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! Don't miss Matthew's exciting interviews, webinars and courses, listed at the bottom of this DM (you may need to click the ... to see them). |
By Gianluigi Gugliermetto 5/8/2025 |
Although “hero,” “ancestor,” and “saint” do not mean exactly the same thing, I have suggested that they are functionally equivalent for us at the present time. All of them, in fact, are models of courage for us as well as strategic resources. Nonetheless, the archetype of the hero includes the notion that
the fight against evil can be won. The dualisms of light and darkness, good and evil, virtue and sin are the necessary backdrop of heroism, and while occasionally a hero may succumb to overwhelming forces, it is understood that in the long run his war against evil will be won. |
This is, however, quite problematic from a spiritual point of view. From a wisdom perspective, evil will never be eliminated. It will accompany the human journey until its very end. This is at least one way to understand Jesus when he says: “The poor, you will always have them with you” (Matthew 26:11). This verse has been wrongly used as |
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justification for the systems of oppression that cause poverty. On the contrary, it takes for granted that poverty is caused by oppression, while it includes the acknowledgment that a complete liberation from it is not something that anybody in flesh and blood will ever witness. The end of evil is reserved for the end-times. In one of his
earlier books, now titled Prayer, Matthew Fox expounds the simple yet very significant distinction between “problem” (i.e. that which can be solved) and “mystery” (i.e. that which must be contemplated, confronted, journeyed through). And in the list of major mysteries, he includes evil — together with life, death, nature, the otherness of people, love and sexuality, and the personal call to become oneself. Evil, so far as it is a mystery, refuses to be manipulated or dealt with by
pressure. |
May Day protests and demonstrations around the world. Video by CBS
News. | So why fighting? In my view, truly spiritual people understand that their call to transform themselves and the social structures around them is native to their soul. Not engaging such a call means for them to wither away. Fighting against evil is |
not connected to the certainty, and not even to the probability, that evil will disappear. Also, it does not mean to identify oneself or one’s side with the good, as it implies instead the ability to take a sharp look at one’s shadow. It simply means that resisting evil gives meaning to life. Besides, many good things can happen in the process. Through social upheavals and reforms, for example, democratic systems may be established in some lands for long stretches of time. While they should not purport to bring about absolute justice, they are far better than tyranny and oligarchy. As we are painfully learning these days, democratic systems are not perennial. At their best, they are incomplete in their search to obtain “justice for all.” But this is not a
good reason to stop building them, and the rebuilding them ever better after they collapse. |
If we truly are “saints in progress” and if holiness means “cosmic hospitality,” we will never be out of a job. In each and any system we are part of — be it a political body, a church/synagogue/ mosque, an educational institution, our relationship/family, our own soul — we will always look for its homeostasis, for balancing |
West and East Germans reunite at the fall of the Berlin Wall, 1989. Photographer unknown. Wikimedia Commons. |
its
energies, for making things a little more just, balanced, and flowing. The point is not winning the war. The point is to win battles, for sure, but that isn’t the same. Perhaps we should be wary of bringing too much “hero-energy” to the fight, while more “saint-energy” is needed. Less dualism, which usually carries with it more ability
to withstand opposition for longer stretches of time. I am confident that the present trying circumstances in our social and political life will help train and sharpen many souls. Especially young souls. Does this justify the
injustice that is being perpetrated? Obviously not. But a cosmic voyage, like that of the whole of creation, goes in ebbs and flows. Our job is to catch the wave and have a great ride. |
SIGN THE PLEDGE: Boycott pro-Trump corporations. Faithful America. EngageForDemocracy offers curated trustworthy reporting, educational resources, and action campaigns to hold government accountable to the Constitution and democratic norms. Quotation from Matthew Fox’s Prayer: A Radical Response to Life, p. 41. See also Matthew Fox, Sins of the Spirit, Blessings of the Flesh: Transforming Evil in Soul and Society. And Fox, Trump and the MAGA Movement as Antichrist. And Fox, A Spirituality Named Compassion: Uniting Mystical Awareness with Social Justice. And Fox, The Tao of Thomas Aquinas: Fierce Wisdom for Hard Times. Banner Image: Catching the wave — “Neptune’s Horses” by Walter Crane (1845-1915). Wikimedia Commons. |
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 |
How
do I overcome my inner optimist and my inner pessimist, in order to become a true fighter for justice? |
Prayer: A Radical Response to Life How do prayer and mysticism relate to the struggle for social and ecological justice? Fox defines prayer as a radical
response to life that includes our “Yes” to life (mysticism) and our “No” to forces that combat life (prophecy). How do we define adult prayer? And how—if at all—do prayer and mysticism relate to the struggle for social and ecological justice? One of Matthew Fox’s earliest books, originally published under the title On Becoming a Musical, Mystical Bear: Spirituality American Style, Prayer introduces a mystical/prophetic spirituality and a mature conception of how to
pray. Called a “classic” when it first appeared, it lays out the difference between the creation spirituality tradition and the fall/redemption tradition that has so dominated Western theology since Augustine. A practical and theoretical book, it lays the groundwork for Fox’s later works. “One of the finest books I have read on contemporary spirituality.” – Rabbi Sholom A. Singer |
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Sins of the Spirit, Blessings of the Flesh: Transforming Evil in Soul and Society
Visionary theologian and best-selling
author Matthew Fox offers a new theology of evil that fundamentally changes the traditional perception of good and evil and points the way to a more enlightened treatment of ourselves, one another, and all of nature. In comparing the Eastern tradition of the 7 chakras to the Western tradition of the 7 capital sins, Fox allows us to think creatively about our capacity for personal and institutional evil and what we can do about them.
“A scholarly masterpiece embodying a better vision and depth of perception far beyond the grasp of any one single science. A breath-taking analysis.” — Diarmuid O’Murchu, author of Quantum Theology: Spiritual Implications of the New Physics |
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Trump & The MAGA Movement as Anti-Christ: A Handbook for the 2024 Election
Matthew Fox tells us that he had always shied away from using the term “Anti-Christ” because it was so often used to
spread control and fear. However, given today’s rise of authoritarianism and forces of democracide, ecocide, and christofascism, he turns the tables in this book employing the archetype for the cause of justice, democracy, and a renewed Earth and humanity.
From the Foreword: If there was ever a time, a moment, for examining the archetype of the Antichrist, it is now…Read this book with an open mind. Good and evil
are real forces in our world. ~~ Caroline Myss, author of Anatomy of the Spirit and Conversations with the Divine.
For immediate access to Trump & The MAGA Movement as Anti-Christ: A Handbook for the 2024 Election, order the e-book with 10 full-color prints from Amazon HERE.
To get a print-on-demand paperback copy with black & white
images, order from Amazon HERE or IUniverse HERE.
To receive a limited-edition, full-color paperback copy, order from MatthewFox.org HERE.
Order the audiobook HERE for immediate download. |
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A Spirituality Named Compassion: Uniting Mystical Awareness with Social Justice
In A Spirituality Named Compassion, Matthew
Fox delivers a profound exploration of the meaning and practice of compassion. Establishing a spirituality for the future that promises personal, social, and global healing, Fox marries mysticism with social justice, leading the way toward a gentler and more ecological spirituality and an acceptance of our interdependence which is the substratum of all compassionate activity.
“Well worth our
deepest consideration…Puts compassion into its proper focus after centuries of neglect.” –The Catholic Register |
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The Tao of Thomas Aquinas: Fierce Wisdom for Hard Times
A stunning spiritual handbook drawn from the substantive teachings of Aquinas’ mystical/prophetic genius, offering a
sublime roadmap for spirituality and action.
Foreword by Ilia Delio.
“What a wonderful book! Only Matt Fox could bring to life the wisdom and brilliance of Aquinas with so much creativity. The Tao of Thomas Aquinas is a masterpiece.”
–Caroline Myss, author of Anatomy of the Spirit |
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Matthew Fox comments on Pope Francis' legacy of environmentalism and support for migrants, amidst more controversial aspects of his papacy, KPFA Pacifica Evening
News. |
UPCOMING EVENTS See Matthew Fox's full calendar HERE |
Join Matthew Fox in a new 6-month program of mystical wisdom for a new world: - Activate your spiritual awakening with the mystics
- Say “yes” to life & the beauty, goodness & potential it offers
- Awaken your inner mystic & prophet for deeper awakening
- Nurture the life-giving qualities of your humanity
By Application only - apply
HERERegister for a free information session HERE |
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Join Matthew Fox online as he offers a Morning Worship Inspirational Message, “Mother's Day, 2025: Exercising Our Powers For Compassion,” at the Unity Inspired Living online service, Sunday, May 11, 10:00 am PT. Join us here: https://www.unityinspiredliving.org |
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| Join Matthew Fox in a 6-Class Course: The Great Christian Mystics, exploring some of the richest and most
inspiring mystic-prophets in the Christian lineage, including Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, Mechtild of Magdeburg, Thomas Aquinas, and Meister Eckhart. Open-ended course includes six modules of pre-recorded lessons, live community discussions, and live conversations with Matthew Fox. Starts Tuesday, May 20; 10% off discount code: FOX-10 Register HERE. |
Join Matthew Fox as he discusses his book, Wrestling with the Prophets: Essays on Creation Spirituality and Everyday Life, in an online Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat. Thursday, May 15, 4:00pm-5:30pm PT. Register HERE. Join Matthew Fox as he offers a lecture and Q&A on “Navigating the Dark Night of Soul, Society, and Our Species,” hosted by the Jung Center of Buffalo, Friday, May 23, 4 pm PT. Learn more HERE. |
MONTHLY: Join Matthew Fox and Skylar Wilson of the Order of the Sacred Earth in a free virtual meeting for connection and networking with other mystic warriors. Last Tuesday of every month, 4:00-5:00pm PT.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88665302478
Meeting ID: 886 6530 2478 Learn more at www.orderofthesacredearth.org |
Creation Spirituality Conversations |
The Christian Mystics: Wisdom for Our
Time
Join renowned theologian and spiritual teacher Matthew Fox in a thought-provoking conversation with Ruby Reed on the lives, work and wisdom of some of The Christian Mystics and their vital role in our time.
In this webinar, we’ll explore how the mystic’s path can empower us to cultivate inner transformation and inspire action in the world by saying "Yes" to life and "No" to injustice, whether through art, contemplation, or activism. Discover how their insights can help us rekindle our spiritual fire and meet the needs of our time with resilience and love. This free video promotes Matthew's upcoming 6-session course with Advaya, that will be released on May 8. |
Inspired by this post? Share your insights on BlueSky, Instagram, Universeodon, or Facebook using the hashtag #RevDrMatthewFox and tag Matt with @RevDrMatthewFox FOLLOW MATTHEW FOX: |
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