Original Blessing Online Book Study

Program Details

Join us for an 8 session deep dive into Matthew Fox's critically acclaimed classic, Original Blessing beginning Sunday, February 6 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. We'll meet ONLINE on the first and third Sundays (excluding Easter) through June 5th.

Original Blessing, a primer in creation spirituality, was named one of the "20 books that changed the world" with maverick theologian Matthew Fox, showing how Christianity once celebrated beauty, compassion, justice, and provided a path of positive knowledge and ecstatic connection with all creation.

Fox believes that the teaching of original sin—which Jesus never heard of (no Jew has) --- has served empire-builders very well, but that original blessing—the awareness of the goodness of creation—must take precedence. The implications are profound for psychological as well as sociological and ecological transformation. The sacredness of creation and of our role in it is a starting point—what the mystical tradition calls the Via Positiva. This path of joy and delight, awe and gratitude is followed by the Via Negativa, the path of darkness and silence and also of suffering and of letting go and letting be. The third path, the Via Creativa is the path of creativity, with the Via Transformativa finally being the path of justice and compassion. All four paths constitute an adult spiritual journey. Each feeds the others, with 27 themes that interweave among the Four Paths.

Yes, it can be confusing, but our study will bring clarity and inspiration as we dive deep together as a community. Sandra LaPerche will be joining Rolling Ridge Director, Larry Jay, to facilitate our discussion.

The schedule:
- February 6 = Preface, Intro, Appendices, and Path 1:1
- Feb 20 = Path 1:2-5
- March 6 = Path 1:6-10
- March 20 = Path 2:11-14
- April 3 = Path 3:15-17
- April 17 (Easter)
- May 1 = Path 3:18-20
- May 15 = Path 4:21-23
- June 5 = Path 4:24-26

While there is no charge for this book study, your generous donation will allow Rolling Ridge to continue offering spiritual opportunities to encourage and support those who are seeking a touch of the Divine during these challenging times. Thank you for your support and partnership in this important work.

About the Leaders

Lawrence Jay

As Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay guides the vision and direction of Rolling Ridge. As well as working with our staff to ensure the best possible guest experience, he partners with retreat leaders to provide excellent programming at the Ridge. A trained spiritual director and ordained American Baptist pastor, Larry (as he is known by friends) is a graduate of UCLA, Golden Gate Seminary, Franciscan School of Theology, American Baptist Seminary of the West, and the Gateways to God Missional Spiritual Direction Program. He is also Adjunct Faculty at Merrimack College in the Masters of Spirituality and Spiritual Direction programs. Eco-spirituality is his passion (and was the subject of his doctoral dissertation), encouraging everyone to live into the fullness of our connection with nature, God, and all people.

Sandra LaPerche

Sandra LaPerche is retired from a career in health care. She has been a volunteer with the American Red Cross and Girl Scouts and currently is a tutor and conversation group leader for English at Large. She has taught tai chi at Melrose and Stoneham Senior Centers, has served as a Stephen Minister, and has led small groups, book studies, Bible Studies, and prayer groups for twenty plus years. A Gateways to God grad (the missional spiritual direction program at Rolling Ridge), Sandra has a life-long drive to seek Divine grace through personal study, prayer, and practice.