eric

For a forray into taoism... I loved the Tao of Pooh series.  Each character represents elements of taoism.  Readable and informative - I think 

In fact, it is worth multiple reads.

eric and all,

 

Oh man! I just got into Taoism and was surprised by how much I liked it.

For me, it was like finding an old friend that I didn't know existed. It was if someone stole my thoughts and placed them in print.

Alethia, that's wild stuff. I look forward to checking out the link.

In my studies of Taoism, is see no impetus for working to address systemic and social injustice, instead, I see a liscene for moral quietude.

IMO, Taoism says much about "how" to take action. The TTC suggests that we follow our intuition when it comes to such things and then use our natural timing to lead others. The sage could best lead by example and offer wisdom and insight so as to change the system back to the more natural balance. Similar to the Taoist thinking about self defense (even war).......they acknowledge that action is sometimes needed, but the Taoist would try to use the aggressor's own force to make change.

Makes me think of Walter Wink's words regarding Jesus' use of the extra mile, giving the cloak, and turning the cheek. He used these as acts of defiance to bring about change.

It would take me pages to explain what I personally mean by that statement, so I won't. 

Could you give us the "summary" version? I would be very interested in your thoughts ...... especially regarding "dualism in unity." Not fair getting us piqued and then not telling.

BTW, I noticed your quote of Thomas Moore. Is that the current author? If so, he has edited a book on the Jesus Sutras.

Book Description

"The Lost Sutras of Jesus" conveys the history, message and meaning of a set of 1300-year-old scrolls which were lost in China for nine centuries. Written by Christian monks living in China, the sutras elegantly weave Eastern wisdom with Christian parables. "The Lost Sutras of Jesus" combines a new translation of selected Sutras with insight and commentary from editors Ray Riegert and Thomas Moore. This book is both an intriguing tale of discovery and a spiritual guide for how we can live in today's tumultuous world.

Does anyone else consider themselves to be a Taoist Christian?

I have long been fascinated with many Taoist beliefs and have often experienced something that could be identified as the Tao. I see the wisdom in the Tao Te Ching and have found such ideas as wu wei, p'u, and the balance of the yin yang to be nice compliments to the teachings of Jesus. I like to think that Jesus was more connected with the Tao than anyone else has been.

I have also been enjoying The Jesus Sutras; Rediscovering the Lost Scrolls of Taoist Christianity by Martin Palmer.