Joshua Bennett
Richard Rohr is a Franciscan priest and writer on spirituality based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was ordained into the Roman Catholic Church in 1970 and has since founded the New Jerusalem Community in Cincinnati and the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque. Despite his Catholic ordination, Rohr's teachings are considered by some to be contrary to the Church's. His interpretation of Jesus as a man who became the Christ is seen as heresy, and his endorsement of ideologies such as syncretism, monism, and the third eye are not in line with Catholic doctrine. However, Rohr has gained popularity, especially among millennials, for his alternative orthodoxy, which emphasizes orthopraxy over verbal orthodoxy. His works, such as The Universal Christ, have been both well-received and controversial, sparking discussions around their alignment with Catholic theology.
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What You'll Learn
Richard Rohr's teachings on Jesus Christ
Richard Rohr is an American Franciscan priest and writer on spirituality. He was ordained into the Roman Catholic Church in 1970 and has since written several notable works, including "The Universal Christ", "Falling Upward", and "Everything Belongs". His teachings on Jesus Christ have been deemed controversial by some, who claim that they deviate from traditional Catholic doctrine. Here is a detailed overview of Richard Rohr's teachings on Jesus Christ:
Rohr's interpretation of Jesus Christ is centred around the concept of "alternative orthodoxy", which emphasises orthopraxy, or the belief that lifestyle and practice are more important than verbal orthodoxy. He suggests that following Jesus is the "best shortcut" to salvation, but that one does not need to practice formal Christianity to do so. Instead, Rohr invites individuals to "fall in love with the divine presence, under whatever name." He critiques conservative churches that teach that non-believers and followers of non-Christian religions are doomed to Hell. Rohr's teachings extend beyond traditional Christian boundaries, attracting followers from various faiths and those who identify as spiritual but not religious.
Rohr's book "The Universal Christ" has been particularly contentious among Catholic and Christian circles. Some critics, such as Trent Horn, argue that Rohr distorts the true identity of Jesus Christ in this work, promoting a counterfeit Christ. They claim that Rohr's interpretation of "Christ" as encompassing all of creation, rather than specifically referring to Jesus as the Anointed One or Messiah, slides into pantheism. Rohr's emphasis on the "universal Christ" has also been criticised for failing to address the ethical problem of distinguishing good from evil.
Rohr's teachings on Jesus Christ also include a unique perspective on salvation. He suggests that Jesus is not indispensable to salvation, as individuals can pass from the "false self" to the "true self" without necessarily believing in Jesus. This has been interpreted as a doctrine of self-salvation that eclipses the historical reality of Jesus. Rohr's interpretation of Jesus' death and resurrection focuses on the idea of solidarity with humanity rather than redemption. He suggests that the crucifixion represents letting go of egoistic attachments, while the resurrection symbolises change or rebirth.
Rohr's work has sparked discussions about the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and faith. He has supported the idea of queer clergy proclaiming the Gospel from an explicitly queer perspective. Additionally, Rohr has criticised the top-down hierarchy of Western Christianity, advocating for a bottom-up approach that challenges the traditional power dynamics within the church.
While Rohr's teachings on Jesus Christ have been praised for their inclusivity and depth, they have also faced scrutiny and criticism from those who view them as a distortion of traditional Christian and Catholic doctrine. Despite this, Rohr's work continues to exert a significant influence on spiritual seekers worldwide.
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Rohr's interpretation of the Gospel
Richard Rohr is an American Franciscan priest, writer, and speaker on spirituality. He was ordained to the priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church in 1970 and has since authored several books, including *The Universal Christ,* which topped Amazon's Christology and Christian ethics charts and was a New York Times Bestseller in 2019.
Despite the criticism, Rohr has a wide audience, including those who follow other faiths or identify as spiritual but not religious. He has been praised for encouraging open dialogue about the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and faith, and his work has been described as "inviting people into the depth of things".
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Rohr's audience and influence
Richard Rohr's audience and influence extend beyond Christian boundaries. While he is a Catholic priest, his work appeals to people who follow other faiths or identify as spiritual but not religious. His largest demographic is millennial Christians, described as "not Catholics but post-evangelicals".
Rohr has been interviewed by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Brené Brown, and his work has been endorsed by musicians like Bono of U2. His book, "The Universal Christ", was a New York Times Bestseller in 2019, and in 2011, PBS called him "one of the most popular spirituality authors and speakers in the world".
Rohr's work has been both popular and controversial in Catholic and larger Christian circles. His teachings emphasize "alternative orthodoxy", a term used in the Franciscan tradition to refer to a focus on "orthopraxy", or the belief that lifestyle and practice are more important than verbal orthodoxy. This belief is often overlooked in Catholic preaching today, according to Rohr. He also emphasizes the importance of falling in love with the divine presence, regardless of the name given to it, and encourages people to be loyal to their primary tradition.
Rohr has also influenced conversations about the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and faith. His Daily Meditations from the Center for Action and Contemplation have addressed gender and sexuality, and he has supported the idea of queer clergy proclaiming the Gospel from a queer perspective.
In summary, Richard Rohr's audience and influence are far-reaching, impacting both those within and outside of traditional Christian circles. His work has sparked conversations about faith, spirituality, and the role of the Catholic Church in modern times.
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Rohr's endorsement of the Enneagram
Richard Rohr, an American Franciscan priest and writer on spirituality, has authored and co-authored several books, including "The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective" with Andreas Ebert. This book is a significant revision of Rohr's original Enneagram book, which was one of the first English publications on the topic. The Enneagram is a dynamic system that helps in understanding personality, addiction, relationships, and vocation. It is divided into nine distinct personality types, each with its own unique set of virtues, vices, and basic desires.
The Enneagram is organized around three Triads: gut (instinctive), heart (feeling), and head (thinking). Rohr asserts that integrating all three parts is essential for true self-love, loving others, and loving God in a holistic manner. Additionally, Rohr and his colleague Russ Hudson offer lectures and practices based on the Enneagram to facilitate personal transformation, compassion, and prayer.
Rohr's Enneagram types are pure types, in contrast to other systems where most people are considered combination types. His types are also arranged in a different order, with the Lunar as a 2 followed by the Venusian 3, emphasizing the need for constricted withdrawal and open acceptance to achieve balance.
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Why hasn't the Catholic Church defrocked Richard Rohr?
Richard Rohr is a Franciscan priest and writer on spirituality based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC), a school that aims to integrate Christian contemplative spirituality with compassionate action in the world. While Rohr's teachings have been a source of inspiration for many, they have also drawn criticism and controversy from some Catholic bishops and traditionalist Catholics. Despite this, the Catholic Church has not defrocked him.
Rohr's teachings often focus on themes of mysticism, contemplation, and the importance of direct experience of the divine, which he believes is accessible to people of all faiths and none. This universalist perspective has led some critics to accuse him of relativism and syncretism, suggesting that he blurs the boundaries between Catholic doctrine and other spiritual traditions.
Additionally, Rohr has been an advocate for certain progressive causes, such as the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Church and a more egalitarian approach to Church hierarchy. These views have drawn criticism from more conservative elements within the Catholic Church, who see them as contradicting official Church teachings.
Despite the controversy, Rohr retains the support of many Catholics, including those who find his teachings a refreshing and inclusive interpretation of Christian spirituality. Some argue that his emphasis on direct experience of the divine is deeply rooted in the tradition of Christian mysticism and that his willingness to engage with other spiritual traditions is a form of interfaith dialogue that can build bridges between different faiths.
The Catholic Church has not defrocked Richard Rohr likely because he has not explicitly denied or contradicted core Catholic doctrines, and his teachings remain within the realm of acceptable theological diversity. Additionally, Rohr's focus on contemplation and social justice aligns with the Franciscan tradition within the Catholic Church, which emphasizes simplicity, service to the poor, and a deep spiritual connection with God through prayer and reflection.
Furthermore, Rohr's work at the CAC and his extensive writing and speaking engagements have touched the lives of many people, offering a path to spiritual growth and a more inclusive understanding of Christianity. As such, his impact and influence may also be factors in the Church's decision to allow him to continue his ministry.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Richard Rohr is a Catholic priest, ordained in 1970. However, his teachings are considered by some to be against the Catholic faith.
Richard Rohr's teachings on Jesus are considered controversial by some Catholics. He teaches that Jesus is an "ideal guide" but not the Lord, and that Jesus and Christ are two separate beings. He also teaches that following Jesus is the "best shortcut" to salvation, but one does not necessarily need to practice formal Christianity.
Richard Rohr's God is described as "all mercy" and "powerless". He believes in universal reconciliation and eternal communion with God, rather than the traditional Catholic view of Hell.
Richard Rohr has not been defrocked because his actions are not considered grave enough to merit laicization. The Catholic Church rarely defrocks priests, and typically only in cases of child abuse or extremely flagrant crimes.
