isaac and grandson Jacob, respect the Ten Commandments (Judaism). Thus, as per this system, salvation is possible when these provisions are applied.

Comparison

The three religions described above seem different in their origin and main characteristics; however, they also have several similarities. Even though they are not interconnected and did not affect one anothers emergence, they have shared values. Thus, both Judaism and the Egyptian tradition highlight the importance of following Gods will or, in the latter case, that of numerous deities, while Taoism does not speak of this aspect. The common struggles are attributed to finding proper guidance for followers in life. Since their approaches are completely different, they do not have any similar festivals. As for gods, the only common characteristic linking Judaism and Egyptian beliefs is the respect for ancestors, which is indirectly expressed in Taoism by adopting the wisdom of previous generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the review of the history and development of the Egyptian religion, Taoism, and Judaism showed that they still have some common elements despite being different in their origins and intentions. They include the respect for ancestors transmitted through recognition of divine power and the significance of these institutions for peoples morality. Thus, the lack of mutual influence or similar struggles distinguishes their approaches, whereas the motives of their creators remain the same.

Works Cited

Chakra, Hayden. The History of Taoism. About History, 2021, Web.

Garland, Robert. Religion and Deities of Ancient Egypt. The Great Courses Daily, Web.

Judaism. History, Web.

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