While lecturing in Orvieto, Italy, this year, Matthew Fox encountered the powerful fresco of the Antichrist painted in the Cathedral at the outset of the 16th century by Luca Signorelli. He portrays the Antichrist in the context of his day and culture. This archetype reminds us of the dark side of humanity and politics. Fox’s creative and critical eye turns it into a searing device for examining the deep stakes in the 2024 election.
Timothy James "Matthew " Fox is an American priest and theologian. Formerly a member of the Dominican Order within the Catholic Church, he became a member of the Episcopal Church following his expulsion from the order in 1993. Fox has written 35 books that have been translated into 68 languages and have sold millions of copies and by the mid-1990s had attracted a "huge and diverse following"
I ordered this book off the Matthew Fox website on the recommendation of Andrew Harvey last year. Production issues held up the arrival date but I managed to get my hands on two copies. I'm not sure if there are any Australian stockists at present. Anyway, despite the wait I was not disappointed.In "Trump & The MAGA Movement as Anti-Christ: A Handbook for the 2024 Election," Fox names 18 elements of the MAGA movement that he considers to "carry antichrist energy" including the "Big Lie," Project 2025, and the blasphemy of Tannibal Lecters "God Bless the U.S.A. Bible." I grew up in a Catholic household so am familiar with the bible and the concept of the antichrist. I remember as I child learning about these things and being terrified by the descriptions in the Book of Revelations. Even so, as a child there was still a mythical quality to the stories in the bible. I never in my wildest dreams believed that I would ever witness the antichrist energy incarnate...yet here we are and there it is in the form of the Tangerine Palpatine. The Orange Clown is ticking all the boxes in being the opposite of Christ energy. Its so obvious its crazy that the so called "Christians" supporting him are blind to his deep darkness.
Matthew Fox said that, "The purpose of the book is to help keep Trump out of the White House." Sadly, all efforts to stop the Con-Mander in Chief regaining power failed. The way things are going I doubt there will be a way to get rid of him and his gazillionaire buddies. The insane right wing Christofascists are having their days in the sun. Americans voted for this, this is what they chose. Australian PM Whitlam after being dismissed from office by the GG said, "Ladies and gentleman , well may we say God Save the Queen because nothing will save the Governor-General." I say God Save America because the only saving Don the Con will be doing will be the $$ in his and his bazillionaire friends trusts and offshore accounts.
This book is so needed at this time. It clearly lays out what is going on in this country today and what the consequences could be if we don't stand up to the vitriol and poison that Trump and MAGA is spewing and trying to force on us. Whether you believe in the Antichrist and satan or not is immaterial. What Trump and MAGA represent and propose is death to us and our society. I urge you to read and heed this book.
This book was published in 2024 and I got it for Clay since he as been calling Trump the anti-christ all along. I deviated from my reading program to read this since I am not very familiar with the Book of Revelation. Fox is using the anti-christ as an archetype and makes a compelling case for this position. Fox is a cleric who has written numerous books on culture and spirituality. I will hang onto this book when Trump is no longer the threat I perceive him to be.
Mathew Fox demonstrates courage to speak truth and identify that which is evil. We must listen with an open heart and see the wisdom of Jesus' preaching. Love one another. O
This book is a must read if you want to know the true facts of our existence, how we got to the negative and scary place we are at today and what could occur if we don’t change and if we continue to listen to those who are leading us astray. The author very much explains how someone who is obviously narcissistic and filled with untruths and is unconcerned for his fellow man or for the earth and all her creatures can still be admired by so many who look to him as their savior. He also explains how dangerous it will be for all of this person once again gets into power. Finally, the author outlines how beautiful a world we would have if we lived the real truths handed down to us not the lies we have been told. Thank you for your resilience and bravery to stand up and speak up for what is right Rev. Fox.
There was not much information in this book of which I was unaware. However, what I liked about it was how the author documented numerous things our current president has said and done that are completely antithetical to the way Jesus lived and what Scripture teaches us. The actions and thinking of the “reptilian brain” of our current president and his following sheep continue to come to light daily. I personally try to avoid watching or listening to political news (fully contending what we are exposed to is not news, but talk radio on television - lacking complete journalistic integrity) because it has become too stressful. When one looks at the number of items this author has compiled together - these sins and illegal behaviors lumped together become extremely overwhelming.
For me, the answer is to do my best to walk the walk of Jesus and follow His teachings. My heart goes out to so many Christians who have been tricked into following this wolf in sheep’s clothing and who have been deceived by this Antichrist who is leading people into a very dangerous situation.
In 'Trump & the MAGA Movement as Anti-Christ' Matthew Fox approaches the Antichrist as an archetype who is being embodied by Trump, an archetype who thrives on division, violence, and greed. He compares this with the archetype of Christ, who symbolises compassion, democracy and love. However, we might conceive of these two ever-present threads of humanity we are continually asked to choose. Unfortunately we now know what choice was made in the 2024 US election and we are already beginning to see its effects, many of which are predicted in this book.
Nevertheless, it is not too late to read it. If we are to survive these times it is vital to have an image of what we are up against and what we are fighting for. This book provides both. Much recommended.
A powerful book of theological and political reflection generated initally by a fresco in Orvieto Cathedral, though Fox goes beyond the art to reflect wisdom from Jung and others.
A sample sentence from his description of current reality in the United States: "Today's unsupreme court, so wrapped in its ideologies masquerading as jurisprudence, is an active agent in the democracide in vogue among the fascism of today." (p. 55)
Well worth the read to recognize how art can move us beyond the surface to deeper understandings of reality.
This book was written with the bright hope that enough people would recognize and respond to the realization of the dire straits they are in —whether spiritually or simply as mortal creatures dependent upon a planet which is increasingly threatened by human ignorance and greed. Sadly, the inertia of ancient fears and prejudices precluded the necessary sea change….for now anyway.
Something we all need to hear as Americans and actual Christians
As opposed to the christofascists epitomized by Trump’s followers, Matthew Fox sets out the way true spiritual people can survive in these benighted times.
Thought provoking, and prophetic. It is now 2025 and Trump is in power, together with so many other dubious, narcissistic and evil world leaders and secret forums of the rich and powerful. Frightening times!
Important information even in the aftermath of the election! Our book study group read this together. We highly recommend this book. Matthew Fox has great insight.