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381st out of 1,143 books
—
958 voters
Original Blessing
by
Matthew Fox
Here is a reissue of the critically acclaimed bestseller, named one of the "20 books that changed the world" in New Age Journal's Annual Source Book for 1995. Maverick theologian Matthew Fox provides a daring view of historical Christianity and a theologically sound basis for personal discovery of spiritual liberation.
In this revolutionary work, Fox shows how Christianity...more
In this revolutionary work, Fox shows how Christianity...more
Paperback, 384 pages
Published
October 9th 2000
by Tarcher
(first published 1983)
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Matthew Fox's transformational exploration of the roots of "Creation Spirituality" -- a spirituality which believes that we are born in blessing rather than sin, and which honors the mystics, earth religions, and the feminine while remaining within the bounds of orthodoxy (at least in his opinion -- he was kicked out of the Catholic church for his writing).
This is book is a dense, fabulous ride through the joyousness possible in Christianity, embracing elements of the tradition which many peopl...more
This is book is a dense, fabulous ride through the joyousness possible in Christianity, embracing elements of the tradition which many peopl...more
In this book, Fox downplays the Augustinian-turned-canonical concept of original sin and shows instead how original blesisng is older, deeper, more real, and more biblically based. He explores the journey toward understanding this truth through four paths: The Via Creativa (love of creation), Via Negativa (letitng go of self, accepting pain), Via Creativa (working with other subjects, letting the divine work with and through you), and the Via Transformativa (effecting social justice in the world...more
I read this book back in the 80's when I was in my twenties. It made perfect sense to me. I picked it up again a few years ago and as I leafed through it I thought, "Matthew Fox thinks just like I do." Then I realized, "No, I think just like he does." All these years later I can see his influence in my life. Thanks to Fox, Thomas Merton, Cynthia Bourgeault, Martin Luther King,Jr. and Bono, I still think of myself as a Christian. I'm glad I read this before I had children so that I could raise th...more
As the title suggests, this book seeks to un-blame Eve and restore respect for the world's generative powers -- the female side of divinity? He's written lots of others, too. They kind of flow over me and recede, leaving interesting images and new connections. I'd need to read them in a more structured setting, like with others in discussion, to fully understand them.
Simply loved the focus on creation spirituality and can't help but believe that this is how things are intended to be considered. What kind of God would want His creation feeling like they are always trying to repent because they were born sinful losers...
This text is good, but seemed a bit slipshod in the editing. Many of the same ideas are worked out in a more sophisticated way in Fox's
The Coming of Cosmic Christ.
This is one of my favorite books. I don't always agree with Matthew Fox but I do resonate deeply with his approach to spirituality. There is a reason the current Pope ex-communicated him! He is a spiritual revolutionary and this is his "bible."
I found Fox's ideas about the Via Negativa--God as nothingness--to be a resonant, useful path. The Via Negativa works with the other paths in the book, and I found all of them intriguing and compelling.
Reading for my theology bookgroup as we work our way thematically through the catechism in the Book of Common Prayer as we are inspired. Paired with with group readings on Paul's Letter to the Ephesians and the creation texts of Genesis.
April 30.08: I finished this in a hotel in Atlanta. It's phenomenal and brings together a lot of things I "knew" about my faith and tradition, but didn't have the words to express. An especially good read for those feeling disaffected or confused by Christianity...more
April 30.08: I finished this in a hotel in Atlanta. It's phenomenal and brings together a lot of things I "knew" about my faith and tradition, but didn't have the words to express. An especially good read for those feeling disaffected or confused by Christianity...more
Full of heresies large and small, but for the well theologically grounded an excellent resource on the dark night of the soul, justice and the arts and spirituality.
Father Matthew Fox has a creative mind and a fearless ability to look at life and faith from different perspectives. It is a very challenging and hopeful book
It was a tough read for me back in the late 80s when I was young and inexperienced with these issues but it was well worth the stretch.
I am reading this for a two-part retreat at Mission San Luis Rey. We had part one last Saturday, but since I had been out of town I was only partly done. It is hard reading, but certainly the original *bible* of creation spirituality. It makes sense to me, when I parse through Fox's dense writing, quote after quote after quote. I would love to see this rewritten 25 years later in a more enlightened style. More anon.
I have read almost all of this book, we have long since had the second meeting of...more
I have read almost all of this book, we have long since had the second meeting of...more
I read this book many years ago and as I did I kept getting goose bumps--it was really speaking to me. Love Matthew Fox's books!
First time I skimmed through it. This time I read it. Not in total agreement, but there is a lot there for me.
Amazing view of a Christianity without a fall/redemption paradigm.
Jan 18, 2013
Renee
added it
Such a right and loving view of God and creation!
Good thoughts but writing style tends toward academia. I like a more personal writing style with stories as examples.
each page is a meal, manna for true...
matthew fox, a redeemer of artists souls
brilliant scholarship
makes an irrestible case for
work and play and art divisions
to be healed...
as a quote from the book says
"he is a crusader and smasher of chains"
it is my daily reader bible, just reading a page a day to savor it and make it last.
and he's a feminist!
matthew fox, a redeemer of artists souls
brilliant scholarship
makes an irrestible case for
work and play and art divisions
to be healed...
as a quote from the book says
"he is a crusader and smasher of chains"
it is my daily reader bible, just reading a page a day to savor it and make it last.
and he's a feminist!
Well... I didn't really READ this book (i.e., finish it). While I resonated with the informative introduction and found it exciting - the remainder of his work was not particularly engaging. However, full disclosure - I am interested in theology but I am far from a theologian.
I learned to replace the Catholic/Christian concept of Original Sin with that of Original Blessing. God made us all, and found that we are good. Fish and birds, Earth ans Sea, and we human beings. God found that we were GOOD.There is no becoming worthy, wer are born worthy! Unless oj
Fascinating introduction to Creation Theology and how it needs to replace Fall/Redemption approach as we move forward.
There is a lot to think about here. I really appreciated Fox's insight and perspectives from other faith traditions. There was so much to process; this is definitely not the theology I grew up with, thank God.
Wonderful to learn/review creation-centered spirituality and realize that many others opt for this way of living. Read for a book study at GCUM church.
Apr 16, 2010
Judy
added it
lengthy reading and lots of words to support the point that Western beliefs ignore some significant characteristics of God.
This book kind of blew my mind. There's not much more I can say at this time. It will take years to digest.
Could be interesting...
Feb 14, 2010
Suzanne
is currently reading it
An artist friend recommended this and I can't wait to start it.
May 18, 2013
Laurie Wagner
marked it as to-read
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Matthew Fox (born 1940) is an American Episcopal priest and theologian. He is an exponent of Creation Spirituality, a movement grounded in the mystical philosophies of medieval visionaries Hildegard of Bingen, Thomas Aquinas, Meister Eckhart and Nicholas of Cusa. His books have sold millions of copies and by the mid 1990s had a "huge and diverse following".
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“Political movements for justice are part of the fuller development of the cosmos, and nature is the matrix in which humans come to their self-awareness of their power to transform. Liberation movements are a fuller development of the cosmos's sense of harmony, balance, justice, and celebration. This is why true spiritual liberation demands rituals of cosmic celebrating and healing, which will in turn culminate in personal transformation and liberation.”
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Feb 23, 2013 02:05pm