Interview with Fr. Richard Rohr

[FireDragon76]

A very edifying interview with Fr. Richard Rohr about the troubled times we live in, and how to respond as an opportunity for spiritual growth.

 

[RileyG]

I've read some of his books. I really enjoyed his book on The Divine Dance about the Holy Trinity.

Peace

 

[Learning always]

Trent Horn said there's something wrong about his book "The Universal Christ".

 

[FireDragon76]

Trent Horn said there's something wrong about his book "The Universal Christ".

Horn is an apologist who values clarity and simple answers, so of course he might have issues with Rohr, who teaches mysticism and contemplation, which often deals in multivalent, layered symbolism, holistic and associative thinking (vs. linear and analytical), and holds paradox and mystery as potentially sacred or revelatory.

There is a cosmic, participatory dimension to Christian salvation that often isn't as thoroughly addressed in Western Latin Christianity, especially since the Enlightenment (but which was very much part of the medieval Latin spiritual worldview, eg., St. Francis, Hildegard von Bingen)... but it shouldn't be dismissed altogether just because it's unfamiliar or outside the dominant paradigm of what Christianity should look like.

Also, some of the differences with Rohr are due to posture more than substance or material heresy. Rohr's audience are mostly upper-middle-class spiritual seekers or people dissatisfied with institutional religion. Some are alienated from traditional religious communities, or involved in their communities but with spiritual needs that transcend the ordinary institutional presentation of the faith. Some are older lapsed Catholics turned off by a focus on overly rigid, propositional approaches to the faith, and so forth. So it's often a question of audience, context, etc.

 

[RileyG]

Trent Horn said there's something wrong about his book "The Universal Christ".

I have the book. Haven’t read it yet.