Creativity
- John Scoble
- May 2, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 26
John Scoble & Robert van Mourik
“New ideas are not generated by deduction, but by an artistically creative imagination” - Max Planck
Introduction
Recently, we considered the concept of “Original Blessing” as an alternative to the doctrine of original sin. Founded in the recognition in Genesis that humankind is made in the image of God and all that God made is good, the concept leads to a reappraisal of our underlying values and purpose in life. It enables a far more fulfilling and life affirming worldview of ourselves, laden with potential.
Despite the church’s teaching on original sin, it seems only a few believe they are “wretches”, as portrayed in the hymn Amazing Grace. Nor did Jesus. “You are the light of the world….seen like a city on a hilltop …. not hidden under a bushel”, he said. (Matt. 5:14-15). At his 1994 inauguration, Nelson Mandella quoted this poem by Marianne Williamson:
Let Our Own Light Shine
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?’
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
A current era proponent of Original Blessing is Mathew Fox, an internationally acclaimed spiritual theologian, formerly a Catholic Dominican priest and now an Episcopal priest, and activist. He holds a doctorate in History and Theology of Spirituality from the Institut Catholique de Paris and has devoted 45 years to developing and teaching the tradition of Creation Spirituality. He has written 37 books that have been translated into other languages over 70 times, including Original Blessing (2000) and Creativity (2005).
On 23 July 2017, Fox gave a 30-minute sermon at the Irvine Congregational Uniting Church in California, USA. His topic was “Creativity: Where the Divine and the Human Meet” and this is the subject of episode 18. A video link to his sermon is provided below.
Some of the highlights from Fox’s sermon are:
Our Creativity has the capacity to empower us.
The fierce power of imagination is a gift from God.
We are all artists – painters, dancers, musicians, parents, healers, teachers etc.
The planet needs us to use our creativity urgently.
Creativity comes from the realm of the mothers.
Every prophet (such as Gandhi and Martin Luther King) was an artist.
Education is failing our young people by diminishing the joy of learning.
Creativity leads to joy and energy.
Contemporary human consciousness limits our creativity.
Our society values and rewards left brain activities.
Values come from intuition (the right brain).
Quantum Theory
Fox’s comments about consciousness relate closely to the field of quantum theory. Max Planck (1858 – 1947), quoted above, is considered the founding father of quantum theory[1]. Unlike classical Newtonian physics which conceives the world as governed by fundamental laws of the universe, quantum theory recognises that, in addition to matter and energy, the universe includes a third component – consciousness – and the three are interrelated. Whereas classical physics relied upon and assumed an independent observer, quantum theory recognises that the mere participation of an observer influences outcomes. Our universe is constantly changing, and not subject to immutable laws. Quantum theory has been proven through several experiments.
In The Quantum Revolution, Paul Levy writes [2]:
Great scientific discoveries often come, to quote the renowned physicist Baron Carl Friedrich von Weizsacker, “as an inspiration or a special gift of grace which comes to the researcher when and as it pleases, like an answer from ‘another authority,’” whose origin, he continues, is not from the ego, but from “a more comprehensive self.” This higher authority uses the creative imagination as its instrument of revealing itself.
Quantum theory is revolutionising scientists’ understanding of our universe and suggests revolutionising our understanding of “God”.
Discussion Questions
Please watch the video by clicking on this link: “Creativity: Where the Divine and the Human Meet” and reflect on the questions below in preparation for our meeting.
1. Do you consider that you are an artist, that you have creative abilities, potential?
2. Inspired by Marianne Williamson’s poem, could you give yourself permission to be creative, to bring to fruition your latent dreams or ambitions?
3. What possibilities do you envisage for our education, our society, our world?
FAQs: Creativity & Spirituality
How is creativity a spiritual practice, not just an artistic hobby?
Creativity invites us into co-creation with God. It isn’t just making something pretty - it is letting the divine energy that made the universe flow through us to give birth to new meaning. Many spiritual teachers see creativity as an expression of the sacred in the everyday (Murielle Marie) and as an innate spiritual energy in everyone (BraidedWay)
Why does spirituality often deepen creativity?
Because the contemplative life opens inner space. Silence, prayer, and reflection help us notice subtler stirrings, fragments of insight, or longings that art or metaphor can express. Research shows that people reporting spiritual experiences are more likely to engage in creative activities. (Journal of Creative Behavior, via MySolluna)
Can creativity help with healing and self-discovery?
Absolutely. Turning pain, confusion, longing into creative expression helps bring the inner unseen into view - making it visible, tangible. Art therapy is a well-documented example of creativity fostering self-awareness and healing.
How do you overcome creative blocks in a spiritual way?
First, compassion - not pressure. Blocks often arise from fear, judgment, perfectionism, or exhaustion. In spiritual practice, we learn patience, rest, surrender. Try simple practices: free writing, doodling, repeating a word, listening to nature. Let the creative impulse come, rather than wrestle it.
How can ordinary people integrate creativity into daily spiritual life?
You don’t need to be a painter or musician. Creativity can show up in your cooking, your conversations, in making compassionate decisions, organizing a space, telling a story. Start small: choose one creative way each week - write a line, draw a shape, photograph a moment. Over time, these small acts become a spiritual rhythm.
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.
About the Author - Robert Van Mourik
Robert, a co-founder and guiding presence within St Lucia Spirituality, brings a wealth of insight and dedication to our community. While his roots lie in the Catholic tradition, Robert's spiritual journey has been one of profound inquiry and introspection, spanning many decades in search of what he terms "a coherent worldview."
Drawing inspiration from luminaries such as Anthony de Mello, Richard Rohr, Diarmuid O’Murchu, and Ilia Delio, Robert's quest for spiritual truth has been shaped by the wisdom gleaned from countless authors and mentors. Their insights have served as guiding beacons, illuminating the path towards deeper understanding and connection.
It was in the shared bond of seeking spiritual growth that Robert first crossed paths with John, their encounters over coffee in 2012 marking the genesis of a transformative journey. These intimate gatherings, fuelled by conversations on influential books and the evolving landscape of their perspectives, soon blossomed into vibrant small groups and virtual meetings on platforms like Zoom.
Through newsletters, discussion papers, and a shared commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue, Robert has played an instrumental role in nurturing the thriving community of seekers within St Lucia Spirituality. His dedication to facilitating growth, exploration, and connection reflects the essence of the community's ethos - a journey of discovery and transformation, embarked upon together.
Footnotes
1 The Quantum Revelation, Paul Levy, 2018, page 45
2 Ibid page 46
May 2023
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