Taoist symbol of Yin and Yang
In my research for this subject, I have focused on the lingering effect that Christian duality has on today's Western society1.
The same black and white conceptualization is used to differentiate people throughout Christian history and beyond as either good or evil. There are no inbetweens, no complexities, no empathy. Some of these common dualities are listed below:
| Benevolant | Malignant | Reward | Punishment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Evil | Heaven | Hell |
| Hard Working | Lazy | Deserving | Undeserving |
| Peaceful | Terrorist | Crusade | Death |
With this black and white thinking, differences are simplified and exaggerated. For instance, the employed are honest, decent and hard working, the unemployed are dishonest and lazy.
This duality regularly results in those who self-declare themselves to be good, commiting great acts of hatred.
- How many times have peaceful nations marched to war?
- How many times have hard-working Christians stood idle while millions starve?
- How many times do fair-minded politicians condemn the unemployed?
But this is not a criticism of all Christians. Many Christians possess a far more nuanced, empathetic view of people. While many non-believers, while rejecting religion, will continue to believe in this kind of simplified moral duality. It very much depends on how each person is willing to challenge their own beliefs and prejudices.
1 The research for this project is limited and a professional Historian may look to Ancient Greek Classical history for influences of Christian Moral Dualism. Judaism would be another major influence, although the Book of Job perhaps offers a more complex reading of morality.
Towards Eastern philosophies there are perhaps a search for balance within duality rather than conflict. This balance is represented by the Taoist symbol of Yin and Yang.
For further reading on how philosophical beliefs prevail through history: