Best of The Aware Show with Matthew Fox: Post-Modern Forms of Worship and Redefining Christianity

The Aware Show

Is it time to redefine the meaning of what it means to be Christian? Traditional religious institutions may be apathetic, or even corrupt, as we’ve seen in the Catholic priest scandals. Yet, it is possible to feel inspired and start new, according to our guest today, internationally acclaimed theologian Matthew Fox. Matthew was a member of the Dominican Order for 34 years, but then expelled for being a feminist theologian, which went against the traditional teachings. He then started his own institutions for Creative Spirituality. Today Matthew talks about how more and more people have strayed away from traditional religion. Many parents have given up on religion, so how do you teach children about morals and spirit? Matthew discusses how we can emphasize the spirituality aspect more through contemplation and action. Younger people are interested in social reform. He talks about the importance of Christian mystics ranging from Hildegard von Bingen to Meister Eckhart to Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. To recreate religion, we need to consider mysticism. Modern spiritual leaders such as Thích Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Lama are teaching about spirit. Matthew suggests considering various wisdom and studying different ranges of religions. He invites us to ask questions such as how we are related to these great beings like Jesus, Mother Mary, Buddha, or Mohammad. He discusses the intense need for connection that was formerly found though religious communities. Raves are a new way to celebrate rituals. The original purpose was to worship, so he developed the “Cosmic Mass” – a dance celebration ritual without drugs. He talks about how creativity is extremely important. We can look at the planets and stars and ask how we are connected. How can we live in awe? Matthew holds a doctorate in the History and Theology of Spirituality from the Institut Catholique de Paris. He founded the Institute in Culture and Creation Spirituality. Matthew continues to be an activist for gender justice and eco-justice. He is the author of 37 books and today he talks about his book “The Pope’s War.” Info: MatthewFox.org