Examining Evil: Priest Calls Trump the Anti-Christ
Episcopal Priest and Author Matthew Fox says Donald Trump’s actions are hardly Christ-like. In fact, he calls him the Anti-Christ.In a new episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, Dr. Matthew Fox, an Episcopal priest and prolific author, compared Donald Trump and his MAGA cult as the Anti-Christ, arguing that their actions are exactly opposite to the teachings of Christ.
Dr. Fox has penned 42 books on culture and spirituality, and he recently released “Trump and the MAGA Movement as Antichrist, a handbook for the 2024 election.” The discussion delved into the motivations behind Fox’s controversial book and explored a wide array of topics, from historical depictions of the Antichrist to the role of religion in modern politics.
Dr. Fox shared how a visit to Orvieto, Italy, played a pivotal role in inspiring his latest book. During his visit, he was struck by an ancient fresco depicting the Anti-Christ, which bore an uncanny resemblance to Donald Trump. This revelation prompted Fox to reconsider the traditional narratives associated with the Anti-Christ, flipping them on their head in a call for reflection among those supporting Trump’s ideologies.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Fox unpacked the archetype of the Anti-Christ as a symbol of evil that stands in direct opposition to teachings found not only in Christianity but in other major world religions. According to Fox, Trump’s dismissal of climate change and his propagation of falsehoods are antithetical to the core values of compassion and truth celebrated in authentic religion, he said.
“This fellow is, first of all, he’s such an accomplished liar, Trump is, it was a 36,000 lies they counted in his last presidency. And that’s the tradition that Satan is the father of lies. And it’s all downhill from there,”
Reinventing Masculinity and Spiritual Practices
Dr. Fox also discussed his journey from the Dominican order to the Episcopal Church, emphasizing his commitment to reinventing ritual and exploring new expressions of spirituality. He highlighted his efforts to bridge gaps through initiatives such as the cosmic mass, incorporating modern art forms like rave into worship practices to engage young people meaningfully.
The interview touched upon the evocative power of art, referencing iconic works like Signorelli’s fresco and Hildegard of Bingen’s “Apocalypse.” These historic pieces depict the Antichrist and caution against the entanglement of authority with corruption and deceit — poignant lessons that Fox argues remain relevant today.
A Call to Action
Dr. Fox concluded with a powerful message about moral outrage and the need for active engagement against deceit and injustice. He urged audiences to recognize the importance of preserving creation and addressing the patriarchal systems that contribute to oppression.
Our conversation with Dr. Matthew Fox was filled with thought-provoking insights and historical context. Dr. Fox’s perspective challenges listeners to consider the moral stakes involved in the current political landscape and to take action for the preservation of truth and justice. The conversation serves as a reminder of the power of narrative and the role of spirituality in shaping society’s future.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Matthew Fox and His New Book
01:35 The Inspiration Behind the Book
02:47 The Antichrist Archetype and Its Relevance
05:09 The MAGA Movement and Its Implications
10:50 Dr. Fox’s Expulsion from the Dominican Order
13:48 The Importance of Creation and Environmental Stewardship
16:42 The Reptilian Brain vs. The Mammal Brain
17:07 A New Way of Worship: From Dominicans to Episcopalians
19:29 Daily Meditations with Matthew Fox
21:12 The Antichrist and the Cosmic Mass
24:54 Hildegard of Bingen’s Vision
29:37 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell