Richard Rohr

Explore the life and thought of Richard Rohr (born 1943), an American Franciscan priest, spiritual writer, and contemplative teacher. This article covers his biography, teachings, key works, famous quotes, and lessons from his journey.

Introduction

Richard Rohr, O.F.M. (born 1943) is an American Franciscan friar, priest, and prolific author whose work spans spirituality, Christian mysticism, and contemplative practice.

He is best known as the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and for writing books such as The Universal Christ, Falling Upward, and Everything Belongs.

Rohr’s spiritual vision emphasizes a contemplative path, the transformation of the self (from false to true), and an inclusive, expansive understanding of Christ and creation.

Early Life and Formation

Richard Rohr was born in Topeka, Kansas in 1943. He grew up in a devout Catholic family with roots in farming. His childhood was shaped by the values and challenges of mid-20th century rural America.

From a young age, Rohr sensed a calling to ministry. In interviews he recounts that by the age of seven he gathered friends to teach them catechism, a formative moment in his vocation.

In 1961 he entered the Franciscan Order, embracing the path of simplicity, service, and contemplation. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1970 and earned a Master of Theology degree from the University of Dayton in the same year.

Ministry, Institutions & Works

Early Ministry & New Jerusalem

Soon after ordination, in 1971, Rohr founded the New Jerusalem Community in Cincinnati, Ohio, as part of his commitment to live spiritual life in community and action.

This community was an embodiment of his effort to integrate action (social justice, engagement) with contemplation (prayer, mysticism).

Founding the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC)

In 1987 (sometimes cited as 1986), Rohr established the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

CAC became a hub for teaching, writing, retreats, and forming what he calls the “Living School for Action & Contemplation,” rooted in seven thematic pillars developed in his book Yes, And….

Rohr has served as founding director and as academic dean of the Living School.

Publications & Thought

Over his ministry, Rohr has authored dozens of books covering a wide spectrum of Christian spirituality, psychology, mysticism, and social ethics.

Some of his well-known works include:

• Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life

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

• Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer

• Immortal Diamond: The Search for Our True Self

Rohr’s key theological leanings include:

• A “false self” ? “true self” transition model, often applying Jungian psychology metaphors.

• A re-interpretation of Christology: he posits the incarnated Christ as a model for cosmic participation, rather than focusing solely on substitutionary atonement.

• Emphasis on mysticism, perennial wisdom, and nondual spirituality as complementary to Christian tradition.

• A prophetic posture within the Church: advocating “alternative orthodoxy”, orthopraxy, and a bottom-up spiritual renewal rather than institutional rigidity.

Challenges, Health & Later Years

In later years, Rohr faced health challenges: he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017 and suffered a severe heart attack in 2018.

In 2022, Rohr disclosed a diagnosis of lymphoma, and indicated he would step back from public ministry accordingly.

Despite these challenges, he continues to be a voice of contemplative teaching and influence through CAC and his writings.

Legacy & Influence

Richard Rohr’s influence extends beyond Catholic circles: he is widely regarded as one of the most influential contemporary spiritual teachers, especially among Christian seekers, contemplatives, and ecumenical audiences.

His works have been translated into multiple languages and his readership includes both traditional Christians and those on spiritual but not religious paths.

His concept of a “universal Christ” has catalyzed new theological reflections on the presence of Christ in all creation and across faith boundaries.

The Living School, CAC retreats, and his daily meditations continue to nurture contemplative practice, social justice orientation, and spiritual formation globally.

While his views have sometimes generated controversy—especially among more conservative theological critics—his willingness to live at the edges of tradition and to challenge orthodoxy has been seen as prophetic by many.

Personality & Spiritual Disposition

Richard Rohr is often described as humble, earnest, and generous, yet intellectually daring. He carries a posture of “edge of the inside” — one who lives within tradition but does not uncritically defend all its institutional forms.

His style is accessible yet profound: he combines story, metaphor, contemplative insight, and theological reflection in his teaching.

He is also notably ecumenical: his audience spans Christians of many denominations and those beyond Christian traditions.

Famous Quotes & Excerpts

Here are some notable reflections attributed to Richard Rohr:

“We must learn a new way of seeing or we will be broken by what we see.”
— on contemplative perception (often quoted among his meditations)

“All spiritual knowledge is not cognition. It’s recognition. You’re reknowing what you deeply already knew.”
— from his reflections on inner wisdom

“The difference between a mystic and a fanatic is, mystics feel more comfortable sitting inside the mystery.”
— reflecting on faith and certainty

“God is more interested in our transformation than in our information.”
— emphasizing spiritual growth over doctrinal correctness

“Sacrifice is coming from the Latin root sacer ‘sacred’ + facere ‘to make’—so, what we sacrifice, we make sacred.”
— a frequent theme in his exploration of spiritual disciplines

“The Christian meaning of ‘enlightenment’ is there — it is very parallel and consistent with awareness of who you are and how you see reality from this new ontological identity.”
— on integrating spiritual insight and Christian identity

“The world is held together by circles of love.”
— a poetic expression of interdependence

These statements capture themes of transformation, perception, mystery, and relationality that are central in his work.

Lessons from His Life & Thought

1. Spiritual transformation over mere information
   Rohr insists that faith must move beyond intellectual assent to experiential inner change.

2. Embrace both contemplation and action
   His model integrates silence, listening, and social engagement—not a retreat from the world, but a more grounded engagement with it.

3. Seek deeper perception
   His teaching encourages seeing beyond surface appearances, inviting people to access spiritual vision (the naked now) rather than relying solely on rational filters.

4. Live at the edges
   Rohr demonstrates the spiritual role of prophets: those who push boundaries within tradition, not as rebels for rebellion’s sake, but as agents of renewal.

5. Inclusivity, not exclusion
   His theology of universal Christ and perennial wisdom emphasizes that divine presence is present beyond narrow borders, challenging exclusivist mindsets.

6. Humility in teaching
   He shows that spiritual authority does not demand arrogance; rather, it is more persuasive when coupled with humility, vulnerability, and openness to mystery.

Conclusion

Richard Rohr is a modern mystic and spiritual teacher whose contemplative vision seeks to awaken deeper awareness, compassionate justice, and transformative faith. Rooted in Franciscan tradition yet daring in scope, his life and writings invite seekers to dive below surface beliefs and live from a more expansive center.