Is there anyone better at making everything feel manageable than Fr. Richard Rohr? Just his voice and affirmations alone are enough, especially for an Enneagram 2w3 like me. This conversation really helped to ground me amidst our current chaos, even as someone who no longer ascribes to the Christian belief system of my childhood. Thanks for putting this into the world!
Two phrases stood out to me in particular: "Don't take the bait," and "Hate in, hate out." Our entire society seems to be centered around either creating or taking the bait. So thankful that we can all be reminded that not responding to the bait is strength, not weakeness.
I think you’re ahead of the curve here, Kristen (and this is something I have happened onto as well, coming at it as a still-working pastor).
Christianity, if not dying, is in hospice.
Progressive Christianity has aged out, and Christian nationalism is toxic.
So what is left? The mystics. The non-doctrinaire fonts of wisdom, people like Richard Rohr. And let’s include Simone Weil, Thomas Merton, Teresa of Avila, et. al. In there.
In the binary world of ones and zeros in this time, they offer so many good things. First: wonder and awe. We must reclaim this from a world that thinks everything is certain, that every answer can either be googled or found on ChatGPT.
Second, they offer us way out of the social media frenzy that has turned us into twitchy lab rats. And that comes in one word: attention. (See: Simone Weil)
I must say this is a very unlikely turn of events and I have no idea how many people are picking up on it. But it is out there in the Zeitgeist.
Richard is amazing 🙏🏼 you articulate the impact of his message, writing and ways of being so well. He is such a guide for me in digging out from the false teachings I too was guided into around believing in God and Jesus.
Thank again Kirsten! Richard Rohr saved my life too. So I’ve cleaned out my house, I’m traveling to Portugal for 3 months, going to walk the Camino and dream of buying a home there. Now I’ll be sure to put “The Tears of Things” on my kindle. Along with one of my other favorites “Falling Upward”.
I’m also revisiting a book that long ago inspired me to dream but somehow life got in the way to follow through. “The Alchemist”. ✨
you are so sweet Rosemary :-) It sounds like you have a lot of exciting things ahead of you—I’m so happy for you! And yes, any book by Richard would be a wonderful companion on your journeys.
Thank you for the timely interview. I needed it. I have found myself getting pulled back into watching too much news, with the unhealthy accompanying anger and hyper judgement. As you say, some anger is righteous, but needs to be coupled with self-criticism and a realization that some of the underlying drivers of this chaos live in our my heart too. On the positive side, a life of humility and radical love can have positive effects on those around us.
Terrific summary. I look forward to reading it. His writing, especially Falling Upward, was a lifeline to me when I was staring into the abyss a decade ago. It pierced the thin facade of my conservative, reformed theology that had neat answers for everything (you and I listened to the same preaching in the years prior which tried to not only made that posturing palatable, but intellectually chic as well). Epistemic certitude characterized my faith at that time. It has taken (is taking) a long time to break down that dualistic thinking.
I finally listened to this piece all the way through. Richard Rohr is gift to all who encounter him, and you asked just great, probing, hard questions. By hard I mean this re-arranging of our thinking that must take place is we are to emerge from this soul-less hole we are in.
And hard, because we are TRAINED in non-duality, in yes or no, zero or one. It is counter-cultural. Every day we get out of bed, we need to be reminded of this.
So excited to listen to this conversation. I am reading Falling Upwards right now. I was raised Jewish but consider myself agnostic, interested in the teachings of many traditions and Roger’s views on Christianity seem so humane & compassionate to me.
Love, love, love him! First book was his work on the enneagram. Then, every podcast I could find with him. Then more books!! You're so lucky you got to interview him!
This was so good and so needed, Kirsten. The impact Richard has had on my life is immeasurable and it's amazing the impact he still has. I'm with you, we need him to live forever. He is too humble to say it, but he is absolutely the prophet we need right now. Thank you so much for this.
Wow, thank you for this. I read the transcript first because early mornings are for reading, not playing sound, but later I will listen to this. Because I want to hear his voice, and all the things he said, again.
Thank you so much for this interview. It's given me things to think about in a different way. We liberals are not perfect or always right. I'm going to re-read Falling Upward today.
Is there anyone better at making everything feel manageable than Fr. Richard Rohr? Just his voice and affirmations alone are enough, especially for an Enneagram 2w3 like me. This conversation really helped to ground me amidst our current chaos, even as someone who no longer ascribes to the Christian belief system of my childhood. Thanks for putting this into the world!
Two phrases stood out to me in particular: "Don't take the bait," and "Hate in, hate out." Our entire society seems to be centered around either creating or taking the bait. So thankful that we can all be reminded that not responding to the bait is strength, not weakeness.
So well put Tim! I’m so glad it felt grounding to you… that’s how it felt to me when I was talking to him. Like I could finally Exhale.
I think you’re ahead of the curve here, Kristen (and this is something I have happened onto as well, coming at it as a still-working pastor).
Christianity, if not dying, is in hospice.
Progressive Christianity has aged out, and Christian nationalism is toxic.
So what is left? The mystics. The non-doctrinaire fonts of wisdom, people like Richard Rohr. And let’s include Simone Weil, Thomas Merton, Teresa of Avila, et. al. In there.
In the binary world of ones and zeros in this time, they offer so many good things. First: wonder and awe. We must reclaim this from a world that thinks everything is certain, that every answer can either be googled or found on ChatGPT.
Second, they offer us way out of the social media frenzy that has turned us into twitchy lab rats. And that comes in one word: attention. (See: Simone Weil)
I must say this is a very unlikely turn of events and I have no idea how many people are picking up on it. But it is out there in the Zeitgeist.
Yes yes yes to everything you said!
Richard is amazing 🙏🏼 you articulate the impact of his message, writing and ways of being so well. He is such a guide for me in digging out from the false teachings I too was guided into around believing in God and Jesus.
Me too!
Thank again Kirsten! Richard Rohr saved my life too. So I’ve cleaned out my house, I’m traveling to Portugal for 3 months, going to walk the Camino and dream of buying a home there. Now I’ll be sure to put “The Tears of Things” on my kindle. Along with one of my other favorites “Falling Upward”.
I’m also revisiting a book that long ago inspired me to dream but somehow life got in the way to follow through. “The Alchemist”. ✨
Thanks again for being my prophet. 💕
you are so sweet Rosemary :-) It sounds like you have a lot of exciting things ahead of you—I’m so happy for you! And yes, any book by Richard would be a wonderful companion on your journeys.
Thank you for the timely interview. I needed it. I have found myself getting pulled back into watching too much news, with the unhealthy accompanying anger and hyper judgement. As you say, some anger is righteous, but needs to be coupled with self-criticism and a realization that some of the underlying drivers of this chaos live in our my heart too. On the positive side, a life of humility and radical love can have positive effects on those around us.
Thank you for this interview. I needed to hear this.
Terrific summary. I look forward to reading it. His writing, especially Falling Upward, was a lifeline to me when I was staring into the abyss a decade ago. It pierced the thin facade of my conservative, reformed theology that had neat answers for everything (you and I listened to the same preaching in the years prior which tried to not only made that posturing palatable, but intellectually chic as well). Epistemic certitude characterized my faith at that time. It has taken (is taking) a long time to break down that dualistic thinking.
He is such a gift—I felt he was a lifeline too. I truly don’t know what I would’ve done without his work.
MLK’s Letter from a Birmingham Gaol is something I read over and over.
Also Kirsten, you’re a prophet - keep preaching it. xxx
You are so sweet 💜
I finally listened to this piece all the way through. Richard Rohr is gift to all who encounter him, and you asked just great, probing, hard questions. By hard I mean this re-arranging of our thinking that must take place is we are to emerge from this soul-less hole we are in.
And hard, because we are TRAINED in non-duality, in yes or no, zero or one. It is counter-cultural. Every day we get out of bed, we need to be reminded of this.
wow thanks John! it's always nice to hear that what i'm trying to do is making it through to the reader/listener. Thanks for the feedback :-)
So excited to listen to this conversation. I am reading Falling Upwards right now. I was raised Jewish but consider myself agnostic, interested in the teachings of many traditions and Roger’s views on Christianity seem so humane & compassionate to me.
Love, love, love him! First book was his work on the enneagram. Then, every podcast I could find with him. Then more books!! You're so lucky you got to interview him!
This was so good and so needed, Kirsten. The impact Richard has had on my life is immeasurable and it's amazing the impact he still has. I'm with you, we need him to live forever. He is too humble to say it, but he is absolutely the prophet we need right now. Thank you so much for this.
Lovely interview. Fuel for the soul in these times.
Thank you Jenny 💜
Wow, thank you for this. I read the transcript first because early mornings are for reading, not playing sound, but later I will listen to this. Because I want to hear his voice, and all the things he said, again.
Thank you so much for this interview. It's given me things to think about in a different way. We liberals are not perfect or always right. I'm going to re-read Falling Upward today.