Jesus and Lao Tzu: The Parallel Sayings [Paperback]

Martin Aronson (Editor), Ph.D. Brother David Steindl-Rast (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 22, 2002

Comparing the New Testament with the Tao Te Ching, Taoism’s most sacred book, Jesus and Lao Tzu reveals a surprising set of examples in which these two spiritual masters point their followers in the same direction. With over 90 parallel sayings, readers find fresh understanding and new perspectives here, since the time-honored teachings are presented side by side. The book also shows how these shared truths transcend traditional religious boundaries.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Martin Aronson is a writer and editor living in San Francisco. He studied theology, philosophy and history at Georgetown and Rutgers universities and received a Master's degree in Humanities from San Francisco State University. Over the past 25 years he has lived in several religious communities and studied several of the world's major spiritual traditions including-raoism, Christianity, Zen and Tibetan Buddhism and Sufism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Ulysses Press, Seastone (October 22, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569753199
• ISBN-13: 978-1569753194
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #474,491 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars DIFFERENT AND INSIGHTFUL, May 28, 2003

By 

W. P. Schaefer III "BILLIII" (BERWYN, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jesus and Lao Tzu: The Parallel Sayings (Hardcover)

I strongly recommend this book to those who are interested in
or involved with Christian, Jewish, and/or Tao outlooks.

The author and editor take the position that Jesus and Lao Tzu
represented 2 separate philosophical disciplines that branched
from the same originating river (GOD). This is,to my way of
thinking, quite extraordinary,considering the vast differences
of East and West histories and cultures, and communication.

It's too bad that this book is not in more people's hands

(and lives!). You get 3 basic things from the book:

1) An excellent overview of Jesus' and Lao Tzu's teachings,
and how they relected on each others', as presented
in the preface.

2) A breakdown of all the teachings into 9 catagories;
1 catagory per chapter. Each chapter comprises many paired
quotes from each teacher; you be the judge to just how similar
they are to each other.

3) A Commentary section following the 9 chapters/topics
that is well worth having all by itself. Tremendous insight,
backed up by the referred to precious chapters.

If all the above isn't enough, and it is, the binding
ends with a fine list of recommended books for furthur
study.

Again, if you are a serious Jew, Christian or Taoist
(or seeker of deeper meaning in life) I think you should
have this as one of your key reference books.

P.S. Jesus' sayings in the book are just Jesus' sayings
alone, not mixed up with what disciples and clergy added
to the Gospel from their vantage points.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Helps understanding between Taoism and Christianity, May 6, 2002

By 

Heather "zubzubzub" (OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jesus and Lao Tzu: The Parallel Sayings (Hardcover)

Of corse all Taoists in America and Europe are influanced or affected by Christianity... it is woven into the fabric of our society. This is why is is good for a Taoist to read this book. It will bring him/her some "comfort" with regard to Christianity, and help them to understand the nature of Jesus, thus, understand more about their Christian neighbor.

"Liberal" Christians will probably enjoy this book as well... and may even begin to regard Lao Tzu as a bit of a prophet :)
I would recomend it as a gift from Taoist to Chrisian or Christian to Taoist.... NOT as a "conversion" tool, but as a tool for mutual understanding.

Although I enjoyed seeing the parallels... I thought that some of the sayings did not really match very well as far as their actual meanings, also I was suprised by some of the verses that were *not* included... there are some better verses that show the simular intents of Lau Tzu and Jesus than some of the ones chosen by the Author.
One might do better to read the Tao Te Ching and the "words in red" of the new testiment for his/herself! However, if you can't be bothered to do that, this book is a nice quick referance and a nice teaching tool.

I wish there was a Lao Tzu and Muhammad book.. I'd like to see what would be made of that! :)

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun and interesting parable book, February 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Jesus and Lao Tzu: The Parallel Sayings (Hardcover)

This book is loaded with thought-provoking parables of life that could interest people of any religion. These life parables are universal and quite entertaining. Definitely not a heavy read --easy to pick up and set down anytime. One page has a sentence from Jesus and the opposite page has Lao Tzu's version. Seems good for teaching.