Original blessing

by Fox, Matthew

Publisher: Penguin Published: 2000-10-09 Category: Personal Empowerment

For centuries, Western spirituality has been dominated by a theology centered on human sinfulness, unworthiness, and the need for redemption from an inherently flawed nature. This groundbreaking work challenges that foundational assumption and offers instead a radically different starting point for spiritual development: the concept that creation itself is fundamentally good, and that humans are born as blessings rather than burdens requiring salvation from original sin.

At the heart of this transformative approach lies a recovery of an ancient spiritual tradition that celebrates the goodness of creation, the divinity present in all living things, and the creative power inherent in human nature. Rather than beginning the spiritual journey with guilt and self-denial, this path invites seekers to start with gratitude, wonder, and an appreciation for the gift of existence itself. This shift in perspective has profound implications not just for individual spiritual practice, but for how we approach ecology, social justice, sexuality, and our relationship with the cosmos.

Drawing from mystics across various traditions including Hildegard of Bingen, Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, and Thomas Aquinas, as well as Indigenous wisdom and contemporary science, this work presents a four-fold path of spiritual development. This path moves through stages of awe and delight in creation, acknowledgment of darkness and suffering, creative expression and transformation, and finally celebration and justice-making. Each phase builds upon the others, creating a comprehensive framework for personal and collective transformation that honors both the ecstatic joy of existence and the very real pain present in our world.

Readers will discover how embracing a creation-centered spirituality can liberate them from the psychological burden of feeling fundamentally flawed or sinful. Instead of spending energy on guilt and self-recrimination, this approach channels human passion and creativity toward healing, justice, and compassionate action. The implications extend far beyond personal peace of mind, touching on urgent contemporary issues including environmental destruction, social inequality, and the disconnection many feel from their bodies, their communities, and the natural world.

The work explores how a fall-redemption theology has historically been used to justify hierarchical power structures, the subjugation of women, the exploitation of nature, and the suppression of human creativity and pleasure. By contrast, a creation-centered approach recognizes the sacred in all beings and emphasizes our interconnectedness with all of life. This perspective naturally leads to ecological consciousness, social justice activism, and a celebration of diversity in all its forms.

Particularly relevant for those seeking personal empowerment, this spiritual framework offers tools for reclaiming one's inherent dignity and creative power. Rather than waiting for permission from external authorities to be worthy or whole, readers learn to recognize their birthright as blessed participants in an unfolding universe. This recognition becomes a foundation for authentic self-expression, meaningful work, and compassionate engagement with the world's suffering without being overwhelmed by it.

The integration of contemporary cosmology and science adds depth to this ancient wisdom, showing how the story of an ever-evolving universe confirms the creative, dynamic nature of existence. Understanding ourselves as expressions of a 13.8 billion year cosmic journey provides a sense of belonging and purpose that transcends narrow individualism while still honoring each person's unique gifts and calling.

For those exhausted by spiritual approaches that emphasize constant self-improvement and never feeling good enough, this represents a refreshing alternative. It suggests that transformation comes not from fixing what's wrong with us, but from unleashing what's right with us, from celebrating our connection to the divine creativity that flows through all things. This shift from deficit-based to abundance-based spirituality can unlock tremendous energy for personal growth and social change.

The practical applications extend to how we raise children, design communities, create art, conduct business, and relate to our planet. By starting with blessing rather than curse, we open possibilities for a future grounded in hope, creativity, and shared flourishing rather than fear, scarcity, and competition.