Oh wow! I love this book. If you are a “thinker” and like to look at traditional beliefs from a fresh perspective, this will enforce a lot of what you have thought in quiet times of reflection. As per his usual style, Richard Rohr says things may not please the instituitional relegious bodies of our century as he steps back to question what we are told to think.
He points out things like in certain centuries the focus was on different kinds of sins, such as the sin of usuary (loaning money at unethical interest rates), and how church – ianity forces group think and puts more importance on membership than on spiritual growth. He even quotes one religous authority who, when questioned about certain things, said he didn’t have time to think about that, he was busy running a church! Clearly some ideas some people will want to squeltch before they catch on!
Some of his ideas in this book are down right revolutionary if people listen closley and take the time to really contemplate what he is really saying. It’s not a casual “feel good” kind of read, but something to pay attention to that can really change your world-view.
I was surprised to see the negative reviews, and think much of those come from people who listen to Richard’s books being used to his voice and his presenation style, and find hearing these ideas delivered by an emotionless professional narrator not to have the same impact. I felt the same way as first being disappointed that I didn’t hear that familiar voice, but you’ll get passed that if you really listen to what is being said.
Another great book by Richard Rohr. Thank God there are people like him who are not afraid to speak out and state what some may think are radical ideas. He not only points out that the emperor has no clothes, but backs it up by describing the various body parts that are in plain view if people would take the time to look closely enough.