The concept of yin and yang originates from Taoist philosophy and metaphysics. It describes two fundamental opposing but complementary forces or principles in nature. Yin is characterized as slow, soft, yielding, diffuse, cold, wet, and feminine. Yang is characterized as fast, hard, solid, focused, hot, dry, and masculine. The yin yang symbol illustrates the mutual consume and support of yin and yang – one side contains a little of the other. Everything has both yin and yang aspects, although yin or yang may manifest more strongly at a given time.
The Bible does not directly discuss the concept of yin and yang. However, there are some analogies that can be drawn between biblical principles and the yin yang concept. Here are a few key points about yin, yang, and the Bible:
1. God created opposites and differences
The Bible teaches that God created the heavens and the earth and all things in them (Genesis 1-2). This includes creating opposites, contrasts, and differences, such as light/dark, land/sea, male/female, good/evil, life/death. The yin yang concept recognizes opposites and differences as essential parts of the natural order.
2. Balance and moderation are wise
“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5) The Bible promotes balance, self-control, and avoiding extremes. Yin and yang represent balance and harmony between contrasting forces when they are in proper proportion.
3. Everything has a season and purpose
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) This passage goes on to give examples of opposites having their proper time and purpose – birth/death, planting/reaping, weeping/laughing, war/peace. Yin and yang similarly represent cycles of nature and the idea that every opposite has its function.
4. Christ holds all things together
“By Him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:17) Jesus Christ is described as sustaining and reconciling all things, including things on heaven and earth, visible and invisible. (Colossians 1:16-17) He is the unifying force behind all opposites and differences in creation.
5. The Holy Spirit brings balance
The Holy Spirit has nurturing, comforting qualities often associated with yin. But He also imparts power, boldness, and miraculous gifts more associated with yang. The Holy Spirit brings balance, vision, wisdom, and the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)
6. Men and women complement each other
Yin is associated with feminine qualities, yang with masculine. Genesis teaches that God created humans male and female in His image. (Genesis 1:27) Men and women complement each other in marriage: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing” (Proverbs 18:22) Each has strengths and roles that balance the other.
7. Turning the other cheek
Jesus said, “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” (Matthew 5:39) This Yang act of non-resistance balances evil with good. It reflects yin yang’s concept of complementing and transforming your opposite or opponent.
8. Laozi’s teachings compared to Bible
Laozi was the founder of philosophical Taoism, where yin yang originates. There are a few similarities between his teachings and biblical wisdom. Both value humility, weakness, and non-action at times. But the Bible ultimately submits to the sovereignty of God rather than an impersonal force like the Tao.
9. The Trinity reflects diversity and unity
The Christian doctrine of the Trinity holds that God is three Persons (Father, Son, and Spirit) yet one God. This allows for diversity and relationship within the unity of God’s nature. Yin yang also holds that seeming opposites are interconnected and interdependent.
10. Balance discipline with grace
The Bible warns against antinomianism (no moral law) but also legalism (salvation by works). Salvation is by grace through faith, which produces good works without condemnation. (Ephesians 2:8-10) Yin yang seeks to strike the right balance between opposing forces. The Bible strikes the balance between law and grace.
11. Avoid dualistic philosophy
Yin and yang are inseparable forces held in tension and balance. Some Eastern philosophies see yin and yang as a dualistic battle between competing energies in the universe. The Bible presents God as sovereign over all apparent dualities and distinctions, which all derive from His nature.
12. Seek integration and wisdom
Yin yang thinking seeks to integrate opposing forces. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” (Proverbs 12:15) Wisdom recognizes differences yet seeks creative solutions through counsel, insight, and dependence on God.
13. Discern good and evil
Yin and yang are value neutral descriptions of any opposites. But the Bible distinguishes good from evil. “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” (Isaiah 5:20) Morality transcends neutral forces. Evil is not to be balanced with good, but overcome with good. (Romans 12:21)
14. Guard against relativism
Yin yang is sometimes misused to justify moral relativism or neutrality between good and evil. But the Bible teaches objective moral standards and accountability. Yin yang rightly applied recognizes morality and does not justify moral indifference between opposites.
15. Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23) These traits integrate and transcend contrasting human tendencies, reflecting divine harmony. This models the balance and integration that yin and yang symbolize.
In summary, while the Bible does not directly address yin and yang, it does speak to many complementary themes and principles. There are cautions about misapplying such concepts, but there are points of correspondence between biblical wisdom and theoidsas that yin and yang represent. Discernment, balance, and dependence on God’s truth are key when evaluating belief systems.