In the Beginning was the Tao...

If you are shocked by the title of this post, you are probably experiencing the same shock I felt when I read John 1:1 in Chinese one morning during my quiet time.

In the Chinese translation of John 1, the Greek word logos (λόγος), which is translated the "Word" in English, is translated "道" (dào in pinyin, or the anglicised "Tao") in Chinese.

Thus, John 1:1 reads:

太初有道，道与神同在，道就是神 。

In the beginning was the Tao, and the Tao was with God, and the Tao was God.

The word "道" has multiple meanings in Chinese. It could refer to a way (such as a road or path or a method of doing things), or a doctrine or principle. Many would be familiar with the use of the term Tao in Taoism. 

Logos (λόγος), in Greek philosophy and theology, refers to the divine reason implicit in the cosmos, ordering it and giving it form and meaning. This is the term that John used to refer to Jesus Christ, as the logos.

The depth and complexity of the term Tao truly illuminates who Jesus Christ is. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." (“我就是道路、真理、生命。”) (John 14:6a)

Jesus is the 'Logos' or the 'Tao' of God. He is not just the overarching principle of the cosmos, but the way to live and the way to eternal life.