The Creation Spirituality Lineage Calling All Social and Environmental Activists, Mystic Explorers, Justice Makers, Cosmic Thinkers, Earth Keepers Daily Meditations with Matthew Fox Watch for Matthew Fox's video meditation -- now appearing every Monday! |
Dorothee Soelle Offers
Medicine for Christolatry & Christofascism5/3/2024 |
Having spent the last DMs on the bad news of Christofascism and Patriarchy and their many incarnations at SCOTUS and Opus Dei, it is a refreshing thing to meditate on medicine for such sicknesses. |
I find much balm in the work of feminist and liberation theologian and lover of Meister Eckhart, Dorothee Soelle. It was from her that I first heard the words “Christolatry” and “Christofascism” many decades ago. Here is some of her wisdom. Her poem “Credo” (“I believe”) goes like
this: |
“Christofascism” by Dorothee Sölle. Reading of the complete essay from out-of-print book The Window of Vulnerability: A Political Spirituality. Hear the full text of the out-of-print book HERE. New Transcendentalist |
I believe in god
Who did not create an immutable world
a thing incapable of change
who does not govern according to eternal laws
that remain inviolate
Or according to a natural order
Of rich and poor
Of the expert and the ignorant
Of ruler and
subject |
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| I believe in god
Who willed conflict in life
And wanted us to challenge the status quo
through our work
Through our politics. Notice how she is taking on dualisms that are so integral to patriarchy which are not “eternal law.” Rich and poor, expert and ignorant, rulers and subjects do not have to be the rule of the land. She is urging a society that erases disdain and scorn and arrogance. Our work and politics
matter. |
I believe in the spirit
that Jesus brought into the world
In the brotherhood of all nations I believe it is up to us
What our earth becomes
A valley of tears starvation and tyranny
Or a city of god I believe in a just
peace
That can be achieved in the possibility of a meaningful life
For all people
I believe this world of god’s
Has a future.
Amen. |
For her, peace and justice—a “just peace”—go together. She writes of moving beyond “Christolatry.” The goal of the Christian religion is not the idolizing of Christ, not Christolatry but that we all ‘are in Christ,’ as the mystical expression goes, that we have an art in the life of Christ. |
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She calls Christ a “wounded healer” and encourages us to become as he is. Be as he is, laugh as he laughs, weep as he weeps and heal those who have contracted the great neuroses of our society. Because to feed the hungry means to do away with militarism. To bless the children means to leave the trees standing for them.** |
Responses are welcomed. To add
your comment, or read other comments and enter into dialog, please click HERE to go to our website and scroll down to the Comments field. |
Queries for Contemplation |
Do you find relief and empowerment in these meditations with Dorothee Soelle? It’s important to include the mystics in our consideration of failed patriarchy and failed Supreme Courts, isn’t it? |
Christian Mystics: 365 Readings & Meditations
As Matthew Fox notes, when an aging Albert Einstein was asked if he had any regrets, he replied, “I wish I had read more of the mystics earlier in my life.” The 365 writings in
Christian Mystics represent a wide-ranging sampling of these readings for modern-day seekers of all faiths — or no faith. The visionaries quoted range from Julian of Norwich to Martin Luther King, Jr., from Thomas Merton to Dorothee Soelle and Thomas Berry.
“Our world is in crisis, and we need road maps that can ground us in wisdom, inspire us to action, and help us gather our talents in service of compassion
and justice. This revolutionary book does just that. Matthew Fox takes some of the most profound spiritual teachings of the West and translates them into practical daily mediations. Study and practice these teachings. Take what’s in this book and teach it to the youth because the new generation cannot afford to suffer the spirit and ethical illiteracy of the past.” — Adam Bucko, spiritual activist and co-founder of the Reciprocity Foundation for Homeless
Youth.
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In the Beginning There Was Joy: A Cosmic Celebration for Kids of All Ages
The first book in the Father Fox’s Fantastical Fables series tells the story of the big bang and how humans fit into the awesome, fantastical,
cosmic picture! With artwork curated from illustrators around the world, this book expresses the joy and wonder of all peoples and cultures, planting seeds of respect, cooperation and hope to work together for the healing of our planet. "This delicious book for children of all ages celebrates joy as the essential truth of
reality." - Andrew Harvey, Author of The Hope and Radical Regeneration
"I absolutely LOVED reading this beautiful, creative, stirring story—a charming, whimsical, powerful, parable." - Robert Holden, Author of Happiness NOW!
and Higher Purpose
Receive a 20% discount when you buy this and one other book from Matthew Fox’s store! Use Promo Code 20% at checkout. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS See Matthew Fox's full calendar
HERE |
Join Matthew Fox in a new, live, 7-week video course hosted by the Shift Network, : What Meister Eckhart & Other World Mystics Can Teach Us About Navigating Collective Turmoil. Tuesdays, May 7 – June 25, 5:00pm - 6:30pm PT. Register HERE. |
Join Matthew Fox as he discusses his book with scientist Rupert Sheldrake, Natural Grace: Dialogues on Creation, Darkness and the Soul in Spirituality and Science in an Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat, Thursday, May 16, 4:00-5:30 pm PT.
Register HERE. |
Join keynote speakers Matthew Fox and Brian Swimme at the 2024 Creation Spirituality Communities Gathering on “Reimagining Our Story, Hope for Humanity,” live at Cape Cod, MA and by livestream. Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2. Learn more and register HERE. |
Creation Spirituality Conversations |
Ilia Delio and theologian Matthew Fox pick up on their conversation about the viability of contemporary religious institutions in an evolutionary world. They discuss death and resurrection—the enduring challenge of modern approaches to the subject and what we can learn from mystics, past generations and ancient peoples alike. To listen, click HERE. |
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Inspired by this post? Share your insights on Universeodon, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #RevDrMatthewFox and tag Matt with @RevDrMatthewFox FOLLOW MATTHEW FOX: |
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