Naming the Unnameable: 89 Wonderful and Useful Names for God …Including the Unnameable God

by Matthew Fox

What do we mean by “God” in today’s world? Do we even need “God” anymore?

How many names for Divinity are there? Do the names for God change as we mature as individuals, evolve as a species, and face a critical “turning time” in human and planetary history?”

Too often, notions of God have been used as a means to control and to promote a narrow worldview. In Naming the Unnameable, renowned theologian and author Matthew Fox ignites our imaginations by offering a colorful range of Divine Names gathered from scientists and poets and mystics past and present, inviting us to always begin where true spirituality begins: From experience.

Ultimately, no name for God suffices. We are challenged to continue to probe the rich ecology of human spirituality to ask questions, embrace paradox, and listen silently to the deepest of life’s mysteries.

Genres: Spirituality

183 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2018

About the author

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"

Reviews

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed to read this rather quickly for a class assignment and felt like I was drinking from a fire-hydrant. So many beautiful reflections on the image of God. I will go back and refer to these short reflections and allow deeper time in contemplative prayer. Estelle Frankel states, "a smorgasbord of spiritual delights." That's a perfect description. This book provides a wealth of exploration to move past the narrow conceptions we might have when we connect to our image of God. Each short meditation offers a springboard for deeper reflection.

[Craig Bergland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surely the world as we know it has ended, for I have nothing negative to say about a Matthew Fox book. That hasn't happened since One River, Many Wells. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and found his exploration of the names of God to be a prayerful and peaceful journey drawing on all of the major spiritual traditions!

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful and well-written book that makes you question your idea of God.

[Lori Sampson · Rating 1 out of 5]

An ok book. I found it to be very redundant at times.

[Fr. River · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Fox transcends all religions and develops a spirituality that is universal and one of love. Like others before him he sees God as one with many faces, many voices, but always speaks Love. Fox presents a God of the father in the Prodigal Son, who envelops us in love, without judgment and calls us to love our neighbor.

We live in a time where the organized Church is less and less viable, and the right wing has co-opted the message of the Gospel for its political purposes and brings judgment on people who disagree, and Fox brings us back to the Gospel message of love, and that Love is found in our loving our neighbor.

He offers us a message of hope and inclusion. It is a book one reads slowly and prayerfully.

Fr. River Damien Sims, sfw, D.Min., D.S.T.
P.O. Box 642656
San Francisco, CA 94164
www.temenos.org
Temenos Catholic Worker

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