Picture a Franciscan friar whose words weave ancient Christian mysticism with modern soul-searching—meet Richard Rohr! A globally celebrated spiritual author and speaker, Rohr has captivated hearts with books like The Universal Christ and Falling Upward. Through his Center for Action and Contemplation, he invites readers to embrace a compassionate, inclusive spirituality that resonates across faiths and cultures.
Born in 1943 in Kansas, Rohr’s journey began with a spark of divine wonder, leading him to found a movement that blends contemplation with action. His teachings, praised by PBS as among the world’s most influential, offer a roadmap for discovering deeper meaning in today’s chaotic world.
The Making of Richard Rohr
Richard Rohr grew up in Topeka, Kansas, where a childhood moment under a starry sky on his cousins’ farm ignited a lifelong sense of divine connection. At 18, he joined the Franciscan order, drawn to its emphasis on simplicity and service. Ordained as a Catholic priest in 1970 after earning a Master of Theology from the University of Dayton, Rohr founded the New Jerusalem Community in Cincinnati in 1971, a hub for spiritual seekers. In 1987, he established the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to nurture contemplative practices and social justice, a mission that defines his legacy.
Richard Rohr’s Transformative Works
Rohr’s bibliography is a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom, blending Christian mysticism with universal truths. Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life (2011) explores life’s second half, where failures and paradoxes lead to profound growth. Readers love its gentle nudge to embrace vulnerability. The Universal Christ (2019), a New York Times bestseller, reimagines Christ as a cosmic presence in all creation, earning praise from figures like Oprah Winfrey and Pope Francis. Everything Belongs (2003) invites readers to see the divine in everyday moments, while The Divine Dance (2016) reinterprets the Trinity as a dynamic flow of love.
Rohr’s style is warm, accessible, and inclusive, rooted in the Franciscan tradition of compassion and the perennial philosophy, which finds common threads across spiritual traditions. His writing challenges rigid dogma, encouraging readers to experience God through contemplation and radical love, making his work a beacon for millennials, post-evangelicals, and spiritual-but-not-religious seekers.
Why Richard Rohr Matters
Rohr’s impact transcends Christianity, resonating with diverse audiences from U2’s Bono to spiritual activists. The CAC’s Living School trains contemplative leaders, fostering a spirituality that balances inner peace with social change. His inclusive approach, notably his support for LGBTQ+ communities, redefines faith as a force for unity. By reviving Christian mysticism, Rohr has sparked a global movement of compassionate, interconnected living, offering hope in a divided world.
About Richard Rohr
- Born: 1943, Topeka, Kansas
- Key Works: Falling Upward, The Universal Christ, Everything Belongs, The Divine Dance
- Founded: Center for Action and Contemplation (1987)
- Recognition: Named one of the world’s most popular spirituality authors by PBS (2011)
Ready to explore a spirituality that embraces all? Snag Falling Upward or The Universal Christ and dive into Richard Rohr’s transformative world of love and wisdom!