Unity of Knowing and Acting from Christian and Confucian Ethical Practices: An Exegesis of Mark 4:1-20

The religion that believes God is able to save the soul must be expressed in a lifestyle of obedience to the Word of God, implanted within each believer. This paper seeks to understand the relationship between the believer’s knowledge and practice of faith. Exploring the exposition and development of the concept of knowing and acting from a Chinese Confucian perspective, helps us to think about the orientation for acceptance or rejection of the Gospel. An exegesis of Mark 4:1-20 reveals points of comparison between the teaching of Jesus and teaching of Confucius. We will then ask, “Does the practice of faith relate to the hearing of the Word?” Through comparing the relationship between knowing and acting in the various responses to the parable of the Sower in Mark 4, we can come to understand the practical aspects of salvation and the practice of faith.