The Prodigal Son and the Self-Forgetting God

I have spent my life studying the religions. But I am not a religious person. My interest in the religions has more to do with the fascinating stories they tell, which I take metaphorically, not literally. I take these stories as myths — sacred stories which are rich with spiritual meaning and insights. Of the world religions, I am most familiar with Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. I grew up in a Christian family in Hong Kong. Being Chinese, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism form my cultural environment. I learned about them mostly through osmosis. I also have…