Interview with author Doruk Cansev

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

#Society #Religion #Christianity #Philosophy #China #Corey Farr #Tao Te Ching #Faith #Spiritual Beings #Taoism #Eastern #Jesus #Bible #Tao #Chinese

46:53

Ep. 47 – Ticketing Chaos Explained: Bots, Brokers & Bold Claims with Joel Schwartz What do Donald Trump, Kid Rock, and a 200% ticket guarantee have in common? They’re all part of the chaotic, misunderstood world of live event ticketing—and veteran ticket broker, founding member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) and attorney, Joel Schwartz is here to discuss the current executive order and how it affects ticket brokers and fans. In this high-impact episode, we sit down with one of the original voices in ticket resale to break down what’s really driving the headlines. From political theater to pricing transparency, Schwartz shares insider stories from decades in the game—starting with Lions games in the '70s and stretching all the way to Super Bowl holdbacks, Taylor Swift meltdowns, and FTC policy shifts. In this episode, you'll learn: Why bots aren’t the real problem—and who actually is How “dynamic pricing” impact fans, travel planners, and the entire resale market What the new executive orders and pricing laws could mean for concerts, sports, and festivals How fans, brokers, and platforms can navigate an increasingly complex and competitive marketplace Whether you're a travel professional, ticketing insider, or just a fan tired of hidden fees and vanishing inventory, this episode delivers clarity, context, and a dose of hard truth. Follow us at @Tix2TravelPod on all platforms and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. www.tttpod.com www.xpotravel.com…

3 years ago 54:19

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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.

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Interview with author Doruk Cansev

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

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published 3 years ago

MP3•Episode home

Support the show

84 episodes

#Society #Religion #Christianity #Philosophy #China #Corey Farr #Tao Te Ching #Faith #Spiritual Beings #Taoism #Eastern #Jesus #Bible #Tao #Chinese

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A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Want to help? Support my ministry (and cover hosting fees) at Buy Me a Coffee! :) 2:19

3 years ago2:19

2:19

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…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
In conclusion... (chapter 81) 46:02

3 years ago46:02

46:02

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 learning 2. Using too many words 3. The selfless ideal See more and contact me at www.coreyfarr.com Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Minimalism and the Taoist utopia (chapter 80) 37:52

3 years ago37:52

37:52

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 desires 3. A clarification - is this chapter really idolizing a boring, antisocial life? See more at www.coreyfarr.com Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Peace is worth the risk (chapter 79) 25:55

3 years ago25:55

25:55

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 way 2. Peace is worth the risk - Christ as the ultimate example See more at www.coreyfarr.com Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
The "Robin Hood" Tao 41:30

3 years ago41:30

41:30

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 lives 2. The "Robin Hood effect" - taking from the rich and giving to the poor 3. Lao Tzu's static equilibrium versus Christ's redemptive restoration Here's the blog entry I quote from: https://www.coreyfarr.com/post/extreme-makeover-eden-edition Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

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The meek shall inherit the Earth 42:23

3 years ago42:23

42:23

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 strength 2. Adaptability as the key to life Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Greed - the "uniquely human problem" 29:55

3 years ago29:55

29:55

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 leadership 2. 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 money See more at www.coreyfarr.com Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Interview with author Doruk Cansev 54:19

3 years ago54:19

54:19

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Judgment and the death penalty (chapter 74) 36:22

4 years ago36:22

36:22

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 Claiborne 2. Fear and judgment in religion 3. Do not judge others See more at www.coreyfarr.com Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

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The seven spectra of a balanced life 43:02

4 years ago43:02

43:02

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=1 1. The Tao as DNA of the universe 2. 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 balanced 7. 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…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
"Fear not" - the danger of fear as a motivator 40:26

4 years ago40:26

40:26

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 unhealthy 2. 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-there See more at www.coreyfarr.com Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Know that you don't know! / Ecclesiastes as Taoist confession (chapter 71) 37:58

4 years ago37:58

37:58

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 stagnate 2. Social/relational knowledge in a world of information-overload, echo chambers, polarization, and confirmation bias 3. 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.com Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Too smart to understand (chapter 70) 40:11

4 years ago40:11

40:11

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.com Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Lao Tzu's war advice - and honoring the image of God in others (chapter 69) 35:08

4 years ago35:08

35:08

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 strategy 2. Losing the three jewels 3. Honoring the image of God in our "enemies" See more at www.coreyfarr.com Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Compassion conquers all (chapter 67) 32:54

4 years ago32:54

32:54

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 Jewels 2. Compassion as the source of bravery 3. Moderation as the source of generosity 4. Humility as the source of leadership See more at www.coreyfarr.com Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Leading from behind (chapters 66 and 68) 37:54

4 years ago37:54

37:54

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.com Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
I was sick! Back to normal next week 2:00

4 years ago2:00

2:00

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

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
The path of least resistance - the "great secret" to an effective life 41:30

4 years ago41:30

41:30

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 paradoxes 2. 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 life See more at www.coreyfarr.com Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
The good, the bad, and the sinful (chapter 62) 34:29

4 years ago34:29

34:29

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 bad Do not abandon a bad person (and what even IS a bad person?) Hopeful universalism - a great motivation to spread the love of Christ See more at www.coreyfarr.com Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Getting back to normal this week! 1:06

4 years ago1:06

1:06

Support the show

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Exclusive: What is the ultimate question? The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Buddha, and the Cross 38:33

4 years ago38:33

38:33

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…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

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Exclusive: Compare and contrast - the empty bowl/childlike faith in the TTC and the Gospels 33:08

4 years ago33:08

33:08

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…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

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Exclusive: The (misguided) pursuit of happiness 33:59

4 years ago33:59

33:59

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…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Summer update 5:07

4 years ago5:07

5:07

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…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
"Educated" or life-long learner? (chapter 65) 37:10

4 years ago37:10

37:10

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.com Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Getting in touch with our "masculine" side (chapter 64) 42:24

4 years ago42:24

42:24

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 cooperation 2. Active commitment -> transformation 3. "Confident humility" and self-awareness -> abundance of love Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Getting in touch with our "feminine" side (chapter 61) 39:43

4 years ago39:43

39:43

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 cooperation 2. Openness and receptivity -> transformation 3. Humility and self-aware selflessness -> abundance of love Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
Christian Anarchism (chapter 61) 36:20

4 years ago36:20

36:20

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.com Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
A Taoist Fish Fry - and the nature of good, evil, and the “ghosts” of our past that haunt us (chapter 60) 36:27

4 years ago36:27

36:27

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 leadership 2. "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 us See more at www.coreyfarr.com Support the show…

A Christian Reads the Tao te Ching

1
The myth of scarcity and the liturgy of abundance (chapters 58-59) 38:19

4 years ago38:19