The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For, and Believe

Description

In his decades as a globally recognized teacher, Richard Rohr has helped hundreds of thousands realize what is at stake in matters of faith--and it is not religion as usual. Yet Fr. Rohr has never written on the most perennially talked about topic in Christianity- Jesus Christ. Most know who Jesus was, but who was Christ? Is the word simply Jesus' last name? Too often, declares Rohr, our understandings have been held captive by culture, nationalism, and Christianity itself. Drawing on history, theology, and psychology, Rohr articulates an exhilarating and ultimately more sensible view of Jesus Christ as a portrait, so to speak, of how God works. "The whole of creation is the beloved community--the child of God--not just Jesus," he writes. In a world where religion too often divides, Rohr's understanding of the Incarnation changes not just the significance of Christmas, but how we read history, relate to nature and each other, and find our highest purpose each day. Fans of Rohr's earlier works will find here a synthesis that reveals the broadest, most hopeful vision for humanity imaginable. Newcomers will be drawn to a science-friendly spirituality that feels both modern and timeless. All will value Rohr's practical insights on mindfulness, prayer, and enlightened social action.

RICHARD ROHR, O.F.M., is a globally recognized ecumenical teacher bearing witness to the universal awakening within the Franciscan way, Christian mysticism and the Perennial Tradition. He is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation (www.cac.org) in Albuquerque, where he also serves as Academic Dean of the Living School for Action and Contemplation. Fr. Richard is the author of numerous books, including the bestsellers FALLING UPWARD, THE NAKED NOW, and most recently, DIVINE DANCE.

"Fr. Richard challenges us to search beneath the surface of our faith and see what is sacred in everyone and everything. Anyone who strives to put their faith into action will find encouragement and inspiration in the pages of this book." -Melinda Gates, author of The Moment of Lift Rohr sees the Christ everywhere, and not just in people. He reminds us that the first incarnation of God is in Creation itself, and he tells us that 'God loves things by becoming them.' Just for that sentence, and there are so many more, I cannot put this book down. -Bono "Here Fr. Richard helps us to see and hear Jesus of Nazareth in what he taught, what he did and who he is--the loving, liberating and life giving expression and presence of God. In so doing he is helping Christianity to reclaim its soul anew." -Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in America A major shift in our culture is needed, and Richard Rohr's unpacking of The Universal Christ is a critical step in the right direction. Remembering our connection to every thing has implications for our religious traditions, society--and dare I say it--even our politics. -Kirsten Powers, CNN political analyst and USA Today columnist [Rohr] invitingly asks Christian readers to bring together their thinking about Jesus (the historical person) and Christ (the savior) in order to recognize God in the world around them . . . Rohr's innovative reflections will inspire believing readers to think deeply about the nature of God. -Publishers Weekly "Anyone who has made a confession of faith in Jesus Christ should read this book to grasp more fully the vast and startling implications of this belief. This is Richard Rohr at his best, providing an overall summation of his theological insights that have been life-changing for so many." -Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, General Secretary emeritus of the Reformed Church in America Here, Christianity finds its root and its destiny in all things, in all matter, in all creation. and here, we find our connection to universal belonging, to universal trust, and to universal love. This book will change religion and make it tender and gentle and transformational. -Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics