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Restoration: BFG Handbook Chapter 16 Igniting the New Evangelization
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Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-16-restoration/
What happens when Eastern philosophy meets Christian thought? In this fascinating deep dive, we explore Chapter 16 of the BFG Handbook—a Christian edition of the Tao Te Ching—to unpack the concept of spiritual restoration as a journey back to God.
At the heart of this exploration is the powerful idea of "emptiness" reimagined through a Christian lens. Rather than a void, emptiness becomes the deliberate clearing away of distractions to create space for God's presence—like decluttering your house not for an empty home, but to make room for what truly matters. This connects beautifully with Philippians 2:5-8 about having the mind of Christ through humility and surrender.
We break down the chapter's innovative MAP framework—Mindset, Aim, and Practice—that transforms abstract spiritual concepts into a livable pathway. Starting with cultivating inner stillness and clarity (echoing Psalm 46:10), we examine how our beliefs shape our intentions, which then drive our actions in a holistic approach to spiritual growth. The progression from understanding life's cycles to seeking divine wisdom, from practicing impartiality to experiencing unity with God, creates a comprehensive roadmap for spiritual renewal.
Perhaps most compelling is the chapter's exploration of how these principles resonate across diverse faith traditions. The quest for inner stillness appears in Christianity through contemplative prayer, in Buddhism through meditation, in Islam through surrender to Allah, and in Hinduism through dhyana. As St. Thomas Aquinas observed, "Truth cannot contradict truth"—a powerful reminder that despite different expressions, religions often point to similar fundamental truths about our relationship with the divine.
Take time to reflect on how embracing stillness and an eternal perspective might transform your daily decisions and interactions. How might seeing yourself as "dead but eternally alive in the Son of God" shift the way you navigate life's challenges?
Chapter 16: Restoration
Be clear minded to attain emptiness a
Hold firm to the stillness
The rising and falling of all things will end b
I bear witness to their return c
All comes from dust, and to dust all shall return d
Returning is achieving perfect stillness b
Stillness is returning to the nature of God b
Returning to the nature of God is the Eternal e
Knowing the Eternal is insight f
Not knowing the never-changing leads to misfortune
Knowing the never-changing embraces all
Embracing all is impartiality
Impartiality is an attribute of sovereignty g
And sovereignty is of Heaven
He who is of Heaven is One with God h
He who is One with God is Eternal e
Count yourself dead but eternally alive in the Son of God i
a Zechariah 2:10-13; Philippians 2:5-8; b 1 Peter 4:7; Revelation 21:1-8; Luke 2:34-35; c Ezra 1:3; John 11:25; John 3:5-8; d Ecclesiastes 3:20-21; e John 1:1-2;
Chapters
1. Introduction to Restoration (00:00:00)
2. Understanding Emptiness and Stillness (00:05:15)
3. Mindset: The Foundation for Spiritual Growth (00:09:31)
4. Aim: Setting Intentions for Transformation (00:16:19)
5. Practice: Putting Faith into Action (00:20:17)
6. Finding Common Ground Across Faith Traditions (00:23:30)
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