The Gourd and the Cross: Daoism and Christianity in Dialogue - Softcover

Kim, Sung-hae

9781931483285: The Gourd and the Cross: Daoism and Christianity in Dialogue

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1931483280 ISBN 13: 9781931483285

Publisher: Three Pines Press, 2014

The Gourd and the Cross goes back to an actual dialogue, first published in Korean in 2003. Reflecting highly personal understanding and exploration, it correlates Dao and the reign of God, compares Jesus and the sage of the Daode jing, and matches ideas of freedom in the Zhuangzi and the New Testament. It also establishes a dialogue between Daoist mind-fasting and Christian unknowing, examines concepts of Eastern immortality versus Western egalitarianism, and discusses visions of nature and humanity in the two religions, both traditionally and in terms of modern ecology. It concludes with an exploration of the interaction of Daoism and Christianity in Korean folk piety. Breaking exciting new ground, it brings Daoism to the fore in the growing field of interreligious dialogue. A must for anyone concerned with the changing face of religion and its impact in the con-temporary world.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

Sung-hae Kim, a Catholic nun since 1965, earned her doctorate in Theology at Harvard University in 1981. After that, she served as professor of Chinese religion at Sogang University in Seoul until 2006, writing and editing twelve books as well as numerous articles and presentations in the field of Daoist Studies. Since her retirement, she has worked as the general councilor of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Chicago.

Review:

This book provides a first blueprint on the dialogue between Christianity and Daoism. It is a ground-breaking, scholarly study, based on academic skills and experiential knowledge. Sister Kim moves freely between the traditions and builds extensive bridges of understanding. She invites readers to ruminate upon the unique sources of spiritual wisdom found within both traditions without undermining their clear theological differences. A must for anyone concerned with spirituality today. --Cristobal Serran-Pagan, Valdosta University

What can Daoism contribute to Christianity? This book richly answers this question. A Catholic nun and Korean Daoist scholar, she shares her intrepid thirty-year exploration of the Daoist world and offers new dimensions of understanding the godhead, Jesus, the world, the human condition, prayer, and piety from a Daoist perspective. Kim presents an excellent demonstration how a Christian can read across traditions and find that the cross-reading can both reinforce and challenge familiar beliefs. Daoist scholars will find surprising new avenues for dialogue; Christians will see their faith anew. A very successful venture! --Bede Benjamin Bidlack, St. Anselm College

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.