PLEASE NOTE:
With days ticking down to 11/5, Matthew Fox’s urgent new book turns the Anti-Christ archetype into a searing device for understanding the deeper stakes in the 2024 election.
• For immediate access to Trump & The MAGA Movement as Anti-Christ: A Handbook for the 2024 Election, order the e-book with 10 full-color prints from Amazon HERE.
• To get a print-on-demand paperback copy with black & white images, order from Amazon HERE or IUniverse HERE.
• To receive a limited-edition, full-color paperback copy, order from MatthewFox.org HERE. The pre-ordered books are of this kind and we will receive them in 10 days.
Over the past nine years, observing the media trying and failing to name the politics of Trump and MAGA and SCOTUS, I hear time and again, the word unprecedented. What Trump is doing by lying incessantly, we are told, is unprecedented. What he did and did not do on January 6, is unprecedented. What the Republican party is doing following him down countless rabbit holes, is unprecedented.
Trump being convicted 34 times on felony charges and attacking the judge during the trial, is unprecedented. What SCOTUS is doing by dismantling 50 years of Roe v. Wade and giving a president a green light for any crimes he chooses to commit while president, is unprecedented. Members of SCOTUS accepting millions of dollars of bribes, is unprecedented. Etc. etc.
If we had a dollar for every time the media repeats that word, we would be millionaires.
Instead of the word unprecedented, it may be time to employ the more accurate word—Evil. Or antichrist.
One person proposed that by calling Trump and MAGA “antichrist” I was name-calling. That is exactly what I am not doing in my book on Christ & MAGA as Anti-Christ: A Handbook for the 2024 Election. Why not?
Because I demonstrate in the book the history of that terminology—it is an archetype that represents everything that is the opposite of the teachings of Jesus. And those of Buddha, Isaiah, Aquinas, Hildegard, and many other spiritual teachers, all of whom insist that truth and justice go together and are essential to be 1) a complete human being, 2) a leader, and 3) a society that holds together and does not fall apart.
I show how the concept appears in the Scriptures, especially in the Book of Apocalypse also known as the Book of Revelation, the last book of the Christian Bible. It was written near the end of the first century, during a time of great persecution and struggle by early Christians against the Roman Empire.
It also appears in the 12th century. The great saint and now doctor of the church, Hildegard of Bingen, paints a powerful picture of the antichrist. She tells us its deeper meaning, and applies it to the corruption of the church in her time.
At the dawn of the 16th century, artist Luca Signorelli painted a large fresco in the Cathedral in Orvieto, that pictured the Anti-Christ in the context of the citizens, famous and ordinary, in his day.
It reappears in a strong way at the time of the Reformation, as a naming of the corruption of the papacy in the 16th century. Martin Luther invoked it for 25 years, right up to the time he died. Zwingli, Calvin, Knox, etc. also employed it against the corruption of Rome at the time.
Why wouldn’t we employ it in our times as well? Times of Climate Change that is threatening our very existence and that of millions of other species on our Holy Mother Earth? And times when democracy is being threatened by strongmen like Putin, Xi and Hungarian president Viktor Orban, all of whom Trump admires. The latter he invoked enthusiastically in the presidential debate one week ago.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, I will enter into a conversation with Thom Hartmann who, last Tuesday on the morning of the presidential debate, published an excellent article entitled: “Will Donald Trump Reveal Himself Tonight as the Antichrist?“ I highly recommend reading it and also attending our conversation. (Tuesday September 17th, 2:00-3:00 pm Eastern, 11:00 am-Noon Pacific.)
As I wrote him the following day, I was “thrilled” that others besides this particular theologian, were employing this language that names so accurately the stakes in Election 2024.
See Matthew Fox, Illuminations of Hildegard of Bingen, plate 18 and pp. 122-126.
And Fox, The Tao of Thomas Aquinas, pp. 101-120.
And Fox, The Coming of the Cosmic Christ, pp. 1-34, 144-150, 157-244.
And Fox, Sins of the Spirit, Blessings of the Flesh: Transforming Evil in Soul and Society.
And Fox, Trump & MAGA as Anti-Christ: A Handbook for the 2024 Election.
To read the transcript of Matthew Fox’s video teaching, click HERE.
Banner Image: The day after Trump’s inaugural, people were already punning on how “unprecedented” his regime would be. Photo from the Women’s March in Chicago by bradhoc, January 21, 2017. Wikimedia Commons.
Queries for Contemplation
Do you recognize some parallels between our times and the Book of Revelation, the painting of Hildegard on the Anti-Christ, the invoking of the archetype by Luther and the Reformers, and the politics of our day?
Recommended Reading
Illuminations of Hildegard of Bingen
An introduction to the life and work of Hildegard of Bingen, Illuminations reveals the life and teachings of one of the greatest female artists and intellectuals of the Western Mystical Tradition. At the age of 42, she began to have visions; these were captured as 36 illuminations–24 of which are recorded in this book along with her commentaries on them.
“If one person deserves credit for the great Hildegard renaissance in our time, it is Matthew Fox.” – Dr Mary Ford-Grabowsky, author of Sacred Voices.
The Tao of Thomas Aquinas: Fierce Wisdom for Hard Times
A stunning spiritual handbook drawn from the substantive teachings of Aquinas’ mystical/prophetic genius, offering a sublime roadmap for spirituality and action.
Foreword by Ilia Delio.
“What a wonderful book! Only Matt Fox could bring to life the wisdom and brilliance of Aquinas with so much creativity. The Tao of Thomas Aquinas is a masterpiece.”
–Caroline Myss, author of Anatomy of the Spirit
The Coming of the Cosmic Christ: The Healing of Mother Earth and the Birth of a Global Renaissance
In what may be considered the most comprehensive outline of the Christian paradigm shift of our Age, Matthew Fox eloquently foreshadows the manner in which the spirit of Christ resurrects in terms of the return to an earth-based mysticism, the expression of creativity, mystical sexuality, the respect due the young, the rebirth of effective forms of worship—all of these mirroring the ongoing blessings of Mother Earth and the recovery of Eros, the feminine aspect of the Divine.
“The eighth wonder of the world…convincing proof that our Western religious tradition does indeed have the depth of imagination to reinvent its faith.” — Brian Swimme, author of The Universe Story and Journey of the Universe.
“This book is a classic.” Thomas Berry, author of The Great Work and The Dream of the Earth.
Sins of the Spirit, Blessings of the Flesh: Transforming Evil in Soul and Society
Visionary theologian and best-selling author Matthew Fox offers a new theology of evil that fundamentally changes the traditional perception of good and evil and points the way to a more enlightened treatment of ourselves, one another, and all of nature. In comparing the Eastern tradition of the 7 chakras to the Western tradition of the 7 capital sins, Fox allows us to think creatively about our capacity for personal and institutional evil and what we can do about them.
“A scholarly masterpiece embodying a better vision and depth of perception far beyond the grasp of any one single science. A breath-taking analysis.” — Diarmuid O’Murchu, author of Quantum Theology: Spiritual Implications of the New Physics
Trump & The MAGA Movement as Anti-Christ: A Handbook for the 2024 Election
Matthew Fox tells us that he had always shied away from using the term “Anti-Christ” because it was so often used to spread control and fear. However, given today’s rise of authoritarianism and forces of democracide, ecocide, and christofascism, he turns the tables in this book employing the archetype for the cause of justice, democracy, and a renewed Earth and humanity.
From the Foreword: If there was ever a time, a moment, for examining the archetype of the Antichrist, it is now…Read this book with an open mind. Good and evil are real forces in our world. ~~ Caroline Myss, author of Anatomy of the Spirit and Conversations with the Divine.
For immediate access to Trump & The MAGA Movement as Anti-Christ: A Handbook for the 2024 Election, order the e-book with 10 full-color prints from Amazon HERE.
To get a print-on-demand paperback copy with black & white images, order from Amazon HERE or IUniverse HERE.
To receive a limited-edition, full-color paperback copy, order from MatthewFox.org HERE.
Order the audiobook HERE for immediate download.
.jpg){kind=link}
7 thoughts on ““Anti-Christ” as an Archetype Appropriate to our Apocalyptic Times”
Trump & The MAGA Movement as Anti-Christ (not labelling or name calling – just a point of reference?) : A Handbook for the 2024 Election.
Maybe it is time to get to better understand ‘Evangelical Christians’, their concerns and address them. They are not identifying Trump and their participation in MAGA as the anti-Christ. Their stance is much the opposite. Why is that and can it be addressed? They won’t purchase and read M. Fox’s book. Maybe the book should just be a PDF and given away to ensure wider circulation into the mainstream if dissemination of knowledge is the intent. Why sell it?
If MAGA supporters will not convert on words alone, and they have heard same for the past 10 years, what will affect the outcome of the election. Per CBSNews.com, “Taylor Swift’s post endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the White House on Tuesday drove 405,999 users to visit the site vote.gov over the course of the following day, a sign of the potential effect her decision to speak out could have on November’s election.” Taylor’s loyal followers number in the millions and they don’t have to read a book to make their decision.
It appears that getting ‘first time’ and ‘on-the fence’ voters out to the polls in the ‘swing states’ at least are needed to win ‘Electoral College’ votes. Those believing in any sort of evil intent have determined who they would vote for, but still need to get out and vote. Encouraging them to do so. – BB.
First, being of Hungarian heritage I feel for the people of Hungary 🇭🇺 and hope the resistance is there.
Also I think it’s important to talk of right and wrong, good and evil, not just of “blue and red.” So I think the term Antichrist is very appropriate for these times.
In many ways the 2 parties are similar, both dominated by corporate money. Neither party addresses the poverty in this country with people working 2 or 3 jobs to survive. And both parties fight to keep independent candidates, who have more egalitarian ideas, off the ballot. It’s a crazy system but people are waking up to what could be, We’d do well to return all the land back to the Indigenous People who cared for it.
Thank you for the book!
Not sure if you saw this but as a former Catholic – it made my heart SINK. https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/sofia-nelson-jd-vance-trump-maga-post-liberal-right-rcna171095
I know you’ve been saying this for a long time but this post-Liberalism in the far right of the Catholic Church I’m afraid is pulling a lot of strings. Such damage the American Catholic Church has done. And I was deeply disappointed in the Pope’s denouncing both Trump and Harris as if they were equal as people and as politicians. I dearly love Pope Francis and was saddened he made it just abt abortion not knowing the extreme laws that are being passed here. I happen to live in one of those states.
It’s hard not to despair but thank you for doing what you’re doing. I bought your ebook and so far I’m so absorbed.
Yes!!! Looking forward to reading your book- “Trump & the MAGA Movement As Anti-Christ.”
Hope many people read it, especially the evangelicals!
MAGA largely supports Trump because as one has expressed “ He says exactly what we think”. It’s important to understand they felt this way before Trump appeared. A significant reason has to do with the fear and hate propagated by Fox News, Right wing social media, foreign influence etc. It’s been going on for years. In essence Anti – Christ.
Along with Matthew’s inspired books –
I highly recommend Thom Hartmann’s Hidden History series of books,
for all those trying to understand what has happened in the U.S.
Especially on Oligarchy, Neoliberalism and the Supreme Court.
There is no question that evil permeates our world, and I use the same criterion that Jesus taught: By their fruits, ye shall know them. One result of the lies during the debate was the virtual shutdown of a small Ohio town because of threats and violence clearly caused by the ex-president. I wonder if we are more aware of the evil that has always been there because of the media coverage 24/7 and the internet and “social” media. During my lifetime, the atomic bomb was dropped, presidents continued to support dictators, the army-McCarthy hearings destroyed lives, lies have supported every “war” since Viet Nam and probably before, JFK was elected with the help of the mob, corruption ruled but we just could not see it, etc. The military industrial complex has taken over pretty much. If this country stopped supplying weapons suddenly, wars might peter out at least in some places. I agree with Bill that we need to pay a lot more attention to those who are so disaffected that they are willing to vote a dictator into office. And agree with Ellen that neither party is innocent in the growth of division and corruption. Anyone who wants to see Project 2025 in action, should look into Florida. Among other actions, the gov is sending his personal election police out to speak with those of us who signed to get an amendment that would restore a woman’s right to choose, and I doubt it is with the idea of understanding why.
Dear Fr. Matt,
Thank you for this comment, and the interview with Talia Baroncelli. I did not yet see the one with Thom Hartmann. This is a spiritual battle, in which tolerance has no place. I WAS trying to tolerate and forgive them their ignorance and bias. The answer to the money for these sweeping legal powers/ intrusions threatening our democracy was made more clear in this week’s THE NATION, as Elie Mystal gives us numbers of how much money the 27 Attorneys General who are trying to carry out the Project 2025 agenda are getting from the dark money donors. Leonard Leo channels dark money toward these extremist attorneys general. Mystal says what they are giving away is “fair and equal application of the rule of law.” I am even more frightened, and prayerful as well as hopeful, that our previous California Attorney General and Senator, who always stood up “for the people” rescues the office of the presidency from the forces of the anti-Christ. There has been a rise in deaths from mishandled miscarriages. Doctors need to be safely within the law, in caring for patients. The Pope himself defended the rights of immigrants to emigrate. We have to vote for Harris, as the world depends on it.