Good Book - A Biblical Approach to Chinese Traditions and Beliefs (New Edition) by Daniel Tong - Reviewed by ERChin

 It has taken me months and months, since October 2023, I kid you not, to read through this book.  It's NOT because it's boring but rather that there's so much to absorb and understand.  I took breaks and came back to it.  This doesn't necessarily mean this approach to the book would be the same for others.  I really wanted to take the time to digest it.

Whether or not a reader is Chinese, I believe it is good to delve into the culture, traditions and beliefs of the Chinese especially when these practices intersect with other ethnic groups, namely those of us who know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

I feel Daniel Tong has given wonderful insight and counsel and I really like how he sectioned each new aspect.  For instance, he writes about the actual practice, say of the various Chinese Festivals.  He gives the mythological basis and historical significance behind them.  Then he lands the reader onto the Bible.  He'll give comment on the Biblical approach and even a Christian alternative for celebrating said festival.  Or, the martial art practices of Gong Fu and Taiji Guan.  Tong states the principles and beliefs undergirding the practices; the biblical approach and even a Christain alternative that can still promote the better health and balance that are statisically stated as benefits of Taiji Guan.

Having lived among Chinese folks for the better part of my life, I am really pleased and satisfied with what author Tong has had to say.  I found his many explanations have satisfactorily answered many of my western and Christian thinking, wonderings and questioning in a more concrete way.

I beleive that Daniel Tong is sincerely basing his statements on thorough research as he says he does and also, most importantly squarely on God's Word, having allowed the Holy Spirit to speak to Him and teach him.  

I'm very thankful to have been able to read this book and feel that other potential readers would be helped too, in sorting out what is cultural and traditional vs what of those ethnic practices involving religious aspects that a believer in Jesus Christ should relinquish when they choose to follow Jesus and live to please Him, first and foremost.

May God bless all who read this book and take it to heart.

                                                     ~ ERC   April 2025 ~

Read review on Goodreads.