by Diarmuid O’Murchu. Published by Orbis Books, 2021. Reviewed by Neil Darragh

In this latest of many books, O’Murchu reviews three theological paradigms. The first is the codependent paradigm where the emphasis is on the flawed nature of everything in creation; Jesus is missioned to rescue this flawed reality, a task continued by the Christian Church.

The second is the imperial Judeo-Christian paradigm. Central to this paradigm is the rescuing imperial God of the Hebrew scriptures. This becomes the model for understanding Jesus as Messiah, and has morphed into institutions of male clergy upholding patriarchal power.

O’Murchu argues for a third evolutionary paradigm. Here the Birthing Holy One, energised by the Great Spirit, begets creation, setting in motion evolution. The evolving creative enterprise eventually gives birth to (incarnates) consciously embodied creatures called humans, for whom the historical Jesus serves as an archetypal model.

In place of the notion of God the Patriarchal Creator, O’Murchu advocates the metaphor of God the “Great Birther”. Empowered by the creative Spirit, the divine life force in the world forever gives birth — to stars and galaxies, planets and bacteria, flowers and humans.

Tui Motu readers who find their own spirituality caught up in the idea of a Patriarchal God (King, Ruler, Judge) may well find this book eye-opening and transformative. Those who already have an evolutionary understanding of spirituality/theology may still find O’Murchu’s grand narrative of creation inspiring, even if it comes with a niggling irritation at the way he stereotypes and dismisses other expressions of spirituality.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 261 July 2021: 27