“Eternity in Their Hearts”
(1981)
By Don Richardson
A Powerful and Exciting Discovery for all of China
What is “Eternity in Their Hearts”? Throughout Our World’s Ancient and Modern Cultures? Does He not sound very much like El Shaddai in the Hebrew Bible?
The deeper you get into this study, the more exciting it becomes.
It would be my pleasure to provide you with an extended synopsis of “Eternity in Their Hearts” by Don Richardson:
Introduction
In “Eternity in Their Hearts,” Don Richardson explores the idea that God has revealed Himself to all cultures throughout history, and that many cultures have retained echoes of this revelation in their myths, legends, and traditions. In other words, God has chosen to supernaturally, and prophetically, provide in every culture a Key, that will unlock the Door of the Kingdom of God, that will make perfect sense to every individual, family, community, tongue, tribe, and nation, if those who seek it, will open their eyes, unblock their ears, and soften their hard heads, and hard hearts in order to receive it. If you want to know what my specific key was: Just ask. (~Brother Thomas)
The Concept of “Redemptive Analogies”
Richardson introduces the concept of “redemptive analogies,” which refers to the ways in which God has prepared cultures to receive the gospel by implanting truths and symbols that point to the coming of Jesus Christ. He argues that these analogies can be found in cultures all around the world.
Just a Examples from Various Cultures
Richardson provides numerous examples from various cultures, including:
The Tai Chi: A Symbol of Harmony
“In ancient Chinese culture, the Tai Chi symbolized the harmony and balance that can only be found in God… The Tai Chi is a circle with two interconnected spirals, one black and one white, representing the union of opposites… Yin and yang, male and female, good and evil – all are reconciled in the Tai Chi… This symbol is a powerful redemptive analogy, pointing to the ultimate harmony and balance that can only be found in Jesus Christ… Just as the Tai Chi represents the union of opposites, so Jesus Christ reconciles the ultimate opposites – God and humanity, heaven and earth… The Tai Chi is a reminder that God has been preparing the Chinese people for the gospel, implanting in their culture a symbol that points to the very heart of Christianity.”
(Chapter 5, “Eternity in Their Hearts”)
In this excerpt, Richardson explores the significance of the Tai Chi symbol in Chinese culture and its connection to Christian theology. He argues that the Tai Chi represents the harmony and balance that can only be found in God, and that it is a powerful redemptive analogy that points to the ultimate reconciliation found in Jesus Christ.
The Hindu Concept of Rama
“In the ancient Hindu epic, the Ramayana, the story of Rama is told… Rama, the perfect prince, is born to save the world from evil… He is the embodiment of righteousness, truth, and compassion… His story parallels the story of Jesus Christ in astonishing ways… Like Jesus, Rama is born of a virgin, and his birth is heralded by celestial signs… He is tempted by the evil one, but resists… He performs miracles and teaches about the kingdom of God… He dies, but is resurrected, and returns to his heavenly abode… The parallels are too striking to be mere coincidence… It is as if God has implanted in the Hindu culture a ‘redemptive analogy,’ a symbol that points to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ… The story of Rama is a powerful reminder that God has been preparing the Hindu people for the gospel, and that the message of Jesus Christ is not foreign to their culture, but rather a fulfillment of their deepest longings.”
(Chapter 7, “Eternity in Their Hearts”)
In this excerpt, Richardson explores the similarities between the Hindu story of Rama and the story of Jesus Christ, highlighting the parallels between the two narratives. He argues that these parallels are not coincidental, but rather evidence of God’s preparation of the Hindu culture for the gospel, and that the story of Rama serves as a “redemptive analogy” that points to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ.
The African concept of “Ngai,” represents the one true God who is above all other gods.
Ngai is a term used in some African cultures, particularly in East Africa, to refer to a supreme being or a high god. In some traditions, Ngai is considered the creator of the universe and the source of all life. The concept of Ngai is often associated with the sky or heavens and is sometimes referred to as “the one up above”.
In some African cultures, Ngai is also associated with the concept of “ASHE”, a term that refers to the power and energy of the divine. Ngai is often invoked in rituals and ceremonies to seek guidance, protection, and blessings.
It’s important to note that the concept of Ngai varies across different African cultures and traditions, and my brief description may not capture the full complexity and richness of this concept.
The Role of Missionaries
Richardson emphasizes the importance of missionaries understanding and respecting the cultures they are working in, and using these redemptive analogies as a bridge to share the gospel.
Conclusion
“Eternity in Their Hearts” is a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to rethink their understanding of God’s relationship with cultures around the world.
Richardson’s work encourages missionaries and Christians to look for the redemptive analogies in the cultures they encounter, and to use these as a starting point for sharing the gospel.
Overall, the book presents a compelling case for the idea that God has been actively revealing Himself to cultures throughout history, and that these revelations can be used as a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship.
My gratitude to meta.AI, for the concise and clean synopsis of “Eternity in their hearts”.
Below is the wealth spraying of revelation that is, and has been given to not only the missionary, but every single believer on the face of the Earth, to be a witness and living testimony, support, and deeply rooted foundation for everything, a man can believe, see, here, no, give, trust and enjoy. Check this out.