Mysticism & The Modern Age with Matthew Fox

Today’s Life Question of the Week comes from someone asking how to let go of the anger they feel towards a family member’s financial abundance when they believe they don’t deserve it. 

Next, Michael sits down with Matthew Fox. Matthew is an author, theologian, and activist priest who, for over 50 years, has ignited an international movement to awaken people to be mystics, prophets, and contemplative activists who honor the Earth and work for justice. He founded the University of Creation Spirituality to help establish a new pedagogy for learning spirituality grounded in an effort to reawaken the West to its own mystical traditions in such figures as Hildegard of Bingen, Meister Eckhart, the mysticism of Thomas Aquinas, and other contemporary scientists and mystics. 

During their insightful conversation, Michael and Matthew discuss: 

• Matthew’s early life as a monk in the Dominican Order, and his eventual embrace of spirituality and Liberation Theology which ultimately got him expelled by the Vatican
  
  
• The challenges of institutionalized religion, why younger generations are moving more towards spirituality, and what that means 
  
  
• The importance of returning to mysticism and spirituality, and Matthew’s work in discovering the teachings of Western mystics including:
      -Thomas Aquinas, a 13th-century theologian and Dominican monk who stood up the religious establishment of the day by embracing Aristotle and his paganist beliefs in nature, science, creation, non-dualism, and being present to love and the Universe
      -Julian of Norwich, the first woman to write a book in English in the 14th century. She wrote about the goodness of nature, that nature is God, and that we are all born in, and are here to share joy
      -Howard Thurman, an American author, philosopher, theologian, mystic, educator, and civil rights leader who grounded all of his work in the idea that life is alive with creative intelligence
  
  
• Cultivating joy, and how playfulness and fun are virtues – and much more!

And as always, Michael concludes with a brief meditation that encapsulates the energy of their conversation.

*Please note that this conversation includes a brief discussion on Bishop Carlton Pearson, a progressive spiritual teacher and author who, since the recording of this episode, has passed away.

Learn more about Matthew at https://www.matthewfox.org/home.

For practical spiritual insight and encouragement around relationships, finances, health, life purpose, or understanding world events, submit your Life Question of The Week to podcast@michaelbeckwith.com.

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Finally, a special thank you to the sponsors of the Take Back Your Mind with Michael B. Beckwith podcast: The Agape International Spiritual Center (www.Agapelive.com) and NutriRise, makers of Michael’s AdaptoZen Superfood Greens Powder and Vitamin D3+K2 drops (https://nutririse.com/products/adaptozen-bundle)!