Incarnation

CRITICAL: established Chinese Christian phrase (‘the Dao/Word became flesh’, echoing John 1:14) is itself carefully chosen but requires ongoing vigilance: 道 (dào) also names the impersonal cosmic principle of Daoist metaphysics, so the phrase must always be taught as the personal, eternal divine Word taking flesh, not an impersonal cosmic Way manifesting. NEVER use 化身 (huàshēn) or 下凡 (xiàfán, ‘descending to the mortal world’) — both describe a bodhisattva or deity’s temporary, repeatable manifestation, not a permanent, unique incarnation. NEVER use 转世 (reincarnation into a new body).