Alisa Childers I Blog

Here's Why Christians Should Avoid the Teachings of Richard Rohr

11/23/2020

Tracy grew up in the church, but when her identification as queer contradicted her Evangelical upbringing, she decided she no longer fit within that tradition. Through the teachings of Richard Rohr, she found a spiritual home with the practice of contemplative spirituality. Tracy’s experience mirrors that of many millennial ex-Evangelicals who have discovered a spiritual mentor and teacher in the Franciscan priest, author, and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC), Richard Rohr.

The CAC website describes Rohr as “a globally recognized ecumenical teacher bearing witness to the universal awakening within Christian mysticism and the Perennial Tradition.” Rohr’s teachings are gaining influence, especially among millennials who grew up in the Evangelical church. He is particularly influential in the progressive Christian movement and is referred to as a spiritual father, hero, and mentor by well-known progressive voices. He is endorsed by progressive leaders like Rob Bell, Jen Hatmaker, William Paul Young, Michael Gungor, and Brian McLaren, to name just a few. As Rohr gains popularity, it becomes increasingly more important for church leaders to be aware of his teachings and their widespread influence. In this article, I’ll take a look at Rohr’s view of the Bible, the cross, and the gospel.

Richard Rohr’s view of the Bible

Historically, Christians have believed that the Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God. Following Jesus’ own example, Christians have affirmed over the centuries that the Scriptures are internally coherent, without error, and infallible. However, Rohr holds a much different view of the Bible:

The Jewish Scriptures, which are full of anecdotes of destiny, failure, sin and grace, offer almost no self-evident philosophical or theological conclusions that are always true. . . . We even have four, often conflicting versions of the life of Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. There is no one clear theology of God, Jesus, or history presented, despite our attempt to pretend there is.

Rohr interprets the Scriptures using what he calls the “Jesus Hermeneutic.” He writes:

…The text moves inexorably toward inclusivity, mercy, unconditional love, and forgiveness. I call it the “Jesus Hermeneutic.” Just interpret Scripture the way Jesus did! He ignores, denies, or openly opposes his own Scriptures whenever they are imperialistic, punitive, exclusionary, or tribal.

Contrary to what Rohr teaches, Jesus never ignored, denied, or openly opposed the Old Testament Scriptures. In fact, as I argue in this paper, Richard Rohr’s “Jesus Hermeneutic” not only fails to offer any legitimate Scriptural support, but taken as a whole, the biblical data gives us an entirely opposite view of how Jesus handled the Scriptures. The truth is Jesus never once declared or implied that the Scriptures were anything but fully truthful and to be obeyed. Jesus affirmed the Old Testament to be the inspired, authoritative, historically reliable, inerrant, infallible, imperishable Word of God—and that it was all about himself.

Richard Rohr’s view of the cross

Historically, Christians have believed Jesus died on the cross for our sins, taking our deserved punishment upon himself. This is not only affirmed in Scripture, and taught by Jesus himself, but it goes back to the earliest creed in Christianity, which pre-dates the New Testament by about twenty years. However, according to Rohr, the idea of a God who would require the blood sacrifice of his son is “problem-oriented.” Of the atonement, Rohr writes:

I believe that Jesus’ death on the cross is a revelation of the infinite and participatory love of God, not some bloody payment required by God’s offended justice to rectify the problem of sin. Such a story line is way too small and problem-oriented.

According to Rohr, Jesus didn’t need to die on the cross. It’s your “false self” that needs to die, not someone else. He refers to substitutionary atonement as a “strange idea” that leads to a “transactional” theology. Contrary to Rohr, Scripture teaches substitutionary atonement, Jesus affirmed it, along with early Christians.

Richard Rohr’s view of the gospel

Historically, the Christian gospel is the proclamation of the good news of salvation. This has been understood through the lens of God’s redemptive acts throughout history. It began with the creation of the universe and mankind. After sin was introduced into the world by the rebellion of Adam and Eve, God provided a means of redemption and reconciliation through the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. Those who accept this provision of salvation will be given eternal life with God. But for those who reject this gift of grace, the Bible describes their eternal punishment separated from God's love and goodness.

However, according to Rohr, the idea of a God who “doles out punishment” is unhealthy, cheap, and toxic. He does believe Jesus died, was buried, and was resurrected. However, he separates Jesus and Christ into two separate entities, with Jesus being nothing more than a “model and exemplar” of the human and divine united in one human body. And in Rohr’s view, Christ is a cosmic reality that is found “whenever the material and the divine co-exist—which is always and everywhere.” He implicitly denies the deity of Jesus. He writes: “We spent a great deal of time worshiping the messenger and trying to get other people to do the same. . . . [Jesus] did ask us several times to follow him, and never once to worship him.” This “Cosmic Christ” is a New Age idea that Rohr is promoting as “Christian.”

Rohr also believes all religions share the same core truth and are all paths to truth (perennialism). He openly affirms p anentheism, a view of the nature of God that teaches God is in all, all is in God, but God also transcends the world. This carries troubling implications for his view of the Trinity and the nature of Christ. He said: "The Universe is the body of God….yes, it’s the second person of the Trinity in material form."

He denies original sin, the atonement, the exclusivity of Christianity, and he has an unorthodox understanding of heaven and hell, and the literal second coming of Christ. Rohr's views stand in stark contrast to the historic Christian view of the gospel.

Through his books and his highly popular teachings on the Enneagram, Richard Rohr is rapidly gaining influence in the Christian church. But church leaders would do well to be aware of what Rohr actually teaches about the Bible, the cross, and the gospel. Faithful Christians should avoid his teachings at all costs.

77 Comments

Bill (cycleguy) Grandi link

11/24/2020 05:06:05 am

Thanks so much Lisa for this concise "introduction" to Rohr. After dealing with some of the other names of people influenced by him (with a dismissed staff person) this article gives me the shivers to know of this man's influence. Instead of leading people to the True Savior, he is leading them to a false one which surely lead them astray and keep them lost. Your book is a phenomenal read and it is my recommendation for 2020 Book of the Year. (I was right about Rebecca's book in 2019). I have loaned my copy to someone and just now bought them their own copy. Thanks for your honesty in writing about your struggle.

Stella Golden

2/11/2021 06:51:31 pm

It such a shame Alisa that Western Christianity cannot appreciate the evolution taking place. We have lost so many many young people because WC cannot keep up with what is happening in our world. It has not always been that these are our beliefs and if you don’t believe them, then you are not a Christian! It would be nice if it were just that simple! Believe this and now you are a Christian. Nothing is that simple and in attending to control or confined the human spirit, we lose sight of who this God of creation truly is! And please don’t tell me that thus God is going to punish me for thinking this way! He is so much bigger than any way we try to explain Him and Thank God for that💜

Roy White

2/13/2021 09:06:12 pm

Respectfully Stella, what about Jesus and the words from the inspired writers has changed? What do you mean "Western Christianity"? Is there an "Eastern Christianity"?
Hermeneutics requires us to read interpret the Bible based upon what the authors were trying to say, not what the verses say to me. My lens, as is all sinners/persons, is pretty cloudy and tends to bend God's word to fit our the "times" we live in. That appears to be the Christianity you prefer. I'm glad to Alicia and a growing number of new Christian apologists are speaking the truth, even if it doesn't conform to current culture. Bless you and family as we all pursue the truth through Jesus Christ's eyes and not our own.

Ken

2/13/2021 02:49:15 pm

Oh My goodess! Such umbridge over standard Franciscan theology. Franciscan theology developed more or less in parallel with the atonement theology of Aquinas. but you show your ignorance of church history if you think that Rohr has invented this. Franciscan theology has been accepted as a parallel and legitimate understanding of the meaning of the Cross. Rohr and Franciscan's in general are in good standing with Roman Church authorities. Please don't let yourself be so intolerant of the diversity which God obviously loves very much.

adam

2/15/2021 02:15:59 pm

Spot on Ken! Amen

Aurelia Lambrechts link

11/24/2020 09:15:33 am

Wowwww! THANK YOU for explaining what Richard Rohr believes and teaches. I've hears a couple of Christian friends mention his name - and they also have read Madame Guyon's old books on contemplative prayer. Do you know about her?

Kim

3/5/2021 11:25:59 am

This is actually a very simplified explanation of what Rohr Believes and I don't think it does it justice. I would recommend listening or reading a little more before dismissing entirely.

R.L. Solberg link

11/24/2020 09:22:22 am

Thank for for this, Alisa, and all the work you do with Progressive Christianity. This article is a great resource I will use often!

Noah

11/24/2020 09:24:37 am

Very well thought out, pointed analysis. We need to keep calling these heresies out as they continue to come along and lead people away from the Lord.

Earl link

1/17/2021 08:06:33 am

I think with time you will look again at the principles of what he is saying. When you look deeply at the so called origin of sin for example, you will find it does not make sense. How do we go from being perfect to committing sin. Where did the sin come from? When you get to understand this more, it blows your mind and shows you who Jesus really is and also who you are. At that point you will no longer be a slave to sin but KNOW you ARE God's Child, you always were: you just didn't know it! Peace X

Amelia

1/28/2021 03:42:08 pm

Human beings were never "perfect" but created in the image of God, meaning that we were to reflect His character traits---love, kindness, humility, generosity, self control, patience, etc., We were always given the free will to choose. In the garden, Adam and Eve chose to listen the authority of another entity over that of the Lord. They listened to that creature's twisting of God's words, his lies of promises of forbidden knowledge, and turned their backs on God's authority.
Nowhere in Scripture does it pronounce the first humans, or any humans for that matter, as perfect because that was never the plan. God created humans to be His family not robots that were programmed to do exactly what He wanted us to do. How lonely would that be? He wanted relationships with us, interaction, conversation. He knew we would mess up because He knows everything but like any good parent, He loves us, watches over us and cares for us. He never leaves us no matter what we may do, no matter how often we choose to sin. We sin every day but He blesses us abundantly every day because of His profound love!
Jesus is the way, the truth and the life! Only through Him can we come to the Father! Amen

Peter Snyder

11/24/2020 09:34:11 am

Thanks for the summary. While spiritually a disaster, the intellectual dishonesty of Rohr and others is also very frustrating, as is their desire to still be known as Christian. If they are so convinced that what they teach is true, they should just be honest and let it be known that they have a new religion that claims a false Christ. But Satan is too crafty to allow them to do this.
Again, I appreciate your commitment to pointing out the dangers of such false prophets and their teachings and your commitment to the gospel. I have your book and can't believe I haven't read it yet. I will soon.
Blessings in Jesus.

Sheryl Pellatiro link

11/24/2020 09:41:48 am

Thank you again, Alisa, for a powerful post. You have been selected for a time such as this to bring awareness to the Progressive Christianity movement, among other false teachings. Thank you. I would love to send you my new Bible study on Revelation. If you would message me your address, I would LOVE to do that. Here's the link to it, but I would love to send you a complimentary copy. You've blessed me so much with your teaching, I would love to bless you.... https://www.amazon.com/Revelation-Message-Church-Sheryl-Pellatiro/dp/B08DBHD759/ref=sr_1_1?crid=52Q4PSLEZRQE&dchild=1&keywords=sheryl+pellatiro+revelation&qid=1606232440&sprefix=sheryl+pellatiro%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1

Doug smith

11/24/2020 11:00:50 am

Excellent. God is using Alisa to expose Progressive Christianity as not Christianity at all. It is in the same family as LDS or JW. It uses similar Christian words but redefines them .

David Hernandez

11/24/2020 10:18:58 am

Thank you for your email. Very timely. I feel like a giant wave is approaching the church. Thank God we will prevail in the power of the Holy Spirit. Marcia Montenegro's book on the Enneagram has 2 chapters devoted to RRohr.

Sheree

11/24/2020 10:40:10 am

Thank you for exposing yet another false teacher. I just read Another Gospel and am sharing it with a friend as well. I wondered where the "emergent" church had gone...oh, now they are "progressive!" Keep speaking truth! God bless!

Chantelle

11/24/2020 01:47:50 pm

I'm so thankful you are writing about this and shedding the truth and light. I got swept up in the enneagram and have since repented of my time spent in something that is rooted in the occult. I have some good friends that deconstructed their faith and turned to Richard Rohr. Thankful for you speaking and sharing God's truth!

Jane Gruber

11/24/2020 03:02:49 pm

Thank you for this information, Alisa! Very well written and as always, based on the Truth. I appreciate you sharing your studies with us.

Steve Muse

11/24/2020 03:50:57 pm

Thank you for writing this article. Rohr is one of many over the years that continue to bring the same message and so many Christians open the door letting the lion in to be devoured. The names are endless that the Church has embraced over the years to their detriment.

John Noack

11/24/2020 09:54:37 pm

It appears that Evangelicals, who like to claim that every propositional statement in the Bible is inerrant and that all of the actions and conduct in the Bible are infallible, have turned a blind eye to three biblical texts. Psalm 96:10 informs us, as it did the Reformers, who were using it to oppose the cosmic helio-centric view of Copernicus, that “the Earth is firmly stablished; it cannot be moved”. However, we now reject this statement on scientific grounds, as being false and we accept that the Earth both rotates daily around its axis and it revolves annually around the sun.
Exodus 17:14 and Numbers 31:7 inform us that the Hebrews’ Deity decreed that all of the Amalekites and the Midianites, including mothers and children, must be slaughtered and these races annihilated. Only the young girls, whom the Hebrew males were allowed to keep for themselves, were spared from the slaughter. There was no Christian-inspired “loving your enemies” here.
Since we now know that the Earth does in fact move annually around the sun and that racial genocide is now universally condemned, Evangelicals need to be much more honest and truthful about their claims that there are no erroneous or false statements and no fallible or immoral actions recorded in the Bible. So far as I have read, such essential honesty and truthfulness about the Bible has not emerged so far in any Evangelical Writings. No wonder the Millennials are deserting this ship, in their search for honesty and truthfulness.

PJ Trimble

12/1/2020 09:47:16 pm

I was thinking about this comment when I was purchasing small birds for my sacrificial blood offering at my church, which certainly SEEMS positioned in the center of my world.

Wayne Ballinger

1/12/2021 10:02:40 pm

The Evangelicals have created their own demise. I know my brokenness and their god is far too small for me. As the son of a Church of Christ pastor (retired) , I will introduce legislation throughout the U.S. in 2021 ELIMINATING the tax deduction (501 C3) for ALL churches based upon their 'Hate' speach (according to the culture).
Let's see how many folks return the Sunday after they can't write off their tithe anymore!
True 'Separation of Church and State' is coming rapidly and THEN we'll see how right, true, strong, your American god is !!!!!

Rachel Shallenberger

2/12/2021 09:36:52 am

Go for it. Tax exemption is not why we give or do anything. You're a "puny human" (to quote Hulk). God is your Creator. Do what you want. I hope you see the truth before it's too late, though! And He's not an "American" God, he's the God of the entire world.

And the Psalm verse is totally taken out of context.
Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.

And yes- those people groups had to be killed because they would cause the Israelites to fall away from God. (these things happened a lot.) It's not "error". Things were just different back then before Christ came and hung in our place. That's all.

Heather M Davis link

11/25/2020 10:47:39 am

I looked into Rohr's teachings, too. It's intensely disturbing that anyone would promote him as Christian. Almost like saying Carlos Castanada wrote from a Christian worldview...

Mike

11/25/2020 03:45:45 pm

You piqued my interest in the opening paragraphs and had me locked in by the end. I've only read some of Rohr's work and listened to several years of homilies but I will definitely seek out more. I hope you will as well in an effort to see past your narrow view of God and the scriptures. There is so much more there that you seem afraid to see.

Embrace the work of Rohr, Rob Bell, Thomas Oord and everyone else you mark as dangerous. Their work is bringing people to faith and an understanding of Jesus. Your work however, I feel is doing quite the opposite. People that are singing your praises for your teachings are people who are looking for you to confirm what they already believe.

You are not opening minds and hearts with this work...you're slamming doors in the faces of people who are seeking an understanding of who Jesus really was and is.

Dean Love

12/4/2020 09:41:22 am

Mike Your claim that those who praise Alisa because she confirms what they already believe, misses a crucial point. What they already believe is what the Scriptures actually teach about Jesus and what He in turn taught about Himself, eternal life and damnation, etc. Alisa simply confirms what the Scriptures teach, which if language means anything, is pretty clear.

On the other hand, those who follow Rohr, do so I believe, because he confirms what they actually WANT to believe. They prefer to believe that God doesn't hold people eternally accountable for their sins and that Jesus was more of an example of how we should live, rather than the Saviour of all who believe and Judge of all who refuse. They prefer Rohr's new religion over the one founded on the teachings of Jesus and his apostles. For them, it's all about what they like, not what is real.

Brian Shaw

11/26/2020 09:40:12 am

Richard Rohr is a heretic! The 2nd century heretics taught that Jesus and Christ were different persons. Irenaeus taught this in Against Heresies, Book 3, Chapters 16-18.
https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103316.htm

Stephanie Dennis

11/27/2020 11:03:06 am

Thank you thank for revealing these false teachings that have been around since the beginning and have been condemned as heresy in the early church. The progressive “Christians” question over and over again why the church is losing young people and older people alike and it is not because we hold to the Truth of the Gospel but because of false teachers leading people astray. I am thankful for your voice and your new book.

11/27/2020 06:16:48 pm

Thank you! It is not my book, nor is it new - written in the 2nd century A.D.

Wade

11/30/2020 12:37:47 pm

I love Richard Rohr's teaching....wish I had known of him 40 years ago!

12/1/2020 09:39:10 pm

Amen to that !
I have long been aware that understanding science and the trajectory of humanity are not part of the fortress mentality (presented here as apologetics) that encourages us continue to condemn others. It's sad to see this "return to barbarism" advocated as Godly (Christian or Otherwise). Action and Contemplation might be a solution.

12/1/2020 10:35:05 am

Alisa, thank you for this post and the defense of the faith in Christ alone.
Some of these comments are heart breaking but not unexpected. Only the Holy Spirit can transform a heart and that is by hearing the Word of God, which many many false teachers are rejecting and twisting the Word of God.

To the critics here, please Romans Ch 1-3. The entire world is under God's just condemnation and Jesus did provide the only way of salvation, he was our substitute.

This is good news because it addresses the truth, the bad news of our sin. If your gospel doesn't also contain the bad news, if it only pleases you, then it is probably not the gospel that saves.
Love you all in the Lord and keep seeking the Lord.

Garry Turner

12/2/2020 06:52:28 am

Thanks for all your work in this area, Alisa. It is much appreciated.

CARMEN NAVARRO

12/14/2020 01:17:35 pm

Hi Alisa,

I enjoyed this blog, your YouTube channel, and your book, which I already read. Thanks for the great contexts and subjects. I am pretty sure I will have many questions for you soon. 😁

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stephen argent

12/15/2020 09:53:30 am

thank you for this review of Richard Rohr and his teaching, After reading your response I am drawn towards his perspective even more.

Kathy Hoppe

12/21/2020 03:29:13 pm

I respectfully disagree with your analysis which is not based on fact, theological education, or a personal conversation with Richard Rohr. Many of your own summations about Christian theology represent only a part of Christianity. My husband & I have personally met Richard. The first thing one discerns is the presence of the Holy Spirit. I think to critique a theologian one should be more educated and check one’s facts.

2/15/2021 02:29:05 pm

Amen spot on! Seems like in a lot of the comments people don't understand Catholic history or the work of the Franciscans over the last 800 years.

Apologies

4/13/2021 03:49:18 pm

Have you met Alisa? I think to critique her one should be more educated, check one's facts, and have had a personal conversation with her. That seems to be the golden standard before someone is allowed to publish their own opinion.

What are your rules for commenting on someone else's post by the way? Moreover, what about commenting on someone's comment?

12/21/2020 04:45:28 pm

Kathy; Alisa's "summation" of Christianity was narrowly focused on addressing the areas where some of Richard Rohr's teachings directly contradicted what Jesus said about Himself, eternal life, salvation, the OT scriptures, etc. In my opinion, she demonstrated a full knowledge of the facts related to those subjects and how Mr. Rohr's beliefs deviate from those facts.

Agnieszka

1/9/2021 02:40:37 am

I send you love and light so your false, narrow believes may crumble and you may open your heart and mind to the Truth.
And thanks God for teachers like Richard Rohr and others who will help this sick institution that church became to fall apart.
I hope all of you blindly following scriptures will one day wake up to the living reality of Christ Consciousness.

Padraic link

1/10/2021 10:54:46 am

Hi Agnieszka
The world is following the rainbow New Age which is antichrist and it has a new messiah too soon to make his debut. The New Age says everything is ok, God doesn't mind. It will only last a few years though and the real Jesus will return and all mankind will see Him and face judgement by Him, He wants to save everyone, He will return as the King of mercy but not all will be saved, 'one will be taken and one left', the ones who are taken perish because they won't be able to repent.
I think this video is a preview of the return of Christ:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF0_ysUivxE
Fr Adam Skwarczynski is interesting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dELrJYluNCs
God bless,
padraic

1/14/2021 08:51:44 am

Hi Padraic,
To be honest, I'm not that good in all the names, labels and distinctions, I don't know what New Age is, what old age is, I have never heard of new messiah either. I had to leave church to find God and so I am, on my path to Truth, Love, God. And here's what works for me as is logical and resonates with my innermost, highest truth and understanding - God doesn't mind because there is no EGO in God. For our different purposes we created God on our image and likeness, a person like us just more powerful, more potent...more vengeful... In our little minds we can not comprehend that maybe the reality is a bit more complex, more complicated...
Whenever I see the word 'judgement ' in religious context I wonder - why I was given free will if I can not use it??? What would be God's plan and intention in that "gift" then??? (Please enlighten me).
Return of Jesus - yes, He is returning, but again -maybe taking it literally as physical return of a person is not the right way to see it? What if the return of Jesus means the awakening of Christ Consciousness in each of us?
I can go on and on but instead I will recommend beautiful and very wise book by Cynthia Bourgeault: The Wisdom Jesus (beware she's somehow connected to Richard Rohr!). Read if you want to understand Jesus on deeper level, if you want to understand His true teaching and the true sacrament of His life.
Love and light
Agnieszka

1/14/2021 04:43:41 pm

New Age/old age? There is a widespread theory in Astrology that after the Age of Pisces (Fish) there is the New Age of Aquarius. And since early Christianity used the symbol of the Fish for Christianity they think that the Age of Christianity is basically over and it is time for a new messiah and new age. They believe every 2,000 years or so there is a new guru/Buddha/Krishna to teach the world new enlightenment. It is a very clever plan but bogus imo, the seeds of it were planted a very long time ago. There is a guru who claims to be the real messiah and the new Buddha/Krishna and the Muslim Mahdi, he claims to be the one man to unite all religions in himself.

If God has an ego i don't think He would mind, if you ask me, God minds because God loves. He loves us, He loves goodness, He wants our salvation, it breaks His heart having to refuse salvation to a creature He loves but it is not His fault. In my opinion God created hell in order that those who reject Him can exist for eternity but they must be fairly punished for their unrepented sins. Good must suppress evil always. I think we are given free-will because God respects us so much and He hopes we will freely choose the path of real love which leads to eternal life with Him.

Julie

1/9/2021 10:42:32 pm

I am currently reading one of Rohr's books and am enjoying listening to another perspective. I grew up in conservative tradition and over the years have benefitted greatly from listening to others. Having our constructs challenged is a healthy thing. I am thankful I am not in the same box I started in and believe that is God's intent. I'm not sure why you have decided you have the corner on the truth and thus should instruct Christians to "avoid" the teachings of this man or others.

Padraic Kelly link

1/10/2021 11:00:09 am

Julie
A liberal Christianity without Christ is being taught by these famous teachers. In this day and age everything goes, nothing is seen to be offensive to God if it involves love but that is not always true.
God bless,
padraic kelly

1/16/2021 07:24:10 am

Dear Padraic,
I know I should probably leave it as it is (as there is not even REPLY button under your last post to reply) but I just can't.
First - thank you for clarifying what the New Age actually means, I have heard about the Age of Aquarius but haven't connected the dots...
Second - what kind of free will would that be? "You have free will but if you don't do what I want you to do you will suffer eternally"??? I wouldn't call it respect, I wouldn't consider it loving. What such interpretation would make out of God? And I think deep down in your heart you sense it's somehow not right.
Third - again, please read The Wisdom Jesus, I can't recommend it enough. Just yesterday I was reading in this book about the meaning of Jesus's passage through the realms of hell after His death on the cross (your "Good must suppress evil always" - yes, but not by means of eternal punishment but the power of love). True meaning of hell, of repentance, of sin...it's all there explained beautifully by someone much wiser than me (and in proper English, not mine)
Fourth and last - let go of fear! Do not be affraid. Question, doubt, search, ask...you will not be condemned or punished forever for that. Listen to your heart and trust it, there are all the answers you need. Just don't be affraid. I
God bless you

James

1/17/2021 04:16:25 pm

Very helpful analysis, based on Rohr’s own words and a robust inquiry using scripture, logic and history. Thanks for sharing, Alisa.

I’m currently reading one of Rohr’s books and happened upon your post. I must confess I like to read diverse theological views (especially ones I’m unlikely to agree with) and I’m seeing a lot which could be interpreted as sailing close to the “Little Gods” prosperity message in Rohr’s work.

It’s helpful to find a concise summary- thanks again.

Marilyn Taplin link

1/19/2021 03:01:05 pm

Departing from God and following the ways of Satan is established in Genesis and revisited throughout every story in scripture. In the Garden there are only two powers available for man to serve. And today, as it has been since Eden, there are only two powers – God or Satan. This truth is restated in the story of Noah and those in the flood – the population of the earth divided into two groups. If Adam and Eve were placed in the story of Noah, they would not be in the Ark with righteous Noah. Adam and Eve would be in the water. Their sin was sexual for it was a sexually perverse generation in the water at that time and so it is today. Then the land was filled with violence as our land is today.

Mark

1/22/2021 07:29:04 pm

I was on the internet and found this article about a man whom I credit with bringing me back from a dark place into the Light of The World - Jesus Christ. His name is Father Richard Rohr, OFM and he is one of only a small handful of true Christian Mystics (along the lineage of Father Thomas Merton, OFM). From the age of 15, he has dedicated his life (63 years as a priest) to the Perennial Tradition and in service to Christ through his work with the poor, alcoholics and drug addicts, prisoners and the forgotten (Matthew 25:34-36)
Father Richard is a peer of the theological giants like Eugene Peterson, so when I read your article, I was hoping for the best ! To your credit, you showed some chutzpah, but after consideration, I simply can’t believe your complete and utter lack of humility and basic knowledge about the nature of the trap of dualistic thinking that “Evangelicals” and radical far-right Catholics desperately adhere to.
There is help available. In addition to founding the CAC, Richard is the author of several books about the possibility of reaching further - that maybe it is possible to evolve past our infant like understanding of Jesus the Christ towards The Universal Christ. You state: “He openly affirms panentheism, a view of the nature of God that teaches God is in all, all is in God, but God also transcends the world. This carries troubling implications for his view of the Trinity and the nature of Christ”, to which I’d affirm - Yes, my friends, God was here before His son Jesus and if you think that is “new agey”, you’re still in the toddler stage of spiritual development.
Father Richard Rohr’s dedication to educate, inspire and help people to understand The Gospels have brought countless people like me closer to God with an open-hearted attitude. For those who have witnessed terrible things and became separated from God's love and goodness. – Father Rohr was (and is) the Way back to Christ.
So how do we grow and serve Christ to become better people ? It’s definitely Not by instructing others how, when, where or through whom we are to receive God’s Grace.
Your friend in Christ
Mark

Trevor link

1/28/2021 06:06:57 am

Mark, most telling is your insistence that Richard Rohr should educate us. You don't have to dig very deep to see that Rohr makes bold pronouncements that spring from his own ego (I am better than God) and then finds a way to twist Scripture to fit his views.

Scripture is analogous to Scripture. It is not confusing at all, it is consistent when you dive into the Bible and see its common thread from Old to New Testament.

People like Rohr sideline the conversation from grace, to buying into his own ego. It is a trap. Don't fall for it. Rohr like many others is a smiling angel of light... whose views cast you into the darkness.

I urge you to search the scriptures and do your own homework.

Jennifer

3/4/2021 08:45:47 pm

Mark-
The problem is your statement. “Richard Rohr was ( and is ) the Way back to Christ”

Scripture says. John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

No man is the way.

1/28/2021 06:02:21 am

I am encouraged to know that I am not the only one having to refute Rohr to the Christian mainstream. How he has wheedled his way in is a mystery since he clearly promotes a different gospel. Yes, he is a wolf among sheep and there are many loose these days like him, who would change the Word of God into a lie. It is good to speak up and say why these people are wrong. Most troubling to me, is that they routinely make bold statements as if true, then back that up with misquotes and proof texting from scripture. You need to know your Bible and understand your faith to fight back.

Earl

2/7/2021 04:31:56 am

Hi Trevor,
I think you will find that throughout history, new ideas have always challenged the established order. It is through light that we are aware of darkness.If the writings of the bible were the writings of a todler, would you still believe them word for word when you became an adult? Shurely your experience and perspectives will change as you grow: what you saw and interpreted one way, you may see differently later. It has been 2000 years since most of the bible was written. The earth was "flat", the earth isn't the centre of the solar system. Do you really think that everything is to be seen exactly the way they were then? If so , I presume you are still walking everywhere or travelling by donkey!
God has given you a mind to think, explore and challenge: that is why he gave us free will. wether you realise it or not, this is the greatest gift he has given you. Can we get off the donkey, and get into the car of our minds. We are made in his image. Create, go forth and live in the now! Peace X

Victoria

3/6/2021 02:14:36 pm

“It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:22-23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Moira

4/5/2021 09:58:02 am

But the writings of the Bible are not those of a toddler or toddlers. Things change, some for good and some not. But truth doesn't. What changes, at least for me, is a greater understanding of the scriptures as I age, as I change.

4/9/2021 07:00:58 pm

With all due respect Moira, there are many writings from thousands of years ago that we now understand more fully. With modern knowledge however, we are able to better understand what was happening at the time. That is why I use the toddler analogy. I hope we have moved forward greatly with the benefit of years of hindsight. We should and in many cases do see things clearer than in those times. I think if Jesus came today he would challenge us just as he challenged the Jews of his day. So maybe we are the “Pharasees” of today, holding on to doctrine and tradition and missing the essence and spirit of what the Bible is saying. I pray we will see ourselves in his truth. Peace X

Sharon

2/6/2021 04:52:57 am

It's interesting reading the above comments for and against Richard. We can only see the world through the glasses we wear. Sometimes when we take them off we actually see better or see a thing differently. Sometimes our glasses need changing. Rhor like the writers of the bible or any book gives his perspective. God is bigger than what or who we perceive him to be. What Rhor is asking us to do is open our God given minds. The bible has in many writings that do not speak to a loving God.if we continue to follow it slavishly we will continue to want to dominate each other and continue to cause much suffering.

Tony

2/13/2021 11:29:34 pm

Clearly Richard Rohr has never experienced the transformational reality of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. I pray that he does before it’s too late. In view of the Roman Catholic Church’s observance of both the Apostles Creed and the Athanasian Creed I find it extraordinary that they would tolerate his line of teaching. I would not want to be Richard Rohr when he one day stands before the Lord.

Chelsi

2/15/2021 04:23:43 pm

It's interesting that out of all the teachings of Rohr, this is what you take away from it. From what I've read by him, he more talks about the LOVE of God and how it lives inside all of us versus the need to follow a "structure". Do you truly think saying a few words such as, "Jesus come into my heart" is what gets you into heaven? I think it's more about our personal actions and how we treat others, which is what Rohr teaches most.

Brian

3/18/2021 04:47:54 pm

Jesus speaking - "On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’" Matthew 7:22-23

"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it." Ephesians 2:8-9

Rhomz

3/5/2021 09:07:08 am

A friend suggested R.Rohr to me so I googled and found this commentary and would like to thank you for being clear and concise. I was religious and spiritual as a kid (1960s)with 12 years of Nuns and Brothers. But what did I know? From your commentary R.Rohr is apparently everything really believe in now and wish I go back in time with his thinking.

3/5/2021 01:29:15 pm

Thank you for continuing to bring the important work of Rohr to people who might have missed it because of their narrow view. You are doing great things in helping people expand their world view and welcome people like Rohr into their lives. I recommend downloading his homilies; they're a great listen.

Steven De Bernardi

3/21/2021 03:12:31 pm

As a former Evangelical inner city pastor and chaplain I find the insights of Richard Rohr to be well centered in a biblical hermeneutic and Christology that is faithful to sound scholarship and yes...and appreciation for the Perennial Tradition. And I understand why it is difficult for those who hold to a inerrantist-infallible interpretive understanding of how to read the canonical texts to enter into the light that comes by leaving the cave of that particular point of view. Best regards from a Separatist of that Tribe. And please do better to Love God and Love your Neighbor. As for me and my house...Paz y Amor.

Jane

3/22/2021 09:35:00 am

Surely ‘you will know them by their fruits’. If R. Rohr encourages people to be kind, just, fair, forgiving, peaceful, thoughtful, loving, prayerful, then this is helping God’s kingdom come.

3/24/2021 09:38:20 am

Richard Rohr is essentially an introductory teacher to Theosophy (of Mde Blavatsky) where ultimately you discover that god from them is in fact Lucifer if you keep probing deeper and deeper into that system. A front runner for the coming one world religion within a new world government. Truth and lies mixed together just as Eve was beguiled (seduced) with by the serpent in the Garden of Eden.

Nancy Anders

3/28/2021 08:40:24 pm

Is that so?
You would boil down His years Franciscan training to theosophy?
Pfft!

Parker

3/24/2021 08:48:26 pm

BUT WHAT ABOUT TRACY!? WHAT ABOUT HER AND HER HOMOSEXUALITY!? YOU STARTED YOUR THESIS WITH TRACY BUT NEVER GAVE US ANY CLOSURE! DID SHE RETURN TO THE LORD!?

3/28/2021 08:37:18 pm

Everyone who wants to dismiss Richard Rohr’s perspectives on the basis of this article just needs to explore him for themselves. Nothing to fear there. Creating fear of Rohr is the point here. He is no threat to a rich spiritual life unless that life is based on rigid self-righteousness ...and fear.

Andie

3/30/2021 08:03:15 am

I wonder if it occurs to followers of Ms. Childers that it was people like them, locked in their own theology and certainty, with their boundaries and power threatened by expansion, who demanded the crucifixion of Jesus?
Please do some reading before you throw Richard Rhor off the cliff and claim him dangerous. Read his words!
Articles like this one are so damaging. What part of Jesus’s life encourages fearing and disparaging others and seeking enemies?
People—stop seeking Ms. Childers ideas and start the much harder work of seeking the still, small voice of God in your own hearts.
But be prepared....He just might expand your boundaries.

3/30/2021 11:08:29 am

Once one reads Richard Rohr's words and then reads the words of Jesus and His apostles, one immediately recognizes the difference. Rohr's words contradict the teachings of Jesus and His apostles so frequently that one is left wondering how he can still claim that what he teaches is Christianity, and how so many people can believe him.

I suspect it's because what he teaches is what many want to hear and what they wish Christianity really was.

If you want to know what Christianity really is, read the words of Jesus, Peter, Paul, John et al.

4/15/2021 07:52:46 am

I find it interesting that so many people claim to have the only truth in their theology and are so quick to dismiss others’ experience of God.

4/5/2021 09:53:08 am

What does this mean? I just can't get my mind around it. And in Rohr’s view, " Christ is a cosmic reality that is found “whenever the material and the divine co-exist—which is always and everywhere.”

4/5/2021 10:07:32 am

"people like them, locked in their own theology and certainty, with their boundaries and power threatened by expansion, who demanded the crucifixion of Jesus?" People like them? Not the same at all. Author is not refusing to recognize Jesus as the son of God. And, "What part of Jesus’s life encourages fearing and disparaging others and seeking enemies?" Read the scriptures re: what Jesus said and did to the money lenders in the temple.

4/15/2021 08:10:28 am

I am referring to people who are so certain of their own truth and are threatened by another’s experience and insight. Remember that Jesus was a threat to the religious establishment of the day because he taught another way of seeing?
Richard Rohr offers another theological perspective, a Franciscan one, that offers an alternative to original sin and atonement doctrine...theology which has given way to a host of human actions that have caused much harm and confusion among God’s beloved people.
You don’t have to consider his ideas, but they just offer an alternative way of seeing God which can be very healing to those who have experienced spiritual abuse at the hands of the current religious establishments.
Richard Rohr always points to the Christ. He is a beloved human brother and his work is meaningful and healing for many. He is not someone who needs to be feared by Christians.

John Jacobson

4/9/2021 06:20:17 pm

We need more people like Richard Rohr who seek to follow Jesus, rather than use the Bible as a weapon to separate people from the Kingdom.

At best the conservative evangelic church, particularly the American variety is heretical, at worst it's totally idolatrous.

Martin Luther's reformation was in response to a Roman Catholic church that had become so powerful, so corrupt, and so focues on earthly power that it had lost it's way. You don't have to look hard to see that is what is wrong with the conservative evangelical church when it is corrupted by QAnon, votes so much for an antichrist, and is blind to all of this.

I pray that the Kingdom of Heaven can continue to break into our reality, and shine it's light in the darkness.

We are in the stages of an new reformation if you have eyes to see it.

4/11/2021 01:14:06 pm

I praise God for Richard Rohr and people with open minds!

Janet Lynn Ash

4/12/2021 05:07:58 pm

I could not believe what i read from my Sunday Bulletin from mass..it was from The Daily Meditations from Richard Rohr... he said we don't pray to Christ!! How can he say such a thing?? I have never,ever been so upset by reading something so shameful and disturbing in my Sunday Church Bulletin!!!!

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Here's Why Christians Should Avoid the Teachings of Richard Rohr

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