Confessions. The Making of a Post-denominational Priest: Matthew Fox’s Spiritual Journey from Catholicism to Creation Spirituality

Abstract

This thesis investigates the spiritual journey of theologian Matthew Fox (1940-) starting from his autobiography Confessions. The Making of a Post-denominational Priest (2015). It encapsulates his personal growth, religious exploration, spiritual awakening, and social impact. Starting from Fox's biographical background, thus providing insights into his education, early life, and works, this work aims at focusing on Fox's spiritual awakening, self-discovery, and social awareness. As a man and as a member of a religious community, he narrates the complexity of his faith, transitioning from a Catholic priest to an Anglican/Episcopalian pastor. He eventually contributes to the development of Creation Spirituality, which as a new ecotheology represents a significant shift in his beliefs toward a more holistic and inclusive understanding of spirituality and theology themselves, but also the environment and its protection.