Customer Reviews

God, As Nature Sees God: A Christian Reading of the Tao Te Ching

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Having read previous revews, let's get a couple of things straight. First, the author of this interesting book is a Christian, and makes no bones about it. Therefore it's unsurprising that his interpretation of the Tao Te Ching is a Christian interpretation. This is what he has set out to do. Second, this is an interpretation of and a commentary on the Tao Te Ching, and not on Taoism as a whole. Therefore the view of Taoism is inevitably and rightly limited. The cover says 'A Christian Reading of the Tao Te Ching' and this is exactly what the book contains. If you don't think it's legitimate for a Christian to read the Tao Te Ching, and comment on it publicly, don't buy this book.

Now that's out of the way, let's get on with the review. John Mabry is a Christian priest, involved with 'Creation Spirituality' magazine, who has been interested in the Tao Te Ching ever since a friend passed it to him breathlessly, with the words, 'This is the holy word of God'. Intrigued, Mabry set out to investigate. The first part of the book is Mabry's complete version of The Tao Te Ching, with rather beautiful pen and ink illustrations by Jim Hardesty. The second section is a meditation on the text, in eight chapters as follows: The nature of the tao Paradox Desire Non-Action Leadership Oneness World and Self Holiness

The version of the Tao Te Ching is fine as far as it goes, but it should not be mistaken for a translation. Mabry gives no information about the process of creating this part of the book, so can only assume it is a gloss based on other English translations (although the only one mentioned is Stephen Mitchell's).

The second section, the commentary, is very good, and addresses some points that will clearly be important to Christian readers: 'The first question we must address is this: is the Tao God? Obviously, there is no avoiding this question. It was certainly the question most present in my mind during my initial reading of the Tao Te Ching. So. in the spirit of the Tao, I will answer: yes and no.'(p. 107)

Looking at the notes at the back of the book, Mabry's favourite writers seem to be Thomas Merton, Alan Watts and Matthew Fox. This should give some indication of the tenor of the commentary.

If you are interested in Christian interpretations of the Tao Te Ching, you could also look at Joseph Petulla's 'The Tao Te Ching and the Christian Way'.

To put this recent western interest in Taoism into some kind of context, try J.J. Clarke's 'The Tao of the West'.

This book is a serious attempt to see the tradition of Taoism in all itsglory through Christian eyes, a very worthwhile effort indeed. The book is especially helpful to thoughtful Christians who have little or no idea what Taoism is, or was, or could be. This book attempts to avoid misrepresentation of both faith traditions and to foster understanding, and by and large it succeeds gracefully.

Taoism isn't about being self-sufficient. It is about grounding in the Tao, that which is, the divine--which is as much to say the ordinary. If you understand that, you'll understand this book.

While I must agree that this is not my favorite translation, it is clear that the viscious words of some other reviewers are not warranted. This text is earnest in its attempt to draw Christians, who, I admit, can be bullish in their unacceptance of other beliefs, into viewing the Tao. How are we going to introduce this gift (the Tao) into a firm system? Here is at least a key into their realm. I admire the authors acceptance.

As I had been told that this book was out of print, I was surprised to get a brand new copy. The translation of the Tao Te Ching was much more modern than the one I used to read. As one who had tried to fit the Taoist philosophy into my Christian religious beliefs, I found this book immensely helpful. In addition, it broadened my view of the philosophy. The introduction explained the relationship between the folk religion I had seen in China and the other great religion/philosophies of Confucianism and Buddhism.

Two seeming contradicting beliefs brought together beautifully. The translation of the Tao Te Ching included is also top notch. That alone made it worth the price of the book, but John Mabry's insights which relate Taoism to traditional Christian thought are very effective at cutting to the core of both modes of thinking.

One seen through the eyes of the other only enhances the beliefs of each. A wonderful book.

This book is, in my opinion, the best of the handful of books comparing Asian religions with the teachings of Jesus. The book serves intelligently and effectively its purpose: to present to the conservative Christian an opening into mysticism in general (both western and eastern) and to the Tao Te Ching in particular. John Mabry accomplishes this task sensitively and intelligently, both honoring the Tao Te Ching and illuminating the Gospel as more compassionate, relevant and universal than most (even conservative Christians) have imagined. The first part of the book is his translation of the Tao Te Ching, the second shows how the Tao Te Ching both closely parallels Jesus' core teachings and illustrates more profound elements of the Christian faith, while broadening and deepening their application. Mabry's insightful approach will encourage many Christians into a deeper walk of faith while simultaneously introducing them to the insights of Lao Tzu. I have bought copies for a number of my Christian friends. Kudos to Mabry for accomplishing his task in a work that is an honest, intelligent, caring and responsible contribution to the mutual respect and understanding between the Gospel of Jesus and a great wisdom tradition of the East.

As usual, christians attempt to interject their belief system on every other system that they cannot surpress. Taoism has absolutely no connections to christian belief systems. Taoism relies on self sufficiency,. christianity relies on worshiping and groveling to a mythical diety and hope that (he, she, it) grants you salvation. The author has insulted real Taoists with this garbage and please don't waste your money.

I read as much of this book as I was able to without losing my dinner. I did replace it back on the shelf at the bookstore... Eastern thought cannot be compared to primitive christian thought and I find it quite obnoxious and amusing that this author has tried to relate Taoist thought with inferior and primitve chistian belief systems...I must admit though, if your a Taoist, this book will provide some humor as the ingorance is quite humerous.