"It is not easy being a human being. Unlike other species, we are not born with enough programmed DNA to see us through our own survival." So Fox begins, and answers the question that often dismays me, "why am I still looking for a better God?" This is not easy, that's why. None of us know who we "are" and who asked for this? Enjoying the journey, are you? Fox has been through all of it, and has the intellect and heart to compass science in all of its beauty.

Brother Fox boldly, prophetically, proclaims that "religion is about spirituality". [2] Fox goes into this core of religious traditions "to find the spirituality that is there", and although quite an expert at the dogmas, institutes and commands, he pushes through to the experience of the "Divine" -- we have no better word for this. Into the core, he leads us to the "one experience that is expressed variously and with great diversity". [3] Noting that in the 15th century, the theologian/scientist Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa, recognized this truth. And as his "mentor" Meister Eckhart wrote, "though designated in terms of different religions, in all this diversity...one religion which you call wisdom". [3] This book seeks to respond to the call of the Dalai Lama for "a new concept", for all people of good will, promoted with the help of science.

Fox does not "teach", but seeks to lead "experiences", enabling the reader to interact with the spiritual dimensions of reality. He exposes the rich interiority of reality--meeting in the cave of the heart, the suggestive "themes" and sayings. Nor are the deep wells limited to the modalities of the large institutionalized traditions of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Judaism. As scholar Molefi Kete Asante points out, the oral traditions survived the onslaught of jihads and dispersed into secret societies on the African continent where they survive in the Yoruba Ifa, the Shona Mbira, and the Asante Okyeame systems. [6-7] Fox includes indigenous wisdom.

Finally, the sciences dig productive wells of spiritual water, which Fox includes. Science has never lost and is forever finding mystery and wonder.

This text helps unfold "creation spirituality" as taught at University of Creation Spirituality (UCS), a branch of the Naropa University (NU of Boulder Colorado) founded in 1974 by Tibetan master and scholar Chogyam Trungpa. NU is patterned after an 11th century university renowned for joining intellect, intuition, and contemplative traditions.
NU offers degree programs designed to cultivate a spirit of openness, critical intellect, and the development of effective action, while transmitting the principles of awareness and wisdom.

Our author, Mathew Fox founded UCS, and explains the connection:
"Since both Creation Spirituality and engaged Buddhism are mystical and prophetic spiritualities committed to environmental and social justice, this ecumenical adventure will ignite the potential for compassion in the hearts of people and their communities."

Matthew Fox credits his "brother", Meister Eckhart for leading him to the "realization of the unity of the mystical dimensions of faith", noting how rudely Eckhart was treated by "certain guardians", un-named, of his own tradition, "but whose truth outlives them all". Fox has every right to infer his own stead with that of Eckhart.

Fox reminds us of the Dalai Lama's warning that the biggest obstacle to interfaith sharing is the believers' "unhealthy relationships with their own faiths". He joins the Lama in urging a deeper faith for each person, to get past the wounds of "their own tradition", and find the deepest spiritual teachings" of their own faith.

And if anyone thinks there is little or no need for "religion" today, a casual look at the seizure of political power by crude idiots across this smoking planet, should disabuse them. It is the future that calls us. The mystics are creative, fun, and important. Now, today, this approach is existentially vital. ( )