Built For Greatness

The Mystical Word of God: BFG Handbook Chapter 35 (Finding Unity Across Faith Tradition)

Keith Season 1 Episode 35

Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-35-mystical-word-of-god/

What happens when ancient Eastern wisdom meets Christian theology? The answer lies in the fascinating spiritual terrain we explore in this episode focused on the "Mystical Word of God," Chapter 35 from the Built for God Movement.

We begin by unpacking this Christian interpretation of the Tao Te Ching, examining how it creates a framework for achieving global unity, lasting peace, and true spiritual fulfillment. The chapter's brilliant three-part structure—Restore, Renewal, and Respond—offers a systematic approach to spiritual growth that bridges contemplative wisdom with practical application.

At the heart of our conversation is the transformative MAP framework (Mindset, Aim, Practice) that guides spiritual development. We walk through six powerful mindset shifts that reshape how we view unity, peace, scripture, patience, spiritual sensitivity, and divine power. Each mindset naturally flows into actionable aims and specific practices, creating a comprehensive roadmap for spiritual transformation.

The most striking aspect of this teaching emerges in the final section where we discover remarkable parallels between Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Despite their different expressions, these traditions share profound insights about unity, divine presence, sacred wisdom, patience, inner guidance, and spiritual transformation. As St. Thomas Aquinas wisely noted, "Truth cannot contradict truth."

Our deep dive challenges listeners to look beyond religious differences to find common ground in shared wisdom. How might you apply these universal principles to build bridges in your community? What practices could help you cultivate deeper unity and peace? Join us as we explore how ancient spiritual teachings continue to offer timely guidance for our modern, divided world.

Ready to dive deeper into interfaith understanding? Subscribe and share this episode with someone who appreciates thoughtful spiritual exploration.

Contact us at info@builtforgreatness.com

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Speaker 1:

Today we're going to try to dive deep no pun intended into some pretty fascinating stuff. You brought some really cool excerpts for us to look at.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it's from Chapter 35, Mystical Word of God. It's called the Built for God Movement or BFG Movement.

Speaker 1:

BFG okay.

Speaker 2:

And it's presented as the Christian edition of the Tao Te Ching.

Speaker 1:

Interesting. So the Tao Te Ching for anyone who doesn't know is an ancient Chinese text and it's really all about, I guess you know, wisdom and living in harmony with the universe A Christian interpretation of that is. So in this deep dive we're going to try to get to the core, the heart of this chapter, really focusing on this concept of the mystical word of God and what that tells us about some pretty big things unity, peace and spiritual understanding.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, exactly.

Speaker 1:

We're going to try to do that without you know getting too bogged down in like super academic language, and really make it something that you know we can all connect with.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely yeah.

Speaker 1:

So where do we even begin with something like this and you've obviously had some time to look this over what's the overall message, the aim of this chapter?

Speaker 2:

Well, this chapter really aims to restore the truth that's a quote Restore the truth through a new expression of God's love. And we're going to see how it does that by kind of going through the structure. It moves from restore, which sets down the basic concepts, to renewal, which introduces a framework called MAP that stands for Mindset, aim and Practice, to really help us interpret the chapter. And finally we'll delve into Respond, which draws these really interesting parallels to similar ideas found in other religious traditions. So it's like a guided tour through some very thought-provoking territory.

Speaker 1:

Let's start at the beginning with Restore. What is the key message in that section that we should be paying attention to?

Speaker 2:

The big point they're making in Restore seems to be that receiving the Spirit of God is the key to achieving well. They talk about global unity. Wow, Lasting peace and true joy, Huge concept. It is and it contrasts those profound spiritual experiences with the fleeting pleasures the world offers, you know, enjoying music or a good meal.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so there's this real contrast between kind of worldly pleasures and spiritual fulfillment.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

And it's interesting because this chapter talks about how God's word can seem, you know, plain, or even hidden, right Like it's without a taste for life, but then, when it's actively engaged with its power, becomes like beyond measure.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it's powerful. It's a real paradox. It is a paradox, and then it uses a bunch of scripture references to back up these ideas.

Speaker 1:

Right, let's get into some of those.

Speaker 2:

Okay. So to talk about achieving global unity through the spirit, it points to 1 Corinthians, 12.1 to 31. That's where Paul talks about how the body of Christ is one entity made up of many diverse parts.

Speaker 1:

Right, so unity within diversity.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

Okay, and what about those other big ideas peace and joy, Scripture references does it use to support that?

Speaker 2:

Well, for that it references 1 John 5.18. And then, kind of out of left field, it references Exodus 32.121.

Speaker 1:

Exodus. So that's the story of the golden calf right.

Speaker 2:

You got it.

Speaker 1:

But what does that have to do with anything?

Speaker 2:

That story is a great illustration of the fleeting nature of worldly satisfaction. Okay, remember, the Israelites turned to a physical idol for that instant gratification, but it had terrible consequences.

Speaker 1:

Right, it didn't end well.

Speaker 2:

Not at all.

Speaker 1:

So it's kind of like a warning against chasing after those temporary external things.

Speaker 2:

Precisely True fulfillment comes from something deeper.

Speaker 1:

Okay, I'm starting to see the connection now.

Speaker 2:

Right, they're about how the understanding of God's kingdom is revealed to some, but not others.

Speaker 1:

So what's the message there? What are they trying to tell us?

Speaker 2:

That, even though the word of God is out there for anyone to find, its deeper truths aren't always clear right away.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, it takes some effort to really understand it.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it requires openness, you know, a genuine desire to learn and grow to truly get its meaning.

Speaker 1:

So there's a kind of spiritual discernment involved.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, you have to be ready to receive it.

Speaker 1:

Okay. So to recap, restore sets the stage by showing us the path to unity and peace through God's spirit.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

And then it contrasts that with you know, chasing after worldly pleasures, Right. And then it talks about this kind of hidden but powerful nature of God's word.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. It lays the groundwork for what comes next.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so now we move on to renewal, which you mentioned uses this framework. They call the Trinitarian Method, map.

Speaker 2:

Yes, Mindset, aim and practice.

Speaker 1:

So let's start with mindset.

Speaker 2:

All right. So renewal is where this chapter takes those foundational concepts from restore and starts to make them personal. It gives you a way to apply them Right.

Speaker 1:

Make them relevant to our own lives.

Speaker 2:

Exactly so. The first mindset shift is unity through the spirit of God. Okay, and it takes this idea from the line, for the world will come together as one. No-transcript Right. The shift here is about being open and recognizing that we're all part of God's creation. Okay, it's about moving past superficial differences.

Speaker 1:

Right, seeing the divine spark in everyone. It says we should approach each interaction with this mindset of unity.

Speaker 2:

That's a great idea.

Speaker 1:

So really trying to understand each other and work towards reconciliation when there's conflict.

Speaker 2:

About oneness and faith.

Speaker 1:

Right, okay. So that's the first mindset shift. What's the next one?

Speaker 2:

The second one builds on that outward focus and turns it inward a little bit. Okay, it's peace and joy in God's presence. All right and they get that from the line, but we'll find peace and joy.

Speaker 1:

I see, so this one is about finding peace within.

Speaker 2:

It encourages us to see that true peace and joy they don't come from things happening around us, but from our relationship with God.

Speaker 1:

It's about that interconnection.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

So how do we actually do that? How do we cultivate that inner peace?

Speaker 2:

They suggest things like reflection and gratitude, to keep us grounded in that inner peace.

Speaker 1:

Practices that help us connect with God on a deeper level right and the scriptures they give for this are john 14.27. Philippians 4.7 all super powerful reminders of the peace and hope we can find in god. Okay, so that's the second mindset shift. What about the third one?

Speaker 2:

the third one shifts our focus to the incomparable worth of the word of god, and they connect it to that line about the word sounding plain okay, so it's not about ignoring the Bible or anything like that. No, not at all.

Speaker 1:

It's more about recognizing its true value.

Speaker 2:

Right. This shift encourages us to approach it with a real hunger.

Speaker 1:

Like we're craving spiritual nourishment.

Speaker 2:

Exactly To see it as essential.

Speaker 1:

So we should be reading it not just out of habit, but with real intention.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, to really savor the wisdom within those pages.

Speaker 1:

And to actually apply it to our lives.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and the verses they suggest are Matthew 4.4, hebrews 4.12, and Psalm 119.

Speaker 1:

Okay, those all really highlight the power and importance of God's word. All right on to mindset number four. What is it?

Speaker 2:

Seek God with humility and patience.

Speaker 1:

Humility and patience. Those are important, for sure.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, and they get this from the line. When you look for it, it is hidden.

Speaker 1:

So it's about understanding that finding God isn't always easy or instant.

Speaker 2:

This shift reminds us that it's a journey.

Speaker 1:

And it requires trust in his timing.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Sometimes we need to be patient and keep seeking, even when it feels like he's not there. But the scriptures for this one Isaiah 55.8-9, proverbs 3.56, and Jeremiah 29.13, remind us that God's ways are higher than ours.

Speaker 1:

Right. So we need to trust in his plan, even if we don't understand it Exactly. Okay, so what's the next mindset shift?

Speaker 2:

The fifth one is the subtle power of God's spirit. Subtle power, yeah. They connect it with the line. When you listen to it, it is silent. This is about being attuned to those quieter ways God works in our lives.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so it's not always these big dramatic events.

Speaker 2:

No, sometimes it's the gentle nudges the whispers in our hearts.

Speaker 1:

So we need to be paying attention to those small signs.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, really tuning into that inner voice.

Speaker 1:

And they suggest taking time for quiet reflection to try and hear that voice.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and they reference Psalm 46.10 and John 10.27.

Speaker 1:

Those verses that talk about God's still small voice.

Speaker 2:

Exactly the idea that he's always speaking, if we just listen.

Speaker 1:

Okay, one more mindset to go.

Speaker 2:

Yes, the final one is the infinite power of God's word.

Speaker 1:

That's a powerful statement.

Speaker 2:

It is, it comes from the line, yet when used, it is beyond measure.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so this one is about actually using the Bible right.

Speaker 2:

It encourages us to see it not just as a source of information, but as a force for change right, something that can actually transform our lives. Exactly so. It's about applying the teachings, letting them shape how we live, and the related verses are isaiah 55, hebrews 4.12 and jeremiah 23.29 and those all really emphasize that active, powerful nature of god's word they do. So you can see how this whole mindset section really builds on those broad themes from Restore.

Speaker 1:

It does. It's like taking those principles and making them personal.

Speaker 2:

Exactly Laying the groundwork for how we interact with the world.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so we've established the right mindset. Now how do those ways of thinking translate into action?

Speaker 2:

That's where the aim section comes in.

Speaker 1:

Right. So aim is about what we set out to do.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. It gives you six aims that flow naturally from the mindsets okay, so let's go through those the first aim is pursue unity through the spirit okay, makes sense this one emphasizes the importance of actively working to bring people together okay so, like the application suggests, you know looking for opportunities for reconciliation and trying to promote peace, and how you interact with others.

Speaker 1:

Right. So it's about putting that unity mindset into practice.

Speaker 2:

Exactly and again they use the same scripture references John 17.21, ephesians 4.3, colossians 3.14.

Speaker 1:

Okay, what about the second aim?

Speaker 2:

The second aim is seek peace and joy in God's presence.

Speaker 1:

Makes sense following from that peace and joy mindset.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, this one's about making sure you're looking after your own spiritual well-being.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

You know agilely nurturing your relationship with God.

Speaker 1:

So it's about incorporating spiritual practices into your daily routine.

Speaker 2:

Exactly Things like prayer, meditation, spending time in nature.

Speaker 1:

Right, whatever helps you connect with God.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

Okay, what about the third aim?

Speaker 2:

The third aim is honor and apply the Word of God.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so this one's about taking the Bible seriously.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it stresses the importance of not just reading it, but letting its teachings guide your actions.

Speaker 1:

Right living it out in your daily life Exactly.

Speaker 2:

So the application suggests dedicating time for reflective reading.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

And really thinking about how you can put those principles into practice.

Speaker 1:

So it's not just about knowledge, but about action.

Speaker 2:

Right, it's about transformation.

Speaker 1:

Okay, what about the fourth aim?

Speaker 2:

The fourth aim is embrace patience in the process of God's will.

Speaker 1:

Patience, that's a hard one sometimes.

Speaker 2:

It is, but it's so important. This aim encourages us to trust God's timing.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Even when things feel unclear or we want answers right away.

Speaker 1:

Right, so it's about surrendering control.

Speaker 2:

Exactly and being okay with not always knowing the whole picture.

Speaker 1:

So how do we practice patience, especially when we're struggling?

Speaker 2:

They suggest making a conscious effort to listen for God's guidance in quiet moments.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

And to really trust that he has a plan, even if we can't see it yet.

Speaker 1:

That makes sense. What about the fifth aim?

Speaker 2:

The fifth aim is cultivate sensitivity to the holy spirit's voice cultivating sensitivity, okay, yeah this one encourages us to be aware of those inner prompts, those whispers of the spirit right those gut feelings that we sometimes ignore exactly so. It's about setting aside quiet time to really listen, okay, and being open to hearing that guidance so it's about creating space for the spirit to speak, precisely okay.

Speaker 1:

Last aim what is it?

Speaker 2:

the final aim is trust in the power of god's word trust in its power yeah, this one encourages us to actively rely on scripture okay for guidance and strength so not just reading it, but really letting it shape our lives. Exactly, and the application suggests turning to scripture when you're facing challenges, even memorizing verses that really resonate with you.

Speaker 1:

That's a good idea.

Speaker 2:

So you can see that progression from mindset to aim.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, it's like taking those inner beliefs and translating them into concrete goals.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so we've covered mindset and aim. What's the final piece of this renewal framework?

Speaker 2:

it's practice practice okay this is where it takes those aims and gives you specific actions you can take to make them real okay, so let's dive into those practices all right. So for pursuing unity through the spirit, the practice is fostering unity and peace through the spirit. Okay, this one really emphasizes acting in ways that heal divisions and bring people together.

Speaker 1:

So what does that look like practically?

Speaker 2:

Well, the application suggests practicing active listening and trying to cultivate empathy when you interact with people.

Speaker 1:

Okay, those are really important skills.

Speaker 2:

They are especially in a dized world.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, for sure. What about the practice for seeking lasting peace and joy in God?

Speaker 2:

it's pretty straightforward seeking lasting peace and joy in God. Okay, this one's about making spiritual disciplines a regular part of your life so things like prayer and meditation yeah, those are great examples, but it also suggests focusing on the positive okay not letting the tough stuff completely take over.

Speaker 1:

Right, maintaining that inner balance.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

All right. What about the practice for honoring and applying the Word of God?

Speaker 2:

The practice is reverencing the Word of God. Above all, it means approaching the Bible with deep respect.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

And a sincere desire to be transformed by its message.

Speaker 1:

So how do we actually reverence the Word?

Speaker 2:

They suggest actively looking for ways to apply its teachings to your decisions, to your actions.

Speaker 1:

So it's not just about passively reading, but about actively engaging.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

Okay, what about the practice for embracing patience in the process of God's will?

Speaker 2:

The practice is cultivating humility and patience in our spiritual journey.

Speaker 1:

So it's about accepting that we don't have all the answers.

Speaker 2:

Right. It acknowledges that our understanding is limited and that God's plan might unfold in ways we don't expect.

Speaker 1:

So we need to be humble and trust in his timing.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and the application encourages us to listen for God's guidance in quiet moments and to believe that he's working things out even when we can't see it.

Speaker 1:

That's a really important reminder.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

What about the practice for cultivating sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's voice?

Speaker 2:

The practice is practicing attentiveness to the subtle promptings of the Spirit. It's about developing your ability to hear those quiet nudges.

Speaker 1:

Okay, those little whispers of intuition.

Speaker 2:

Right and to trust them. So the application encourages you to create regular quiet time to just be still and listen with an open heart.

Speaker 1:

That makes sense. What about the final practice?

Speaker 2:

The final practice is trusting the infinite power of God's Word.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so it's about actually using the Bible as a guide right, believing in its power to transform your life so how do we put that into practice?

Speaker 2:

they suggest turning to scripture when you're facing challenges and making an effort to memorize verses that really speak to you that's a great way to keep those words close at hand it is. So you can see how intentional this whole map framework is I do.

Speaker 1:

it's a very clear step-by-step approach to spiritual growth. Okay, we've covered a lot of ground here, so now we move to the last part of this excerpt. Respond.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

This is where it gets really interesting.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, tell me more about it.

Speaker 1:

Well, it talks about how this renewal process you know the mindset, aim, practice, all of that empowers us to respond to a call to holiness.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

But then it also encourages interfaith dialogue. Yeah, it's about finding common ground with people of other faiths.

Speaker 2:

How does it do that?

Speaker 1:

It looks at those six key themes we've been discussing.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

And identifies parallel teachings in other religious traditions like Christianity, islam, buddhism and Hinduism.

Speaker 2:

So it's about highlighting the shared wisdom across different faiths exactly. It's really broadening the perspective okay, I'm really interested to hear more about this all right.

Speaker 1:

Well, let's start with the first theme unity and oneness of all people okay for this one. It references John 17.2, one from Christianity okay. Quran 49.13 from Islam.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

A teaching from the Dhammapada in Buddhism Okay and Bhagavad Gita 5.1. Eid from Hinduism.

Speaker 2:

Wow, that's a diverse range of sources. It is.

Speaker 1:

And then it explains how these different verses all point to the same basic idea that we all come from the same source.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

And that we're all interconnected.

Speaker 2:

So we should be living in harmony with each other. That's a powerful message.

Speaker 1:

And then the chapter gives us a real world application for this theme.

Speaker 2:

Okay, what's that?

Speaker 1:

It says we should try to understand and connect with people from different backgrounds and really practice empathy and tolerance.

Speaker 2:

So it's about building bridges instead of walls.

Speaker 1:

Exactly.

Speaker 2:

It's about finding common ground despite our differences. Okay, so for each theme it finds parallel teachings in different religions.

Speaker 1:

Right, and then it gives us a practical way to apply that understanding to our lives. That's really cool so let's go through the other themes quickly.

Speaker 2:

Okay, sounds good.

Speaker 1:

The second theme is peace and joy found in divine presence.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

For that it draws from Philippians 4.7, quran 13.28, teachings of the Buddha and Bhagavad Ggita, 15.9 so it's about finding inner peace through our connection with the divine exactly, and the application encourages us to practice things like prayer and meditation to cultivate that inner peace okay, that makes sense.

Speaker 2:

What about the third theme?

Speaker 1:

the third theme is living by the divine word living by the divine word okay this one emphasizes that spiritual teachings aren't just meant to be studied, but to be lived out so it's about putting those teachings into action exactly and the chapter compares john 6.63, quran 41.44, a buddhist principle, and bhagavad-gita 9.22, to illustrate that.

Speaker 2:

Okay, so we're not just supposed to know the words, but to embody them.

Speaker 1:

Exactly.

Speaker 2:

What about the fourth theme?

Speaker 1:

The fourth theme is patience and trust in divine timing.

Speaker 2:

Patience, and trust okay.

Speaker 1:

This one emphasizes surrendering to a higher plan.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

And trusting that things will unfold in their own time.

Speaker 2:

So it's about letting go of our need for control. Right and having faith that God's timing is perfect and they find parallels for this in Isaiah 55.8 to 9, quran 2.286 a Buddhist teaching and bhagavad-gita 2.47 okay, so this idea of divine timing is found in many different traditions yeah, it seems to be a universal concept what about the fifth theme?

Speaker 1:

the fifth theme is listening to the inner guidance of the divine listening to, to inner guidance, okay. This one emphasizes the importance of inner stillness and reflection to hear that divine voice within.

Speaker 2:

So it's about cultivating our intuition connection to the divine within us.

Speaker 1:

Exactly and the chapter connects 1 Kings 19.1, quran 94.56, a Buddhist concept and Bhagavad Gita 9.22, to this theme.

Speaker 2:

So it's about quieting the mind to hear that still small voice.

Speaker 1:

Exactly.

Speaker 2:

What about the last theme?

Speaker 1:

Okay, the final theme is the transformative power of divine word.

Speaker 2:

The transformative power of words.

Speaker 1:

This one highlights the inherent power of sacred words to bring about real change in our lives.

Speaker 2:

So it's about the power of prayer, scripture and meditation.

Speaker 1:

Right, and the chapter points to Hebrews, 4.12, quran 41.44, a Buddhist teaching, and Bhagavad Gita, 9.22, as examples of this.

Speaker 2:

Okay, so the idea is that these words carry a real spiritual energy.

Speaker 1:

Right and that we can tap into that energy to transform ourselves and the world around us. That's powerful. It is and to really drive home the points, the chapter ends with a quote from St Thomas Aquinas.

Speaker 2:

What does he say?

Speaker 1:

He says truth cannot contradict truth.

Speaker 2:

That's a good one.

Speaker 1:

It is. It really encapsulates this whole idea that there's an underlying unity in all these different spiritual traditions.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. Despite their surface differences, they all point to the same fundamental truths.

Speaker 1:

Exactly.

Speaker 2:

So, when we put it all together, what can we say about this Christian edition of the Tao Te Ching?

Speaker 1:

Well, it definitely offers a unique perspective on spiritual growth.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

It starts with a core understanding in restore.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

Then it guides us through this intentional process of renewal, focusing on our mindset, aims and practices Right, and then it culminates in this outward response of respond.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

Where we're encouraged to see the connections between different faiths.

Speaker 2:

So it's both personal and universal.

Speaker 1:

Exactly. It's about inner transformation and also about building bridges between people and the key insights as I see them, and also about building bridges between people.

Speaker 2:

And the key insights as I see them really center around unity and peace, the power of divine wisdom, the importance of patience and the potential for transformation.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, those are definitely themes that run throughout the chapter.

Speaker 2:

And that interfaith element in respond is really interesting.

Speaker 1:

It is. It really speaks to the heart of what this deep dive is all about.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, exploring different perspectives and finding common ground Exactly so I guess the question for our listeners is how can you apply these ideas in your own life? Yeah, how can you seek out shared wisdom in different traditions?

Speaker 1:

And use it to promote unity and peace in your own corner of the world.

Speaker 2:

It's definitely something to think about.

Speaker 1:

Well, this has been a truly fascinating deep dive. We encourage you to explore the BFG movement further if you're interested. Thanks for joining us today.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, thanks for having me.

Speaker 1:

And until next time, keep diving deep.