The Bible Project Daily Podcast (Philosophy) Mencius (Mengzi or Meng Tzu) Are People Naturally Good? (My Christian Reaction)
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This Episode was originally recorded and made available as exclusive bonus content on Patreon on the 17th June 2023 - Hope you enjoy.
Original Episode Notes.
Welcome to "Mencius - Are People Naturally Good?"
In this bonus episode, I look at the life and teachings of Mencius, a highly influential Chinese philosopher who lived during the Warring States period of ancient China. Mencius, also known as Mengzi or Meng Tzu, is considered one of the most prominent disciples of Confucius, and his ideas have had a lasting impact on Chinese philosophy, Taoism, ethics, and eastern political thought in general.
This is a bonus episode using the musings and thoughts I pulled together as an attempt to offer a Christian perspective on the teaching of ‘Mencius’ prior to participating in a discussion group on the 13th June 2023.
In this short episode I try and demonstrates the significant differences between Mencius’ spiritual framework and his different approach to moral and spiritual matters from a Christian perspective.
Mencius emphasizes the cultivation of moral virtues and the innate goodness of human nature, believing that individuals can develop these qualities through self-cultivation and education. In contrast, Christianity acknowledges the fallen nature of humanity due to original sin, emphasizing the need for redemption through faith in Jesus Christ. Christian ethics revolve around obedience to divine commandments, love of God and neighbour, and the pursuit of holiness. Christian thinking recognizes the inherent moral limitations of humans and places greater emphasis on divine grace and redemption.
I try here to show Mencius' teachings in contrast to Christian thinking and try and show the significant differences in their views on human nature, the nature of the Divine and the ‘outrageous grace’ and nature of God's revelation, along with the transformative significance of the Christian faith. Understanding these differences provides valuable insights into the contrasting an eastern spiritual perspectives with biblical Christianity.
An amateur attempt but I hope you find it offers some useful insights.
Jeremy (June 2023)
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