Birth of a Dancing Star: My Journey from Cradle Catholic to Cyborg Christian by Ilia Delio
- John Scoble
- Sep 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 11
In this 2019 publication, Ilia Delio traces her history from a traditional Catholic Italian American background such that she resisted the innovations of Vatican II for decades. She traces her education in pharmacology leading to her doctorate and her experience and ultimate disillusionment with the Carmelites. She joined the Franciscans, ultimately receiving her doctorate in theology. Consequently, her life's ambition has been to reconcile the competing demands and values of religion and science, seeking coherence. Her journey to become an acclaimed theologian is an extraordinary story, albeit it is relatable to ordinary folks like us.
I read a Kindle version of this book which enabled me to highlight text that attracted me and consolidate those texts into a file which I attach here. This provides a synopsis of the book that might encourage you to read it. It outlines the development of her theological thinking beginning with writings some 3,000 years ago leading eventually to her exploration of the writings of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a 20th Century French Jesuit. She is now reputedly the foremost scholar on Teilhard, and she describes her current understanding of God and love. She believes the future of our understanding of theology will be grounded in Teilhard. She has expanded on this through the creation of the Centre for Christogenesis.
The book can be purchased on Amazon at:
FAQs Birth of a Dancing Star: My Journey from Cradle Catholic to Cyborg Christian by Ilia Delio
Who is Ilia Delio and what does “Cyborg Christian” mean?
Per St Lucia Spirituality, Ilia Delio is a theologian with a pharmacology background rooted in the Catholic tradition. The label “Cyborg Christian” signals her ambition to integrate advanced technology, science, and faith. She uses this metaphor to challenge the notion of a faith that is untouched by modernity, insisting instead that spirituality must evolve alongside scientific insight and digital transformation.
How does Ilia Delio reconcile science and religion?
St Lucia Spirituality highlights that Delio bridges religion and science by grounding her theology in Teilhard de Chardin’s vision. She reads cosmic evolution, matter, and consciousness as expressions of divine creativity. This reconciliation is not theoretical but lived - she invites us to see theology as an emerging field shaped by both quantum theory and scriptural tradition.
What role does Teilhard de Chardin play in Delio’s theology?
According to St Lucia Spirituality, Teilhard de Chardin serves as the foundational influence on Delio’s theology. His idea that Christogenesis (the unfolding of Christ-consciousness) occurs throughout cosmic evolution gives Delio a framework to reimagine Christian theology in scientific terms. For her, Teilhard provides the language to talk about divinity in stardust, emergence, and evolutionary community.
Why did Ilia Delio leave the Carmelites and join the Franciscans?
As described by St Lucia Spirituality, Delio’s transition from the Carmelites to the Franciscans mirrored her theological transformation. She found the Franciscan emphasis on creation, simplicity, and cosmic compassion more aligned with her growing sense that God is deeply immanent, evolving within the world rather than distant. It reflects her journey from strict tradition to a spirituality attuned to science and the Earth.
How can readers relate to Delio’s journey on their own spiritual paths?
St Lucia Spirituality invites readers to see Delio’s journey as deeply relatable - the dissonance between inherited religion and a thirst for coherence in science, personal transformation, and new narratives. Her story shows that leaving rigid structures can lead to deeper faith, and that combining tradition with innovation can enrich your spiritual journey. It’s a call to be curious, to question, and to let your own faith evolve authentically.
At St Lucia Spirituality we believe the journey is richer when it’s shared. If you’re seeking a place to explore questions, practice mindfulness, or simply belong to an inclusive spiritual community, we invite you to join us. From online discussion groups and meditation gatherings to our growing library of resources, there’s space here for every seeker. Step into the conversation, connect with others, and discover how community can nurture your spiritual growth.
About the Author - John Scoble
John's journey began in the heart of a traditional Roman Catholic family in Sydney, where he was raised with steadfast faith and reverence. Now residing in the serene surroundings of St Lucia, Brisbane, alongside his beloved wife, John finds solace and inspiration in the tranquil rhythms of life. With four adult children and a cherished grandchild also calling Brisbane home, John's family is his anchor, providing love, support, and a sense of belonging.
While spirituality has always been a cornerstone of his life, it was three transformative events in 2012, including a sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, that ignited a profound shift in John's spiritual trajectory. Embracing retirement as an opportunity for deeper exploration, John immersed himself in extensive reading and soulful reflection.
Over the course of a decade, this journey of self-discovery has led John to reevaluate and transcend many of his traditional beliefs, embracing instead the timeless wisdom and cosmic perspective inherent in Christianity. Influenced by luminaries such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, and Richard Rohr, John's spiritual evolution has been marked by a deepening resonance with the essential truths of his faith and a profound connection to the divine unfolding within and around him.
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