Man, do I love some good Christian philosophy. Even better if it's wrapped in the stories of the prophets and the patterns of speaking truth.

There were points at which I was fairly confused, thinking that the author was working his way toward a specific point only to pull back and make no point at all but simply to leave the reflection there for the reader to pick up. Perhaps my mind has been too jaded by the world; I used to relish in this sort of thing, but there was something in me that wanted to call it "unfinished." That said, I appreciate that it was left that way because we're living in a world that is so busy trying to tell you WHAT to think that most persons have forgotten HOW to think, and the role of the prophet is to be a thinking person - a reflective one. One who can see and understand and interpret and not simply mimic or repeat or accept.

I have studied the Bible, and the prophets, and Christian philosophy fairly extensively over the years, as matter of personal devotion and professional exercise and just general curiosity and a certain leaning toward the world, and yet, there were still things in this work that caused me to see something in a new light or to think in a new way. It had me reflecting on my own understandings and postures, as well as those of persons I allow to speak into my life in some way, shape, or form.

I am very appreciative of this book. It was by no means an easy read - fairly dense in many places - but such a worthwhile one.

Interesting perspective on the prophetic writings of Scripture and how that can impact the relationship between anger, compassion, and grief in uncertain times.

(I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

I found this to be an interesting study of Biblical themes and motifs to our current reality. The focus is on both Jewish and Christian scriptures and is well handled by a master teacher

I began reading Richard Rohr's "The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage" in the days following my latest Tenderness Tour event. For a little over a week, I wheeled along the trails of Indiana in my wheelchair, over 150 miles total, raising money to eliminate medical debt for Hoosiers. Along the way, I encountered those who were hopeful and those who experienced despair. I encountered anger and I encountered joy. I encountered those filled with gratitude and those praying for a miracle.

In short, it felt like I was experiencing a world that would prepare me for reading "The Tears of Things," a book that easily becomes my favorite Rohr work because of its wild intelligence, absolute heart, immense hope, and incredible accessibility.

"The Tears of Things" is grounded within the timeless wisdom of the Hebrew prophets and explores a world in which we are called to somehow figure out how to live compassionately while being surrounded with violence and despair and anger and injustice. Rohr, with extensive research and remarkable insight, reveals how some of the lesser-read books of the Bible offer us a crucial, surprisingly clear path forward.

Rohr doesn't do this blindly. He vividly portrays the strengths and weaknesses of these prophets and realistically portrays their spectrum of human maturity. What he captures, and what nearly brought me to tears quite often, was how human beings evolved and grew into their spiritual maturity and abilities to serve.

For Rohr, these prophets exemplify the ability to practice what he calls "sacred criticism" - a distinct approach to confronting evil and justice that acknowledges the fullness of history, our interconnectedness, and the reality of a divine, universal love. Rohr offers inside into these prophets, an insight presented with such wonderful clarity that it feels as if they come to life within his pages. I found myself learning from and loving his words.

I must confess that I have not always found Rohr's writings accessible. While I adore his lectures and teachings, I've often struggled with his writings. Yet, there's been no struggle here - nothing but sacred learning and spiritual enchantment. While Rohr always writes with a pastoral voice, there's a warmth in this writing that perfectly complements his extensive and engaging biblical scholarship.

As I prepare for my next Tenderness Tour event, "The Tears of Things" prepares me to better engage in a compassionate way with a hurting world.

For this, I give thanks.