First step Quote by Dorothee Soelle
““Matthew Fox who, particularly in his new reading of Meister Eckhart, depicts quite early in human history the mystical way of creation spirituality. Fox's way and that of traditional mysticism differ in two aspects. The first is where the way of mysticism is said to begin. In the understanding of mysticism inherited from the Neoplatonists Proclus and Plotinus, purging or purification are always the first step. The beginning of mystical piety is not the beauty and goodness of creation but the fall of human beings from paradise . . . But does this not place the mystical journey at far too late a point in the course of the Christian history of redemption? One of the basic questions Fox asks again and again is whether we ought not refer first of all to the blessing of the beginning, that is, not to original sin but to original blessing? And is it not exactly mystical experience that points us to creation and the good beginning?””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Mystery of the Cross by Dorothee Soelle, 1990
Fox argues that mysticism should start with the original blessing of creation rather than focusing on sin and purification.
In simple terms: Mysticism should begin with creation’s goodness, not human fall.
Key Takeaway
Seek the positive origins of spiritual experience.
Themes
spirituality
origins
theology
mysticism
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- theological study
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
original blessing
creation
Christian redemption
Questions to Reflect On
- How does focusing on blessing change spiritual practice?
- What benefits arise from starting with creation’s goodness?
A Different Perspective
Some traditions view sin as essential to redemption, challenging this view.
