Deities and Faith
Why did Dao Shun once believe in ghosts but not deities?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
He recalled a seeing-is-believing view: having seen ghosts but not deities, he believed the former without necessarily believing the latter. That was his earlier thought, not everyone's faith journey.
The Rite later moved him. Its protagonist recognizes evil and reconsiders God, prompting Dao Shun to connect belief in negative energy with positive strength, yin alongside yang. An old question gained another understanding.
The story shows thought changing through experience. Film inspiration connected with his own feelings, a personal faith reflection. Watching the same film does not require everyone to share belief or perceptions.