Book Circle Recap: August 23, 2025
- USCCA Digital Communications Coordinator
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
On August 23, the USCCA Book Circle discussed pages 95–120 of John C. H. Wu's book, Chinese Humanism and Christian Spirituality. This encompassed the chapter entitled "St. Thérèse and Lao Tzu: A Study in Comparative Mysticism."
During this Book Circle discussion, 16 participants reflected on John C. H. Wu's comparison between Lao Tzu and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. The depth of insights in the writings of these figures challenged participants to consider the paradox of humility as a kind of greatness, bringing to mind biblical passages such as Matthew 23:11 ("The greatest among you will be your servant"). Striking similarities between the teachings of Lao Tzu and the writings of St. Thérèse prompted discussion about similarities in religious experience across cultural divides.
Indeed, the role of mystical experience in spiritual growth was another major theme raised by St. Thérèse and Lao Tzu in the course of this recent discussion. Participants remarked on the limitations of language in its attempts to articulate transcendent truths; conversation also developed around the wisdom of simplicity in our increasingly complex world. Even as accustomed as we are to sophistication and complexity in our daily lives, several participants remarked upon the striking ability of people to develop the wisdom of simplicity in the right circumstances.
If you have not yet joined us for a Book Circle discussion, please sign up for Book Circle email updates today and invite your friends to do the same! The Book Circle has been reading John C. H. Wu's Chinese Humanism and Christian Spirituality, available from Angelico Press for 15% off with the discount code wu15.
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