Letters to Pope Francis by Matthew Fox
First, I need to confess that I am not Catholic. As a result, my review may not conform to Catholic thought and practice. Nevertheless, I was mildly surprised by this short book. A dismissed priest takes time to ask the present leader of the Catholic Church questions about what the pope has, can, and should do. In the course of reading this book, I began to question the fact that the author insisted on an agenda which he wished Pope Francis would adopt.
First, Fox insists on that the Catholic church should operate and teach its theology based on the “sense of the faith” (17) or sensus fidelium. Instead of the Bible being the arbiter of truth (or the pope in Catholicism), Fox insists that everyone together can determine what the Catholic church should and should not believe. His intent is to open the eyes of the Catholic leadership to more people. However, he would sacrifice the purity of the faith to do so. Fox questions the Catholic preoccupation with sexual morality, and insists that mysticism is more important than morality (18).
Fox advocates “Creation Spirituality” (which makes him a Panentheist) and continues to promote this theological position throughout the book (51, 76, 78, 80). I appreciate that he understands the challenges that every church is facing (54), which is engaging the newly changing culture (58). I agree that as Christians, there should be little distinction in our lives between the secular and the sacred (70).
In the end, Fox advocates that the ultimate expression of the Christian faith is love, which includes justice and compassion. He is of course advocating that we should accept everyone no matter how sinful their behavior (127). I agree that we need to show more justice and compassion as we express Christian love.
The book ends with a list of reforms which Fox would wish that Pope Francis would adopt (131). Some (like married priests) seem obvious. However, most rely on the theological presupposition of the “sense of the faithful.” If a Catholic wishes more reforms, they will find a friend with Fox. His tone is very respectful, though he clearly wishes to change how Pope Francis would lead the Catholic. I suspect that many Catholics would agree with Fox.
This review was posted for Speakeasy.
Twitter: #SpeakeasyPopeFrancis
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.
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