How do those familiar with the teachings of Taoism and Buddhism feel about them being

I myself am pretty well studied in these doctrines and find them to be much more full filling and more comprehensive then what the Bible has to offer, because they teach the same things as Jesus, as do all the worlds religions, but they paint a better picture as to understanding reality and understanding ourselves. You have to be pretty brainwashed by your pastors and own spiritual bigotry to not see the divinity of these teachings, they are Godless because they don't define God as a being up in the sky as many Christians might perceive him to be. God is UN-definable, because to define it is to be-little his essence. God or what people think of as God is just the universal force of love and infinite wisdom. The soul essence of everything. I dunno, what do you guys think about Taosim and Buddhism. I expect the usual intolerant, narrow/close-mindedness from some Christians for those don't even bother, but hey your free to say what u wish so I ques go right ahead, u will anyway.

As an atheist, I'm rather well versed on Taoism, and find it very laudable. But as you suggest, I'd consider it more of a philosophy than a religion.

Buddhism, I'd have to say I'm not well versed enough on to comment.

I think the fact that they are godless teachings makes them more intelligent, compassionate, open-minded and universal.

Karen i: "What happens if you die..."

What do you mean, "if"??

well sounds like you have figured it all out for yourself.
Are you sure?

What happens if you die, and you're wrong???

I'm not deeply versed in Buddhism, but everything you say is so true. I had a feeling of understanding that i was unable to get from any other spiritual teaching. It is be lived that Jesus sojourned with Buddha and learned many things from him before he started his own mission.

I think we need to get away from arguing what this "God" really is, and just be more simple and precise. If you think there is a universal force of love and infinite wisdom, great, but capital "G" god is the character from the Bible, who, by the way, is illustrated as anything BUT.

I lived in Buddhist countries for nearly a decade and came to appreciate the atheistic qualities of the religion. However, in many places (such as Thailand ) there's a lot of primitive animism and Hinduism mixed in to confuse things.

But over all, I think there should be no coincidence between the fact that Buddhism is essentially and atheistic religion and that it tends to be the most peaceful of the majors.

From what I've learned about them, they're pretty great.

I also like the eastern idea of being able to be a member of more than one religion.

I turned to Buddhism when I was fed up with Christianity, and decided to pursue enlightenment. Thus far i have realized the truth in all the worlds great religions and just see them now as different pathways to God.

Although, I feel that Buddhism has lost the least from its original teaching, Buddhist practitioners don't always follow the teachings of Buddha.

First - Taoism and Buddhism aren't "godless" - they just don't point at an anthropomorphic cartoon deity.

They do acknowledge a concept of soul and greater purpose - but it is a collective, universal soul and purpose.

You should say that Christ taught what they teach - as do all great Avatars (not Internet avatars, silly.) The basic premise is that we are not a bunch of separate entities swimming around in "creation" separate from it's creator but that we are all facets of the same great gem - god interacting with god.

It is true that there is no reference to God as a person in Buddhism or Taoism. But the in essence the reference to infinite wisdom is equal to Godhood or Buddhahood. Once a person achieves it, he may personify what many other religions call God.

First of all, different people have different thoughts. My family and I are all Buddhists but we believe in different things sometimes. Of course, we dint believe in God but i dint believe in any hell , heaven, reincarnation, or ghost. But most of them do. Buddhism passed out through words of mouth from a person or monk to others. Different temples have different monks and different monks have different point of views. I dint really go to temple unless for my family sake. I like to think for myself and how i should en light my mind about things (what causes and what 're the effects).. i believe in taking middle path and try to control my negatives mind.

Atheist always doesn't believe in God because his/her karma keeps the truth away.

As atheists, the Chinese Communist regime persecuted the Tibetans and as well as Falun Gong, the most severely persecuted group in China today. As hundreds of thousands innocent Chinese citizens are held as prisoners of conscience without charge or trial. The atheists' ignorance not believing in the final judgment, will pay their price with their souls.

The info is in the Zhuan Falun Lecture on the web. For Buddhism, read section ?Buddhist Qigong and Buddhism?. For Taoist ?One Standard Alone Determines if Someone is Good or Bad: Whether He is Able to be True, Good, and Endure?.

God's or Buddha's teaching offers salvation to human. A disciple diligently, who follows the teaching daily and improves his/her characters continuously, may ultimately for heaven. If you don't seek His help, you'll can't enter there. Each orthodox religion represents unique teaching in its respective school.

Not relating to Buhhdism, Falun Gong is a unique Buddha School. Falun Gong is based upon the universal principals of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance; and it consists of five sets of power exercises. The practice takes the practitioner to improve upon the mind, body, and spirit in the common everyday environment and community.

I also find Taoism and Buddhism quite helpful in my life.
I don't know much about Taoism, but Buddhism is not completely free of gods, however. What I've read there is a formless realm where jealous gods live. They are still below Buddhas and are not worshiped.
Jealous god is a very interesting concept as the Abrahamic god is highly jealous.
Many Buddhist temples in Japan actually have Shinto shrines for some form of protection as well.
Legend has it that Kobo Daishi got direction as to where to found Koyasan from one or two gods in the form of dogs.

Anybody who reads the Tao Te Ching and concludes that it is Godless Isn't ready to read it. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Fluxway/