A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

Since the show is "finished" (for now), the Patreon site is no longer active.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

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. Wisdom over learning2. Using too many words3. The selfless idealSee more and contact me at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show

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 - minimalism and Christian activist Shane Claiborne's "Irresistible Revolution"2. The cultural critique - overpopulation, overdevelopment, industrialization, and insatiable desires3. A clarification - is this chapter really idolizing a boring, antisocial life?See more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show

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 (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

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 rich and giving to the poor3. Lao Tzu's static equilibrium versus Christ's redemptive restorationHere's the blog entry I quote from: https://www.coreyfarr.com/post/extreme-makeover-eden-editionSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

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 strength2. Adaptability as the key to lifeSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

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 general terms in our daily lives and the dangers of greed creeping up on us as we start to accumulate even a little bit of extra moneySee more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

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 your life.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

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 Claiborne2. Fear and judgment in religion3. Do not judge othersSee more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

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 Doruk Cansev in his new book Balanced: Unleash the Power of your Personality.You can find Doruk's book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09157T1MH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=11. The Tao as DNA of the universe2. Balancing courage with caution - the spectra of Liveliness (aware and passionate) and Self-esteem (humble and confident)3. The Tao does not strive/compete/wage war yet it always overcomes/wins/conquers - the spectra of Tension (calm and active) 4. The Tao does not speak yet it always responds - the spectrum of Warmth (loving and independent)5. The Tao does not ask/command yet it is always obeyed/supplied with its needs - the spectrum of Agreeableness (compassionate and assertive)6. Marshall Davis on God as relationally wu-wei and perfectly balanced7. The Tao is relaxed/seems to have no aim yet it is good at making plans/its purpose is fulfilled - the spectra of Openness to change (flexible and focused) Perfectionism (relaxed and disciplined)Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Chapter 72 doesn't really offer an obvious interpretation at the first reading. The variations between translations and the disjunctions between the sections makes it a bit complex. Fortunately, there is a common theme that the most traditional interpretations tend to agree on, and then as always we will take a bit of liberty and move in a more creative and relatable direction. I start the episode sharing some thoughts about fear as a basic emotion and my own experience with panic attacks, then I work through the chapter from two approaches:1. Leaders should not use fear as a motivation - heavy-handed and authoritarian leadership based on intimidation or control is dangerous and unhealthy2. A religion without fear? What could it look like to remove "fear" from our theological vocabulary?Here's my article on why I don't believe in hell that I mention briefly: https://www.coreyfarr.com/post/i-don-t-believe-in-hell-does-that-mean-i-m-going-thereSee more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Chapter 71 is cryptic, obscure, and one of my absolute favorites. This chapter continues the theme on knowledge from the previous chapter, but focuses especially on ignorance - the fact that we are all ignorant in so many ways, and that not knowing that we don't really know is not just bad, it's a spiritual sickness. I open with a confession of my own ignorance, then divide my interpretation into three sections:1. Simple knowledge and personal development - Know how much you don't know, or you will stagnate2. Social/relational knowledge in a world of information-overload, echo chambers, polarization, and confirmation bias3. The spiritual dimension - I draw in a few passages to show the Bible's ambivalent stance on "knowledge", and then do a short analysis of the book of Ecclesiastes as sort of a Taoist confession/tract/autobiography. This is my personal favorite part!See more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

In this episode, we look at chapter 70, which is one of the most depressing and least didactic/informative chapters in the Tao te Ching (which is why it took me an extra week to prepare this). Here we have Lao Tzu break into a quasi-lament on how no one understands him or follows his teachings, despite how simple they are to understand. With some careful maneuvering, I think we can actually find some parallels to the "simple" yet difficult teachings of Jesus about the narrow way to the Kingdom of Heaven.See more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

In this episode, we look at chapter 69, which is incredibly tough to deal with since it is primarily focused on giving advice to military generals. As a Jesus-follower committed to nonviolence, I didn't know what to do with it at first, but with some clever maneuvering and use of paraphrases, I was able to bring it around to something more Christlike. 1. Literally analyzing the chapter - Lao Tzu's "almost" non-violent military strategy2. Losing the three jewels3. Honoring the image of God in our "enemies"See more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

In this episode, we look at the famous chapter 67, where Lao Tzu presents the "Three Jewels" - the entire Taoist ethics summed up in three words: compassion, moderation, and humility. I'll start by sharing about how Christ's compassion demonstrates the compassion that God built into the way the universe works and the way people work. Then we'll look at each of the three jewels one by one:1. The countercultural nature of the Three Jewels2. Compassion as the source of bravery3. Moderation as the source of generosity4. Humility as the source of leadershipSee more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

In this episode, we look at chapters 66 and 68, which continue the train of thought of non-contention and wu wei that we started last week, but this time in relation to leadership. I'll start with talking about the characteristics of servant leadership, then focus on the chapters one by one:1. Chapter 66 - the best leaders take the attitudes of servants and "lead from behind"2. Chapter 68 - the attitude of non-contention and mutually beneficial "competition"See more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Sorry for no episode this week. I was down for the count with the flu last week. (Not COVID!) Head on over and subscribe at the Patreon page to get early access to the next episode. :)Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

In this episode, we look at chapter 63, which is all about tasks and problems. I'll start by talking about how learning how to break big tasks into small pieces has radically transformed my life, then we'll break down the chapter into two main sections:1. A "mini-sermon" on wu wei (action without action) through a series of paradoxes2. The active/decisive side of wu wei, or "the path of least resistance"- Lessons from the universe- The path of the wise man- A warning against underestimating the difficulties of problems- "The great secret" to an effective lifeSee more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

In this episode, we look at chapter 62, which is one of the only chapters where Lao Tzu compares good and bad people and the ONLY chapter where he uses a word often translated as "sin". I'll start by talking about how radically countercultural and even offensive Jesus's teachings of enemy-love are in the Middle Eastern culture I work in, then we'll take a look at three aspects of this chapter:The Tao (and Christ) as treasure to the good and refuge to the badDo not abandon a bad person (and what even IS a bad person?)Hopeful universalism - a great motivation to spread the love of ChristSee more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

As I'm away for the summer, I'll be sharing some episodes from my Patreon exclusive feed, which are available to all subscribers at the $5/month level or higher. Here are the original show notes:A wild journey prompted by a ridiculous plot line from one of my favorite book series of all time. How much divine revelation is embedded in creation? Is this revelation sufficient for "salvation" for those who have never heard the message of Christ? What is the ultimate question to the meaning of life, and how should we go about finding the answer to it? What does human suffering have to do with that question? Nothing? Or everything? How did we end up at a propositional theology when the whole story of the Bible is about relational theology? Join me on this roller coaster of an episode!Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

As I'm away for the summer, I'll be sharing some episodes from my Patreon exclusive feed, which are available to all subscribers at the $5/month level or higher. This was the very first ever exclusive, and I hope you enjoy! Here are the original show notes:Thanks Bob (not Brian like I said in the episode!) for this profound insight. Both the Tao te Ching and the Gospels are about emptying the bowl, but in very different ways. The TTC is about deconstruction, but the Gospels are about construction. Join me in this episode to hear me muse on that context through the use of two very different prayers and the very first sermon of Jesus from The Chosen series, in which he surprisingly preaches to (drum roll please) children!Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

As I'm away for the summer, I'll be sharing some episodes from my Patreon exclusive feed, which are available to all subscribers at the $5/month level or higher. This was the very first ever exclusive, and I hope you enjoy! Here are the original show notes:It's finally here! The first Patreon exclusive episode will continue to dig into the theme of optimism and happiness. What place (if any) does it have in Christian theology and Taoist thought? (Hint: I think the answer is none.)Also, I know I make some very strong statements in this episode. Please know there are lots of things that need to be qualified or further explored. For example, the statement that "God is not concerned with the nations or people's rights" is both true and untrue on many levels. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts!Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

I'm flying home to the US for the next eight weeks! I most likely won't be able to continue putting out regular episodes, but I will share some of the past exclusive episodes I've done for Patreon subscribers. If you aren't a subscriber and you like what you hear, head on over to the Patreon page to get access for only $5/month.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

In this episode, we look at chapter 65, which is yet another "political" chapter. I'll start with sharing a little of my journey from deciding to go to seminary to wrestling with the idea of what it means to "do theology". Then we'll look at the chapter from two very different angles:1. Avoiding "cleverness" - simplicity and integrity in leadership. In this section we will consider the fact that Lao Tzu seems to be very anti-democratic if we read him at face value.2. The importance of "unlearning" - we'll talk about the idea of education and return to our old concept of the important of unlearning. We'll also bring in David Jones's stark contrast between the "educated" person versus the life-long learner.See more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

This is, of course, the followup to last week's episode on our "feminine" side. Today, we'll look at the masculine - the yang to match last week's yin. Keep in mind these have almost nothing to do with normative gender roles. Today we'll follow last week's structure by looking at three sets of virtue characteristics aiming towards three goals/ideals. Note that the goals stay the same, but the characteristics are the "opposites" of the ones we talked about last week.1. Proactive action and confrontation -> an invitation to cooperation2. Active commitment -> transformation3. "Confident humility" and self-awareness -> abundance of loveSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Episode 5 was called "Getting in touch with God's feminine side" and it has been a really popular episode. Today, we'll do the first of two episodes on our "feminine" and "masculine" sides, or our yin and yang virtues. Keep in mind these have almost nothing to do with normative gender roles. Lao Tzu shows us quite clearly that all people need a balance of both, yet he stresses the feminine more often since we live in such a "masculine" world. Today we'll look at three sets of characteristics pointing to three ultimate goals. Next week, we'll look at their equal and opposite counterparts that point to the same goals.1. Submission and yielding -> an invitation to cooperation2. Openness and receptivity -> transformation3. Humility and self-aware selflessness -> abundance of loveSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

As Monty Python would say, "And now for something completely different!" This week I'll give some insight and explanation into what is, next to Taoism, probably the most important and influential foundational belief system in my life: Christian Anarchism. It sounds a lot more edgy than it is in some ways, though. Christian Anarchism is not about trying to overthrow the government, but a theological and ethical way of viewing the relationship between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms (and empires) of this world.Although this episode brings us pretty far away from the Tao te Ching, I do use chapter 61 as a starting point. This is, indeed, something completely different, and I recognize this episode won't be for everybody, but feel free to join me if you're interested!See more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

In this episode, we look at chapter 60, which has several very different ideas all smashed into one. I'll start with a meditation on the nature of our relationship to the "ghosts" in our lives - the people who try to bring us down. The rest of the episode is divided into a few parts:1. "Ruling a nation is like cooking a small fish" - the importance of non-meddling in leadership2. "Give evil nothing to oppose, and it will disappear all by itself" - is evil an actual force to be contended with, or simply a bending of the inherent goodness of the universe?3. "No longer haunted, but whole" - dealing with the ghosts of trauma and pain that haunt usSee more at www.coreyfarr.com Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

In this episode, we look at chapters 58-59, which (in my estimation) offer two very different narratives for approaching life and leadership, with two very different results. I'll bring in two core concepts from theologian Walter Brueggemann (link below) to flesh out the discussion. I start with a meditation on Ecclesiastes 11 and the nature of internalized fear from focusing on an unknown future. The rest of the episode is divided into a few parts:Breakdown of the parallels between chapters 58-59The myth of scarcity - the belief that there isn't enoughThe liturgy of abundance - the belief in God's good provisionHere is the link to Brueggemann's article "The Liturgy of Abundance, the Myth of Scarcity" - https://www.religion-online.org/article/the-liturgy-of-abundance-the-myth-of-scarcity/See more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

In this episode, we look at chapter 56, one of the most directive and imperative chapters in the Tao te Ching. The first half of the episode sets the stage for the chapter, then I break down four of the central commands in the chapter and how we see them exemplified in the life of Jesus:1. Blunt your sharpness - the sharp edge of arrogance 2. Untie your knots - the complexities of personal interactions3. Soften your brightness - public displays of intelligence and pride4. Become one with the dust - staying in touch with the material world5. Summing it all up in one word: integritySupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Back in December, I had a conversation with two Christian-Taoist "kindred spirits", Jeff and Stacie from the Protect Your Noggin podcast. Since I haven't been able to finish prep for this week's regularly scheduled episode, I figured I would share (part of) that interview with you here, since I had a great time doing it!This will give you a lot more insight into my own background and give a fresh perspective on reading the Tao te Ching as a Christian. Jeff and Stacie are also working through the TTC on their show as well as doing their own translation/paraphrase, so we had a lot of fun bouncing ideas off each other.Check them out at https://www.protectyournoggin.org/Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

In this episode, we finish chapter 55, talking about the danger of resisting decay and trying to "prolong the life" of things that are in decline.I start the episode by sharing my own discomfort with the word "evangelical" and my great struggle with trying to hold onto it and now my honest desire to reject it entirely due to the current situation in the US, because I believe it is dying.. The rest of the episode looks at four different ways we try to "prolong" the life when things really need to change and even die:Becoming people-pleasers - trying to maintain a false sense of harmony/balance"Conservative" thinking - not in the political sense, but in the sense of trying to idolize and hold onto the past as somehow more ideal than the presentDeconstruction and reconstruction - how to walk through our journeys not only of challenging old beliefs, but coming back around and redefining themWhat about the Bible? - how the hermeneutic of "new movements" of the Spirit from the book Solus Jesus can help us understand the living, breathing nature of the collection of books and documents we call "Scripture"See more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

In this episode, we start looking at chapter 55. We'll cover it from another angle this week, but today I want to dig into the word "constancy", also translated as the eternal and unchanging.I start the episode by sharing a few poems, most of which I've shared on the show before, to prime the pump for thinking about how we think about God. The rest of the episode is loosely divided into three parts:The benefit of using different philosophical systems to approach theologyPlatonic thought - the good, bad, and ugly of traditional Western theologyTaoist thought - the untapped wells of the Taoist idea of the eternal and unchanging, and how these can shape our approach to faithSee more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

In this episode, we look at the second part of chapter 54, which encourages us to be rooted in Te (virtue).I start the episode by introducing what I call the "Bonhoeffer principle" - that loving your vision/dream of community more than the community itself will ultimately destroy it. The rest of the episode explores the dynamics of virtue in community.1. The ever-expanding sphere of virtue and the principle of attraction (again)2. The Bonhoeffer Principle - four ways to effectively destroy a communitySee more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

In this episode, we look at the first part of chapter 54, which encourages us to be rooted in Te (virtue).I start the episode sharing about how last Sunday I completely failed to live rooted in the Tao as the chapter says. The rest of the episode explores what it looks like to evaluate how we are doing as far as Taoist-Christian virtue goes by looking at four perspectives:Perspective of workPerspective of othersPerspective of timePerspective of ourselves (read more about this in my post "Who am I?": https://www.coreyfarr.com/post/who-am-i-how-we-try-to-solve-our-identity-crises)See more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

This is my attempt at a Christmas special, although I admit I may come across as a Grinch or a Scrooge. Please bear with me until the end of the episode to see that (hopefully) that's not the case.Episode 39 looks at chapter 53, which is primarily a critique of the materialism and hoarding of the rich and ruling class. I start by considering how our own materialistic distortion of the Christmas season draws us away from the very simple and powerful truths that Advent is meant to communicate.The rest of the episode is divided into three parts:The simplicity of the Way and how easily we are distracted from itTwo of the greatest distractions in life: power and wealthThat's Christmas, but it's not Christ - taking this chapter beyond finger-pointing at the elite and using it to examine our own heartsSee more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Episode 38 looks at the second half of chapter 52, which is intensely complex and profound.  Using Paul Tillich's Christian definition of the "eternal now", we're going to a deep dive into what is hopefully a very new perspective (or at least was for me) on repentance and forgiveness. We'll end up a long way away from the words of Lao Tzu - and yet we'll find resonance with his words just the same.I start by asking questions about what it looks like to live the quiet, relaxed Taoist outlook when life is overwhelmingly busy and there's nothing we can do about it. In light of the "eternal now", perhaps we can measure success by small victories of choosing to be present and repent of our negative outlook, rather than counting the times we failed to do so.The rest of the episode is loosely divided into three overlapping parts:1. Eternity, constancy, or your normal routine? (Or all three?) - Living the tension of the already and not-yet Kingdom of God2. The sacrament of repentance - "Returning to insight" over and over again, rather than measuring behaviors or setting boundary markers.3. Forgiveness - Not erasing the past, but divinely redefining and reframing it in the light of the present.See more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Episode 37 looks at chapter 52, which is intensely complex and profound.I start by musing on the importance of guarding our words and senses in Lao Tzu's style in the midst of a world of constant information overload and communication lacking in nuance.1. The mother and the children - the unity of all things, Lao Tzu's "theology", and absorbing the qualities of God through union2. "Shut your mouth, guard your senses" - making space to experience union, echoes back to the overflowing bowl of chapter 9 and the sensory overload of chapter 12 making space to experience unionSee more at www.coreyfarr.com Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Episode 36 looks at chapter 51, in which the abstract Tao, the origin and sustainer of all things, points to the more concrete virtue of Te, the selfless and ever-giving behavior of those in touch with the Tao as they emulate it. For Lao Tzu, we can only understand Te/virtue by first observing Tao/the order of all things. For Christians, we should arrive at Christian virtue by first observing God/Christ, rather than using Christian "values" and behaviors to arrive at proper theology.The episode is divided into two main parts:"Natural revelation" - The Tao/God as origin and sustainer of all thingsEnvironmentalism among ChristiansThe natural revelation of the Tao as a basis for understanding ultimate/primal virtueThree elements of virtue - all centered on "giving"What we produce / How we createWhat we provide / How we contributeWhat we preach / How we counsel See more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Episode 35 looks at chapter 50, which talks about four kinds of people who relate to desire and their own mortality in very different ways. We'll discuss consumerism and desire with everything from razor-sharp critiques from a Taoist commentator, profound meditations by Christian mystics, a clever parable by Blaise Pascal, and even an analysis of the game dynamics of World of Warcraft.I start the episode by considering the nature of desire and its relation to our own mortality - how it is often subconsciously motivated by the fact that we know we are all going to die. The rest of the content is divided into three sections:Students of life, students of death, and students of neither - reckless living, fearful living, and "zombie-ing our way through life"The moving horizon of desire and its psychological affects - from consumerism to World of Warcraft to human spiritualityThe wise person - the student of both life and death who is untouchable by the dangers and distractions of lifeSee more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Episode 34 looks at chapter 49, which is all about loving your enemies and staying faithful to the unfaithful. It has such strong resonances with the teachings of Jesus that it is impossible not to see a connection, but we're going to take it a lot deeper today.I start the episode by contemplating just how difficult it is to really learn how to love your enemies. The rest of the content is divided into three sections:Empathy - indiscriminate, unconditional empathy is central to enemy loveSeeing the antagonisms - becoming aware of cultural ideological conflicts and scapegoatingThe principle of attraction - a life in touch with the Tao or filled with Spirit of Christ doesn't need to evangelize "offensively" all the time; there is a vision of "attraction" in the Old Testament, the New Testament, and of course the Tao te ChingSee more at www.coreyfarr.com Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Episode 33 looks at chapters 47 and 48, which give two us two different but intimately connected themes: (1) internal wisdom and (2) deconstruction/unlearning.I open by talking about so many different ways in which I've had to learn to deconstruct and unlearn when it comes to my own life, goals, and even personality. The rest of the content is divided into two main parts:Chapter 47 - The importance of internal wisdom and reflection in a world of overwhelming external inputChapter 48 - The neglected importance of deconstruction, or "unlearning", for learning and growing in wisdomBad habits, first impressions, and personal narrativesCultural and theological narrativesSee more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Hey everyone! I've got some good news and some bad news today. Which would you like first?1. The bad news - Due to some big changes in my life, the regular CRTTC show will now be switching to a biweekly production.2. The good news - For the weeks when there is no regular episode, I will be doing special extra episodes for my Patreon supporters. (http://www.patreon.com/crttc) For just $5/month, you'll get not only early access to the regular show, but special episodes diving deep into topics of life following Jesus with a Taoist outlook.After the announcements, I take about 10 minutes to share some very personal thoughts about what is going on in life right now as I prep for huge life changes at the orphanage/school that I work at and how I am really struggling to find contentment in this time. I'll be honest: sharing this was a very last minute decision, so I hope it makes sense and you can benefit from it in some way, if only to know a little more about me.See more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Episode 32 looks at chapter 46, which continues the theme of discontent from the last two weeks, this time placing it in the context of militarism and the nations of the world.I start the episode by telling the story of how I first came to be disillusioned with politics and the hope for any real "change" in terms of the military policies of my country. The rest of the content is divided into two main parts:1. War horses or plow horses? Lao Tzu's metaphor for militarism and greed in a broken world.2. Discontentment and greed as foundations of brokenness3. What does it mean to "change the world"? Is that even a possibility? It's important to think carefully when we use language like this, because in one sense, the answer is a yes - and in the other, it is an emphatic no.See more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Hi everyone! I'm taking a week off from the regular show since I've had an absolutely crazy few weeks and I'm trying to get ready to head back to Beirut next week. In the meantime, I figured I would offer a short story about an experience yesterday that drove me absolutely nuts and made me realize I need to do some serious self-examination.See more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Episode 31 looks at chapters 44 and 45, which are all about contentment. Lao Tzu asks some cutting rhetorical questions to make us evaluate our priorities, then he lays out a new vision for true success.I open by giving the headline version of my crazy story over the past year, which I've shared pieces of in the past, and how I've learned to maintain contentment in the midst of it. The rest of the content is divided into two main parts:Chapter 44 - Rhetorical questions: Fame or self, self or wealth, gain or loss - which ones are more important?Chapter 45 - True perfection seems imperfect: Lao Tzu's upside-down vision of success and prosperitySee more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

Episode 30 looks at chapters 42 and 43, which give us some very practical insight into Lao Tzu's very unconventional theory of leadership. The truly noble leader adopts an attitude of extreme humility and willingness to lead by example more than words. The leader exhibits the characteristics of wu wei in a world full of frantic grasping for more and more power. I bring in a huge amount of Scripture to show just how similar Lao Tzu and Jesus's visions of leadership really are.I open with a critique of rhetoric going on in American politics right now and how deeply it troubles me as someone working with children in a world where this type of behavior has been normalized. The rest of the content is divided into two main parts:1. Chapter 42b - The leader who is willing to identify as "orphaned, widowed, and poor"2. Chapter 43 - Wu wei in leadershipSee more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

And we're back! Episode 29 looks at the first few lines of chapter 42, which is a confusing paragraph about the creation of the universe and the yin-yang harmony. However, if we read carefully and creatively, I think we can find some powerful lessons in here.In this episode, I start by considering just one of those practical lessons: the idea of finding balance or harmony between work and rest. The rest of the episode is divided into four parts:The Tao creates one; the one creates two - on unity in the world and the dangers of dualistic thinkingThe two creates three - the "third thing" as a reality of natureThe third thing in practice - how this idea can practically affect our (1) emotional health, (2) faith/spiritual health, (3) intellectual health, and (4) ability to cultivate healthy, loving relationshipsSee more at www.coreyfarr.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)

This week I'm interviewing Christian Tao te Ching translator R. Joseph Owles. I love his translation and you probably do too since I use it very frequently on the show. In this interview, we talk about his method of translation, his journey with the Tao te Ching, his very unique Christian denomination (the "Old Catholic Church"), Hegelian and Taoist dialectics, and so much else. RJ was a great conversation partner, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it!His book is called Everyone's Tao te Ching: The Tao te Ching for Those of Us Who Just Want to Find the Way. It's only $4.99 on Kindle (or free with Kindle Unlimited) and about $8 in print.Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Everyones-Tao-Te-Ching-Those-ebook/dp/B084M8VW9RPrint: https://www.amazon.com/Everyones-Tao-Te-Ching-Those/dp/B084GF58GZStay tuned for more coming soon!Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/crttc)