with Susan Fowler
May 12, 2026
Episode 1237
Podcast 1237: Matthew Fox on The Tao of Thomas Aquinas and Why Trump’s MAGA Movement Embodies the Antichrist Archetype
By Greg Voisen·
Inside Personal Growth
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Show Notes
In this episode
In one of the most urgent and thought-provoking episodes of Inside Personal Growth, host Greg Voisen welcomes back renowned theologian, spiritual activist, and author Matthew Fox for a deep and daring conversation. Fox joins the show to discuss his two powerful books: Trump & the MAGA Movement as Anti-Christ: A Handbook for the 2024 Election and The Tao of Thomas Aquinas: Fierce Wisdom for Hard Times.
With decades of theological insight and social critique under his belt, Fox boldly addresses the spiritual undercurrents of today’s political climate—drawing parallels between Aquinas’ mystical teachings and the archetype of the Antichrist as embodied in Trump’s MAGA movement.
Aquinas: Radical Wisdom for a Fractured World
In The Tao of Thomas Aquinas, Fox reclaims the 13th-century theologian not as a rigid scholastic but as a bold, revolutionary mystic. Aquinas, he says, was deeply in love with creation and fierce in his call for compassion and justice. Rather than fixating on heaven and hell, Aquinas believed that “the first and primary meaning of salvation is to preserve things in the good.” In a world facing climate collapse, war, and social fragmentation, this message rings louder than ever.
Fox also reveals a lesser-known Aquinas: the non-dualist, the lover of nature, the advocate for ecstasy as a divine experience. His teachings on body-soul unity, justice, and biophilia offer a powerful spiritual antidote to today’s culture of division and despair.
Trump & the Rise of the Antichrist Archetype
In sharp contrast to Aquinas’ vision stands what Fox describes in his other book: Trump and the MAGA Movement as Anti-Christ. While the term “Antichrist” has often been misused by fundamentalists, Fox reclaims it as a Jungian archetype—a powerful symbol of spiritual deception, fear, and authoritarianism cloaked in false religiosity.
According to Fox, the MAGA movement mirrors this archetype with chilling accuracy: lies over truth, control over compassion, and chaos over community. Drawing from biblical texts, mysticism, and political analysis, he names what many are afraid to: that spiritual fascism is on the rise and must be confronted—not just politically, but morally and theologically.
Awakening Is the First Resurrection
One of the most moving moments in the conversation comes when Fox reminds us that according to Aquinas, there are two resurrections. The first? Waking up in this life. The second? Whatever comes after.
In other words, the call isn’t to wait passively for change—it’s to become the change, through spiritual maturity, sacred activism, and fierce compassion. Fox urges listeners to resist despair and instead take action in all spheres of life—education, law, media, politics, and especially faith communities.
The Role of Joy and Sacred Community
Despite the weight of the topics discussed, this episode is not without hope. Fox speaks of joy as humanity’s noblest act and reminds us that in the face of darkness, we must also celebrate life, creativity, and connection. He points to the role of community, artists, teachers, and spiritual seekers in leading the next phase of human evolution.
Learn More & Get Involved
Matthew Fox’s work continues to be a light in uncertain times. You can explore his teachings, writings, and meditations through the following platforms:
- ✦📘 Trump & the MAGA Movement as Anti-Christ: A Handbook for the 2024 Election
- ✦📕 The Tao of Thomas Aquinas: Fierce Wisdom for Hard Times
- ✦🌐 MatthewFox.org
- ✦🌐 The Cosmic Mass
- ✦🌐 Order of the Sacred Earth
- ✦🌐 Daily Meditations with Matthew Fox
And connect with him on social media:
➡️ Instagram
➡️ Facebook
➡️ Twitter / X
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
If you’re feeling the pull to awaken, question, and act—this episode is for you.
Tune in to Inside Personal Growth and discover how fierce wisdom, spiritual courage, and radical joy can light the path forward in our most uncertain times.
You may also refer to the transcripts below for the full transcription (not edited) of the interview.
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