Restoration: BFG Handbook Chapter 16 Igniting the New Evangelization

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: RestorationBe clear minded to attain emptiness aHold firm to the stillness The rising and falling of all things will end bI bear witness to their return cAll comes from dust, and to dust all shall return dReturning is achieving perfect stillness bStillness is returning to the nature of God b Returning to the nature of God is the Eternal eKnowing the Eternal is insight fNot knowing the never-changing leads to misfortune Knowing the never-changing embraces all Embracing all is impartiality Impartiality is an attribute of sovereignty gAnd sovereignty is of Heaven He who is of Heaven is One with God hHe who is One with God is Eternal eCount yourself dead but eternally alive in the Son of God ia 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; John 13:1-3; Contact us at [email protected]