Book Circle Discussion Recap: April 26, 2025

On April 26, the USCCA Book Circle discussed pages 59-76 of John C. H. Wu's book, Christian Spirituality and Chinese Humanism. This was the first part of Wu's chapter entitled "The Wisdom of Chuang Tzu: A New Appraisal." Discussion participants wrestled with the often lighthearted and paradoxical insights of the ancient sage of Daoism, Chuang Tzu.

Image from Angelico Press

Particularly thought-provoking was the idea of the Dao as beyond the limits of verbal expression and dualistic thinking. Dialogue among friends in the USCCA Book Circle drew connections with Eastern Orthodox theology, philosophical trends of the Eastern and Western hemispheres, Buddhist warnings against idolatry, and the deep interconnectedness of all things.

The notion of interconnectedness also brought to mind Pope Francis' statement in Laudato si that "everything is interconnected." Indeed, in the wake of Pope Francis' recent passing, Chuang Tzu's consoling reflections on death and dying resonated with a number of Book Circle participants:

The Great Cosmos, having in the past clothed me with a body, charged me with the strenuous task of living, and blessed me with a peaceful old age, is now resting me with death. That which has taken such good care of my life will certainly take good care of my death. (p. 75)

Through dialogues on mortality and parables such as the Happiness of Fish (see video below), John C. H. Wu's account of Chuang Tzu gave the USCCA Book Circle plenty to think about in April.

The Next USCCA Book Circle Discussion will be held on May 24, 2025. For more information, we invite you to subscribe to email updates from the USCCA Book Circle.

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