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Christ the Eternal Tao Paperback – December 31, 2022
by Hieromonk Damascene (Author), & 3 more
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 150 ratings
4.4 on Goodreads
374 ratings
Not until now has the ancient wisdom of Lao Tzu been presented alongside the otherworldly revelation of Jesus Christ in a way that encompasses the full significance of both. Avoiding the common pitfalls of religious syncretism, CHRIST THE ETERNAL TAO shows Lao Tzu’s Tao Teh Ching as a foreshadowing of what would be revealed by Christ, and Lao Tzu himself as a Far-Eastern “prophet” of the Incarnate God. Inspired by Fr. Seraphim Rose’s early studies of the Tao Teh Ching, this book draws from the unpublished translations and teachings of Fr. Seraphim’s Chinese philosophy teacher, Gi-ming Shien, in order to uncover the esoteric core of the Tao Teh Ching. Then, through the transmission of mystics of the ancient Christian East, Lao Tzu’s teaching is brought into a new dimension, exploding with new meanings. Part I contains a “New Testament” of the Tao Teh Ching, which looks at Christ through the eyes of Lao Tzu and presents the Gospel in Lao Tzu’s own intriguing way. Part II unfolds the history of the revelation of God, from the creation of man, through the fall, primordial civilization, Lao Tzu, Confucius, and the ancient Hebrews, and finally to God’s Incarnation in Jesus Christ and His ultimate revelation of His Being as Three Persons. Part III offers practical advice from Eastern Orthodox teachers on how to unite oneself to Christ the Incarnate Tao/Logos and acquire His Divine Grace (in Chinese, Teh). Much more than a mere study in comparative religion, CHRIST THE ETERNAL TAO uses Lao Tzu’s intuitive realizations as a springboard by which to catapult the spiritual seekers of our day all the way into the mystical depths of Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
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550 pages
Editorial Reviews
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I can only read a little bit of this at a time! There is a lot to reflect on. I love the idea of the divine Logos at work in all people and all places. The idea that that small voice can move deeply within people to intuit the Gospel apart from the analytical current we have inherited, is just beautiful to me! --Goodreads
A really superb and moving devotional work, with stunning insight into the Tao (jarringly different to how others have perceived it). It was really two books in one: the first, a thesis on how Lao Tzu was divinely inspired , the Tao as the Word/Way and the Teh as the Spirit - the second, a lengthy and beautiful summary of certain aspects of Orthodox theology. I could read the author's recollections of Divine Light, or of suffering and repentance, or thoughts on the Jesus prayer, all day. His stories of Fr. George Calciu's imprisonment were especially moving. It's a complex and unique book that's hard to summarize, but immensely significant. I found it so moving at parts that I feel the need to read and re-read certain passages again and again. --Goodreads
Product details
Publisher : St Herman of Alaska Brotherhood; eighth edition (December 31, 2022)
Language : English
Paperback : 550 pages
ISBN-10 : 1887904239
ISBN-13 : 978-1887904230
Item Weight : 1.65 pounds
Dimensions : 6 x 1.25 x 8.75 inchesBest Sellers Rank: #53,441 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)#7,667 in Christian Books & BiblesCustomer Reviews:
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 150 ratings
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lao tzu tao te ching christ the eternal hieromonk damascene seraphim rose eternal tao years ago coming of christ gospel of john great book word logos taoism and christianity eastern orthodox jesus christ eastern christian christ and lao tao and the logos tao is way tzu stated the tao christ the eternal tao
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DKH
5.0 out of 5 stars "Jesus is more Eastern than Western" said my religion teacher.Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2010
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"Jesus is more Eastern than Western," said my religion teacher many years ago. That truth rested in the back of my mind for 25+ years. Recently, after 3 or so years of exploring writings on Orthodox Christianity, this book came under my radar. It carefully presents the idea that the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu (Tao Te Ching) intuitively gained insight into a compassionate, self-giving God -- an inkling into what would later be clarified through the coming of Christ.
The book is a very thorough presentation of the history of the development of human understanding of God and the fulfillment of this understanding which came with the incarnation of Christ. The 2nd portion of the book is a fascinating, calming journey of poetry in which some of Lao Tzu's ideas are echoed or answered by some of the words of Christ. The similarities are striking!
This book helps one see how gently and faithfully God has revealed Himself through history bit by bit -- as much as we could handle at the given time. It respects both traditional Chinese thought and Christ as the 2nd person in the Triune God. This book even explains how the Trinity is an essential aspect of Divinity. I have been very blessed in my spirit from reading this book. I am about 2/3rds of the way through and am enjoying every word. It's a deep, rich book which can calm your heart and feed your soul. Something not to read too quickly. Savor it. Let it soak in.
I am concurrently reading the biography of Fr. Seraphim Rose: FATHER SERAPHIM ROSE, His Life and Works, also by Hieromonk Damascene. I'd also highly recommend that book. Fr. Rose's extensive study of Chinese philosophy is at the root of this current text. His personal journey through his studies of Tao towards Orthodox Christianity is fascinating and very encouraging for our times. Many Westerners are turning towards things Eastern these days. Perhaps if we looked again at the gentle "Eastern" ways of Jesus, we'd purify our own Faith and become better "fishers of men" in the process.
For those who want a teaser into this book, [...] has a podcast of the same title. The actual book, however, presents greater depth and breadth. I keep thinking of the many people to whom I could recommend this title. It is fantastic! It's a gentle, whole-person consideration for how to live out the Christian Life and how to grow spiritually. Christ The Eternal Tao touches the heart, not just the brain. This book redirects us to things Jesus said which are gently powerful. He came to Earth in a lowly form to lead us not to popularity or greatness, but to spiritual depth and intimacy with God. A welcome reminder and humbling, timely word.
73 people found this helpful
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Evan H.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent IllustrationsReviewed in the United States on January 23, 2005
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I had already written a review for this book, but I forgot to mention a very special aspect of this book. In addition to its pristine message from the heart of mystical Christianity, it is graced by Chinese art representing Jesus' life, actions, and interactions with other people.
Beyond this, dispersed throughout the book, are beautiful and primitively profound icons, reprinted beautifully on many different pages. Many Saints and biblical characters (such as Moses and the Virgin Mary) are represented by the icons in this book. Also, the Chinese calligraphy (primitive pictographs, such as might have been used by Lao Tzu himself) adds a particularly unique Far-Eastern flavor that you can only receive from the traditional styles.
If you have ever desired to understand the spiritual and psychological mechanisms that caused the fall of great heroes such as Anakin Skywalker, or the mere existence of evils such as Sauron and Voldemort, and how they actually maintained a large following (these, though fictional, have real-world parallels), then you may begin your journey to discovering these things with this book. More importantly, if you approach it with a contrite, repentant, and sincere heart, you will learn (though not in a purely intellectual manner, though this may be the only way you begin to understand at first) to prevent such folly in your own life, and unite yourself with the Obi-Wan Kanobis, the Gandalfs, and the Dumbledores of spiritual reality. In the end, of course, this means true healing, and living life to the fullest.
Approached in such a sincere manner, this book is a spotless gem: a true complement to the Scripture, on which it is based.
31 people found this helpful
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Withabandoment
5.0 out of 5 stars Pretty deepReviewed in the United States on December 10, 2021
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I am still reading this book its pretty deep and is taking me a long time to process. I do love the chapter on Watchfulness. I have been on a journey of learning how to rest in God and this chapter has helped me to understand how much I operate out of my own striving and ego.
5 people found this helpful
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Lao Tan
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank God!Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2014
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I have not for many years called myself a "Christian" because of the craziness of much of today's church community: the denial of scientific concepts such as evolution and global warming; the radical change from Christ who loved and associated with sinners and said the ONLY rule was to love one's God and one's neighbor as oneself to the vitriolic condemnation of certain groups and behaviors in society in the name of "values." But, I have always loved Jesus and considered myself a follower of Christ, the Christ of the Gospels. I have especially loved the Gospel of John that proclaims that in the beginning was the logos (word) and the logos became incarnated in a man called Jesus The Eastern concept of Tao is very similar to the Western concept of logos. And for millennia the eastern orthodox church has presented an approach to Christ the Eternal Tao that the Western church seems to have lost. This excellent book is a finger pointing to that beautiful Way, and a possible revitalization of the Western church.
9 people found this helpful
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James m.
5.0 out of 5 stars Book was listed as used but showed up NEW!!!Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2022
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Father Seraphim Rose, the inspiration for this book
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DNA B
5.0 out of 5 stars First eastern orthodox book I ever read.Reviewed in Germany on November 1, 2022
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Basically a deep dive into the logos-theology of the eastern orthodox church.
In the first chapter he contrasts the Greek philosophers view on the logos with the Dao of the ancient Chinese. He talks about Justin Martyr and about his concept of Logos spermaticos and how Christianity subsumes the truth of here found in ancient Greek and Chinese philosophers.
Especially the second chapter might be interesting as he tries to express the gospel within the categories of Daoism.
Later chapters are about the history of Christianity in china and the state of the orthodox church there.
Pity that book has not been translated to Chinese.
Lended that book to the local Chinese pastor.
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars It's a good book for anyone who likes to keep in mind ...Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 6, 2015
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It's a good book for anyone who likes to keep in mind that God had written His law into mans hearts, but is not willing to submit to the heretical belief that "all religions are the same". It's also a nce introduction to Eastern Christian misticism. Being Catholic, I can't endorse everything the author writes.
3 people found this helpfulReport
Rob Berkman
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!Reviewed in Canada on November 30, 2013
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This book wonderfully details the personal journeys and inward life of monks and sages of ancient China, who were privileged to know and assimilate the Christian faith with their traditional Chinese heritage, and end up with a joyous Chinese Christian culture all their own - one that we can all use to bring real depth to our inner lives.
One person found this helpfulReport
Dmitri Shirobokov
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