A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

Jul 02 2022 84 ep. 33 mins 166

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching Podcast artwork

Join me in an unusual but deeply fulfilling journey as I work my way through the Tao te Ching, that ancient Chinese book of wisdom and spirituality that didn't draw me away from a Christ-centered faith, but actually helped me hold onto it.

Religion & Spirituality Society & Culture

Copy RSS

Subscribe on Podcast Addict

Want to help? Support my ministry (and cover hosting fees) at Buy Me a Coffee! :)

Jul 02 2022 2 mins

Since the show is "finished" (for now), the Patreon site is no longer active. However, there are still hosting costs, and I still have expenses! If you would like to show gratitude with a small donation in a very easy way, you can do so at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/crttc. No account creation required!Support the show

In conclusion... (chapter 81)

Jun 19 2022 46 mins

After two and a half years, we've reached the very last episode of the Tao te Ching! I'm not sure what's next for me, but at least for now, I'll stop regular posting here as I focus on some other pressing things in life and brainstorm possible future ideas. This chapter is a nice summary of three of the key themes of the Tao te Ching that we've focused on in these last few years:1.

Minimalism and the Taoist utopia (chapter 80)

May 22 2022 37 mins

Chapter 80 presents Lao Tzu's vision of the ideal society, the "Taoist utopia". Although it is not a "realistic" picture at first glance, writing it off would be a big mistake. The chapter not only praises minimalism and simple living, but also contains a thinly veiled but cutting cultural critique that is just as relevant today as it was 2600 years ago.1. The simple life - minimal

Peace is worth the risk (chapter 79)

May 02 2022 25 mins

We're skipping chapter 78 since we looked at it all the way back in episode 6! Chapter 79 is focused on the complex repercussions of human conflict. This is a shorter episode, and I'll split it into just two pieces:1. "Just let it go" - conflict resolution the Taoist way2. Peace is worth the risk - Christ as the ultimate exampleSee more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show

The "Robin Hood" Tao

Apr 17 2022 41 mins

Chapter 77 describes the Tao as being like the drawing of a bow, where the top is brought down and the bottom is brought up. It is a cultural critique about how the way of man tends to upset the natural balance of things. The episode will have three general thematic movements:1. Equilibrium and balance in the universe and in our lives2. The "Robin Hood effect" - taking from the ric

The meek shall inherit the Earth

Mar 27 2022 42 mins

Chapter 76 takes us back to the familiar territory of "weakness" that is actually strength. Living things are soft, supple, flexible, and "weak". Dead things are hard, brittle, rigid, and "strong". I'll start this episode by sharing about one of the most influential - and meek - men I've ever known. Then we'll break it up into two basic sections:1. Meekness and humility as true str

Greed - the "uniquely human problem"

Mar 13 2022 29 mins

In this episode, we look at chapter 75, which critiques the greedy leadership of Lao Tzu's China or any government in general. I'll start with reading from Jesus's parable of the foolish rich man as well as his famous words on "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." The rest of the episode is pretty simply divided into two parts:1. Greed in leadership2. Greed in in

Interview with author Doruk Cansev

Feb 20 2022 54 mins

Doruk Cansev is a life coach and author of the book Balanced: Unleashing the Power of your Personality, which I used as the inspiration for the structure of episode 59. I also covered my notes on his book much more in-depth on the most recent Patreon members exclusive episode. Today we discuss Taoism a bit, but we dive deep into his books and discuss finding balance in all areas of

Judgment and the death penalty (chapter 74)

Feb 06 2022 36 mins

In this episode, we look at chapter 74, which is a bit different in tone and content than other chapters around it. The central focus is the fear of death, and the central metaphor is the "Master Executioner" - whose job we should not try to take. We'll look at a literal interpretation first, followed by a more spiritualized/metaphorical one.1. The death penalty - Lao Tzu and Shane

The seven spectra of a balanced life

Jan 22 2022 43 mins

Here's an outline to help follow this complex episode!Today we'll look at chapter 73, which seems a bit disconnected and confusing at first (which is why it took me two extra weeks to prepare). We'll touch on a few side topics, then we'll spend the majority of the book relating this chapter's idea of perfect wu wei to the seven areas of balance identified by independent author Doru