The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For and Believe
Ebook
'I cannot put this book down' - BONO
'One of the most influential speakers in the world' - OPRAH WINFREY
In his decades as a globally recognized teacher, Richard Rohr has helped millions realize what is at stake in matters of faith and spirituality. Yet Rohr has never written on the most perennially talked about topic in Christianity: Jesus. Most know who Jesus was, but who was Christ? Is the word simply Jesus' last name? Too often, Rohr writes, our understanding has been limited by culture, religious squabbling, and the human tendency to put ourselves at the centre.
Drawing on scripture, history and spiritual practice, Rohr articulates a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God's constant, unfolding work in the world. 'God loves things by becoming them, 'he writes, and Jesus' life was meant to declare that humanity has never been separate from God - except by its own negative choice. When we recover this fundamental truth, faith becomes less about proving Jesus was God, and more about learning to recognize the Creator's presence all around us and in everyone we meet.
Thought-provoking, practical and full of deep hope and vision, The Universal Christ is a landmark book from one of our most beloved spiritual writers, and an invitation to contemplate how God liberates and loves all that is.
Universal Christ by bestselling author Richard Rohr is a long-awaited book that explores what it means that Jesus was called Christ, and how this forgotten truth can transform everything we see, hope for and believe.
Contents
Before We Begin 1
PART 1
ANOTHER NAME FOR EVERY THING
1 Christ Is Not Jesus's Last Name 11
2 Accepting That You Are Fully Accepted 25
3 Revealed in Us - as Us 39
4 Original Goodness 55
5 Love Is the Meaning 69
6 A Sacred Wholeness 81
7 Going Somewhere Good 91
PART 2
THE GREAT COMMA
8 Doing and Saying 103
9 Things at Their Depth 109
10 The Feminine Incarnation 121
11 This Is My Body 129
12 Why Did Jesus Die? 139
13 It Can't Be Carried Alone 159
14 The Resurrection Journey 169
15 Two Witnesses to Jesus and Christ 189
16 Transformation and Contemplation 203
17 Beyond Mere Theology: Two Practices 221
Epilogue 231
afterword Love After Love 233
appendixes Mapping the Soul's Journey to God 235
appendix i The Four Worldviews 237
appendix ii The Pattern of Spiritual Transformation 243
Bibliography 249
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.
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.
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.
Rohr has a wonderful attention to detail and a profound capacity to unfold what it means to see the reality of Christ in Creation and in and through our human struggles. This is a remarkable book . . . Be aware also that [it] is not an entirely comfortable read - Rohr offers those who journey with him in this narrative some radical theological wisdom.
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.
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.
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.
- Title: The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For and Believe
- Author: Richard Rohr
- Publisher: SPCK Publishing
- Print Publication Date: 2019
- Logos Release Date: 2022
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9780281078615, 0281078610
- Resource ID: LLS:9780281078615
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-05-18T17:32:14Z