My friend Em got me onto this author. I had heard of him and then later I realized I had confused him with another writer named Don Richard Riso. Both have associations with Catholicism - Rohr is a Franciscan Friar and Riso was I believe a Jesuit for some years. Both have written about the Enneagram - hence my confusion.
I have also subscribed to Rohr's daily meditation - an email newsletter which I love so far. Longing for a contemplative, scholarly, and approach to faith that embraces mystery, the limitation of human ability to grasp the divine, and simple but profound wisdom for growing deeper in maturity and faith - this guy is your man - only he's not - he's a friar.... sorry couldn't resist. He's worked with many people over the years from a variety of different backgrounds and this richness gives him a fabulous perspective.
The book reflects on the broader meaning of "Christ" - as opposed to it merely being Jesus' last name. How does Jesus embody the concept of Christ and how Christ is not limited to Jesus. He thankfully doesn't engage in boggy scripture references and cross referencing - something I've grown to loathe in evangelical writing. He does refer to the Bible, other sacred traditions and texts some, personal insight, and his vast encounters with "pilgrims."
In my usual broad strokes impressionistic way I soaked this up and felt it confirms my current posture of spiritual beliefs in many ways. Unlike Brian MaClaren, he doesn't veer too much into social/political types of arenas (for which I'm thankful.) He does appeal to the idea of focusing on living like Jesus did - and putting less focus on what I call "transactional" Christianity which apparently is a more recent phenomenon - in the focus on escape from hell through personal acceptance of the cross sacrifice etc. This is refreshing. Can't say I have a handle on the concept of sacrifice - is it a reflection of the evolution of mankind from tribal society to more advanced notions? Or is it a reflection of a requirement of our Creator? Realm of mystery still.....
I definitely feel relieved to let go of the idea that all other people groups and time periods outside of the Great Commission focal movement are bereft of knowledge or deep meaningful connections to the divine. I've long embraced that idea - but these types of writings definitely confirm and resonate.
His tone is very gracious and loving as well. You feel like you're chatting with someone who cares about you. Again - focus is not on being right, proving others wrong, but exploring what it means to be human, how we can grow and develop maturely in loving communion with Higher Power and others.
