Despite sixteen years having passed since Joxe Arregi, born in Oñatz in 1952, ceased to be a Franciscan and priest, he continues his intellectual work. A Doctor of Theology, he recently presented the Basque translation of his book, originally published in French in 2023: Jainkoa, jaun goikoaz harago. Teologia berri baterako ildoak. In this work, Arregi shares his reflections on spiritual life and religion, moving beyond dogmas and the rigid structures of the Catholic Church.
“"In 2010 I left the Franciscan order and the priesthood, but I never intended to abandon spiritual life. The word spirit means breath, and if you stop breathing, it's over. Deep breath is, for me, spiritual life, and I have never wanted to give that up."
Arregi states that he feels Christian but lives his faith in his own way, free from dogmas and the limitations of the Catholic institution. He recalls feeling compelled to leave the priesthood in Arantzazu because his thoughts and teachings were forbidden. He believes that this decision, though difficult, was for the best, and he blesses the years of crisis in his journey, especially those between 2005 and 2010 in Arantzazu and the subsequent five years until 2015.
He is highly critical of the ecclesiastical hierarchy, believing that the institution failed to perceive the profound cultural and historical transformation the world was undergoing around the Second Vatican Council. As a result, he argues, the Catholic Church missed the opportunity to transmit its liberating message. Regarding the future of religions, Arregi believes that, at least in the West, the era of religions, understood as systems of beliefs, rituals, and moral norms, has ended.
“"This ecclesiastical institution has run its course. It was foreseeable. It's a pity that it wasn't perceived as an institution and measures weren't taken; that is, that the liberating message and renewing breath it carried within were not assimilated and published. That is what is regrettable."
However, Arregi acknowledges that many people are experiencing a new spiritual quest in this post-religious and post-secular culture. He sees the risk of embracing new dogmas and, with his new book, seeks to propose a healthier way to fill that void. He also expresses concern about the near future, given the growing power of global political and economic leaders such as Trump, Putin, Xi Jinping, and technodictators like Elon Musk.
