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The Art of Letting Go
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True Self, False Self
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 89
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 69
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Franciscan priest Richard Rohr feels that there is no more challenging spiritual issue than the “problem of the self". Most of contemporary spiritual teaching, he believes, is still trying to inspire and fortify the private self, the autonomous "I". Even much church work is trying to evangelize and sacramentalize what many would call "the false self." Basic transformation is not expected, but merely a new set of beliefs and practices or loyal membership in a new group.
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Richard Rohr leads us through the social, political and environmental setting out of which Matthew brought Christ’s radical message of a new world order. He explains Matthew’s challenge to let go of the conventional wisdom that comes with contemporary American culture. Each of seven talks brings us closer to the heart of the Sermon.
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Much food for thought
- By gary on 15-04-15
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Breathing Under Water
- Spirituality and the Twelve Steps
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 42
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We are all addicted in some way. When we learn to identify our addiction, embrace our brokenness, and surrender to God, we begin to bring healing to ourselves and our world. In Breathing Under Water, Franciscan Father Richard Rohr shows how the gospel principles in the Twelve Steps can free anyone from any addiction from an obvious dependence on alcohol or drugs to the more common but less visible addiction that we all have to sin.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent
- By MRS on 05-03-15
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Falling Upward
- A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life
- By: Richard Rohr
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- Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 134
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 109
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In the first half of life, we are naturally preoccupied with establishing ourselves; climbing, achieving, and performing. But as we grow older and encounter challenges and mistakes, we need to see ourselves in a different and more life-giving way. This message of falling down - that is in fact moving upward - is the most resisted and counterintuitive of messages in the world's religions. Falling Upward offers a new paradigm for understanding one of the most profound of life's mysteries: how those who have fallen down are the only ones who understand "up".
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5 out of 5 stars
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Wisdom for the Over 50s
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The Divine Dance
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 39
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 31
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The Trinity is supposed to be the central doctrine grounding Christianity, yet we're often told that we shouldn't attempt to understand it because it's a mystery. But what if we breached that mystery? How might it transform our relationship with God?
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5 out of 5 stars
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Mind changing book
- By Robertjdarcy on 13-11-17
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Meister Eckhart's Living Wisdom
- Indestructible Joy and the Path of Letting Go
- By: James Finley
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- Length: 6 hrs and 21 mins
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 18
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The 13th-century mystic Meister Eckhart was the most brilliant Christian scholar of his day, but he was also legendary for the way that he opened listeners to the direct experience of God during his public talks. Today, his written wisdom remains alive as ever, ready to illuminate us. With Meister Eckhart's Living Wisdom, James Finley, one of today's best-known teachers of the Christian contemplative tradition, invites us into Eckhart's insights in the same way that this luminary teacher delighted in sharing them.
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5 out of 5 stars
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demanding of total attention!
- By richard2 on 13-12-17
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True Self, False Self
- By: Richard Rohr O.F.M.
- Narrated by: Richard Rohr O.F.M.
- Length: 5 hrs and 16 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 89
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 69
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 66
Franciscan priest Richard Rohr feels that there is no more challenging spiritual issue than the “problem of the self". Most of contemporary spiritual teaching, he believes, is still trying to inspire and fortify the private self, the autonomous "I". Even much church work is trying to evangelize and sacramentalize what many would call "the false self." Basic transformation is not expected, but merely a new set of beliefs and practices or loyal membership in a new group.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
True Self, False Self
- By Mrs on 22-11-12
-
Sermon on the Mount
- By: Richard Rohr
- Narrated by: Richard Rohr
- Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 68
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 53
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 53
Richard Rohr leads us through the social, political and environmental setting out of which Matthew brought Christ’s radical message of a new world order. He explains Matthew’s challenge to let go of the conventional wisdom that comes with contemporary American culture. Each of seven talks brings us closer to the heart of the Sermon.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Much food for thought
- By gary on 15-04-15
-
Breathing Under Water
- Spirituality and the Twelve Steps
- By: Richard Rohr
- Narrated by: John Quigley O.F.M.
- Length: 4 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 42
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 36
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 36
We are all addicted in some way. When we learn to identify our addiction, embrace our brokenness, and surrender to God, we begin to bring healing to ourselves and our world. In Breathing Under Water, Franciscan Father Richard Rohr shows how the gospel principles in the Twelve Steps can free anyone from any addiction from an obvious dependence on alcohol or drugs to the more common but less visible addiction that we all have to sin.
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5 out of 5 stars
-
Excellent
- By MRS on 05-03-15
-
Falling Upward
- A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life
- By: Richard Rohr
- Narrated by: Richard Rohr
- Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 134
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 109
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 105
In the first half of life, we are naturally preoccupied with establishing ourselves; climbing, achieving, and performing. But as we grow older and encounter challenges and mistakes, we need to see ourselves in a different and more life-giving way. This message of falling down - that is in fact moving upward - is the most resisted and counterintuitive of messages in the world's religions. Falling Upward offers a new paradigm for understanding one of the most profound of life's mysteries: how those who have fallen down are the only ones who understand "up".
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Wisdom for the Over 50s
- By Nimmi Hutnik on 01-06-14
-
The Divine Dance
- The Trinity and Your Transformation
- By: Richard Rohr
- Narrated by: Arthur Morey
- Length: 7 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 39
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 31
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 30
The Trinity is supposed to be the central doctrine grounding Christianity, yet we're often told that we shouldn't attempt to understand it because it's a mystery. But what if we breached that mystery? How might it transform our relationship with God?
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Mind changing book
- By Robertjdarcy on 13-11-17
-
Meister Eckhart's Living Wisdom
- Indestructible Joy and the Path of Letting Go
- By: James Finley
- Narrated by: James Finley
- Length: 6 hrs and 21 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 18
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 14
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 14
The 13th-century mystic Meister Eckhart was the most brilliant Christian scholar of his day, but he was also legendary for the way that he opened listeners to the direct experience of God during his public talks. Today, his written wisdom remains alive as ever, ready to illuminate us. With Meister Eckhart's Living Wisdom, James Finley, one of today's best-known teachers of the Christian contemplative tradition, invites us into Eckhart's insights in the same way that this luminary teacher delighted in sharing them.
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5 out of 5 stars
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demanding of total attention!
- By richard2 on 13-12-17
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Healing Our Violence Through the Journey of Centering Prayer
- By: Richard Rohr O.F.M., Thomas Keating O.C.S.O.
- Narrated by: Richard Rohr O.F.M., Thomas Keating O.C.S.O.
- Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 44
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 35
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Story5 out of 5 stars 35
Two internationally known spiritual guides explore integrating our inner and outer journeys. They challenge us to confront our inner and social violence and bring it to healing and transformation in a sacred and ecumenical context. Rohr and Keating each give insights on awakening to God's friendship, coming to know God and ourselves, growing in love through centering prayer, facing evil around us and our demons within us as well as opening our deep selves to divine therapy which heals our wounds.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Fabulous, instructive therefore practical.
- By Janet on 14-10-15
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The Contemplative Journey: Volume 1
- Contemplation and Transformation from Christianity's Mystical Tradition
- By: Father Thomas Keating
- Narrated by: Father Thomas Keating
- Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 25
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 23
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Story5 out of 5 stars 22
From infancy, Father Keating teaches, we accumulate emotional layers, or programs, as a result of traumatic experiences. The practice of Centering Prayer engages directly with the unconscious and loosens old traumas that hinder your spiritual development. This form of divine therapy draws from a contemplative method that has brought profound inner transformation into the lives of thousands of practitioners.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Very engrossing
- By Amazon Customer on 17-10-16
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New Seeds of Contemplation
- By: Thomas Merton
- Narrated by: Jonathan Montaldo, Sharon Cross
- Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 30
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Performance4 out of 5 stars 26
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 25
New Seeds of Comtemplation is one of Thomas Merton's most widely read and best loved books. Christians and non-Christians alike have joined in praising it as a notable successor in the meditative tradition of St. John of the Cross, the Cloud of Unknowing, and the medieval mystics, while others have compared Merton's reflections to those of Thoreau.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Lots to think about...
- By Andy Seys on 20-04-15
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Eager to Love
- The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi
- By: Richard Rohr
- Narrated by: John Quigley O.F.M.
- Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 23
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 22
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Story5 out of 5 stars 22
Francis of Assisi is one of the most beloved of all saints. Both traditional and entirely revolutionary, he was a paradox. He was at once down-to-earth and reaching toward heaven, grounded in the rich history of the Church while moving toward a new understanding of the world beyond. Franciscan Father Richard Rohr helps us look beyond the birdbath image of the saint to remind us of the long tradition founded on Francis' revolutionary, radical, and life-changing embrace of the teachings of Jesus.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Very impressive!
- By Amazon Customer on 12-12-14
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Immortal Diamond
- The Search for Our True Self
- By: Richard Rohr
- Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
- Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 22
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 16
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Story5 out of 5 stars 16
In his best-selling book Falling Upward, Richard Rohr talked about ego (or the False Self) and how it gets in the way of spiritual maturity. But if there's a False Self, is there also a True Self? What is it? How is it found? Why does it matter? And what does it have to do with the spiritual journey? This book likens True Self to a diamond, buried deep within us, formed under the intense pressure of our lives, that must be searched for, uncovered, separated from all the debris of ego that surrounds it.
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3 out of 5 stars
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KEVIN PIERCE A BAD VOICE FOR THIS BOOK
- By Nimmi Hutnik on 29-04-15
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Great Themes of Paul
- Life as Participation
- By: Richard Rohr
- Narrated by: Richard Rohr
- Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 31
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 27
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 27
In language that Paul might use if he were preaching and writing today, Rohr presents Paul’s all-embracing vision and invites us to enter into the mystery of Christ and be transformed. Rohr breaks new ground by applying up-to-date theories of our universe, integrating them with Paul’s revolutionary thinking about sin, saints and spirituality.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant
- By James Duffy on 04-06-19
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The Cloud of Unknowing: With the Book of Privy Counsel
- By: Carmen Acevedo Butcher (translator)
- Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
- Length: 5 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 20
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 18
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Story5 out of 5 stars 18
This anonymous fourteenth-century text is the glory of English mysticism, and one of the most practical and useful guides to finding union with God ever written. Carmen Acevedo Butcher’s new translation is the first to bring the text into a modern English idiom - while remaining strictly faithful to the meaning of the original Middle English. The Cloud of Unknowingconsists of a series of letters written by a monk to his student or disciple, instructing him (or her) in the way of Divine union.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Beaufitul
- By TGW on 27-09-16
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Thomas Merton’s Path to the Palace of Nowhere
- By: James Finley
- Narrated by: James Finley
- Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 23
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 21
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 19
First presented at a series of popular retreats, this full audio program takes a participatory approach to Merton's most useful teachings, helping us to discover our true self...to disappear into God; to be submerged into his peace; to be lost in the secret of his face, as Merton said, through daily practices including contemplation, prayer, and faith. In the end we find ourselves in what the Taoist sage Chuang Tzu called the Palace of Nowhere, where all the many things are one.
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New Great Themes of Scripture
- By: Richard Rohr O.F.M.
- Narrated by: Richard Rohr O.F.M.
- Length: 12 hrs and 51 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 29
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 22
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 23
Rohr reprises his best-selling talks on scripture in this powerful new series. He describes the Bible as a text in travail, containing not just conclusions, but a process that mirrors our own journey (three steps forward, two steps backward). In the three steps forward, Scripture always reveals that we are related to something infinite and that ours is an enchanted and trustworthy universe.
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5 out of 5 stars
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A great overview of scripture.
- By Kingdiplodocus on 23-04-15
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The Contemplative Journey: Volume 2
- Contemplation and Transformation from Christianity's Mystical Tradition
- By: Father Thomas Keating
- Narrated by: Thomas Keating
- Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 16
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 14
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 14
From infancy, Father Keating teaches, we accumulate emotional layers, or programs, as a result of traumatic experiences. The practice of Centering Prayer engages directly with the unconscious and loosens old traumas that hinder your spiritual development. This form of divine therapy draws from a contemplative method that has brought profound inner transformation into the lives of thousands of practitioners. The Contemplative Journey is Father Thomas Keating's great masterwork.
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5 out of 5 stars
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wonderful insight to Christian contemplation.
- By Kindle Customer on 13-05-17
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Letting Go
- A Spirituality of Subtraction
- By: Richard Rohr
- Narrated by: Richard Rohr
- Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 10
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 5
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Story5 out of 5 stars 4
In our culture, the “good life” means getting more. This series of retreat talks challenges listeners to subtract--to release whatever hinders us from siding with the cosmic Christ, whether that be in our inner world or our outer world. Father Rohr offers a daring vision which calls us to surrender, to liberation, to making room for real freedom.
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5 out of 5 stars
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This may well have changed my outlook on life.<br />
- By DB MORGAN on 05-12-17
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Things Hidden
- Scripture as Spirituality
- By: Richard Rohr
- Narrated by: John Quigley O.F.M.
- Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 21
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 16
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 15
In this exploration of the central themes of Scripture, Richard Rohr transforms the written word, discovering in these ancient texts a new and vital meaning, relevant and essential for modern Christians. Rohr offers his listeners a Christian vision of abundance, grace, and joy to counteract a world filled with scarcity, judgment, and fear - a vision that can revolutionize how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent insight into the Bible
- By Kingdiplodocus on 27-03-15
Summary
We often think of saints as rare individuals whose gifts far exceed our own, and St. Francis is no exception. But for Fr. Richard Rohr, a prolific author and renowned speaker, the life and teachings of this beloved figure offer an authentic spirituality we can all embody.
On the Art of Letting Go, Fr. Rohr gives us a six session learning course that explores: the surprising richness we discover by simplifying our lives - without taking a vow of poverty; liberation from our self-limiting biases and certitudes; contemplation and action, two key steps toward communing more deeply with the Divine, and more.
What members say
Average customer ratings
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Ms. B.Hartland
- 14-04-13
Revolutionary Idea in a Materialistic World
This is an excellent audio book. I have listened to this so many times I have lost count. So many ideas spoken in a non judgemental way, by someone that is obviously 'walking the walk'. I listened to his orignal tapes, way back when (he says of himself he was pushy in them) and the journey he has himself been on is evident. He does not expect you to accept anything he says, he is merely putting ideas and his own observations on the spiritual life.
I, like many people have accumulated many bits and pieces to supposedly help me on my journey and have found that although some may have helped, there is a point where letting thngs go is definitely the way forward. The author uses St Francis of Assissi as an example but having a Christial faith is not necessary to get the most out of this audio book. Letting go is not just about letting go of things it's also about letting go of the idea we have to travel upwards, improve ourselves by acts of will (and many more things) If we are to truly improve ourselves (yes heres a paradox) we have to travel inwards, travel downwards and let go.
My summary is of course no where near as elegant or as well said as in the audio book, I only hope that I have explained it well enough so that I don't put you off buying it as I would recommend this book to anyone wo is sincerely walking their own spiritual path, no matter what tradition the most heavily draw from.
18 of 18 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Jude McDowall
- 24-12-12
Life Changing
Richard is just so down to earth His gentle delivery and relaxed style encourage you to really listen to the message based on the teachings of St Francis
I'm on my third time through this book and the message just gets stronger each time A wonderful counter to an ever more manic world
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- 23-12-12
Gentle wisdom
Rohr's gentle, conversational tone nonetheless contains wisdom that could change your life if you let it. If you want your life to be more centred and less frenetic then this is the book for you, no matter what faith group you belong to.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- Glasgow, Scotland
- 01-05-16
Truly Outstanding
This is such a beautiful and profound book. I have listened to it many times already and I will listen to it again.
It is rich beyond measure.
Sincere thanks for this valuable gift Father Richard Rohr.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Teresa Murphy
- 20-09-15
A wonderful experience
What did you like most about The Art of Letting Go?
I found the whole idea of Letting Go was very clearly presented
What did you like best about this story?
Richard dealt with it very comprehensively. I do thing these ideas if practised would make a huge difference to our world. They were presented as possibilities for all of us
What does Richard Rohr bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
I think when I listen I can be more attentive to the ideas being presented
Any additional comments?
Thank you all for this experience.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Janet
- 09-06-15
Reinforced what I always knew deep down that I knew.
Simply life changing, reinforced what I always knew I knew, but forgot as the world engulfed me..
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- joe's 1
- 27-09-17
Very good! Let go of needing perfect: enjoy this and enjoy life
Having read several of Richard Rohr's books ot is rather lovely to hear his voice.
He writes and talks well, delivering insight, wisdom, and well turned, memorable, pithy catchphrases.
There's a fair bit of lovely stuff about st Francis early on, but he perhaps gets a little lost later on, when it turns more to the subject of letting go. On this there is far more "why" than "how" - but then that always seems to be the case. There is a little bit of how. Near the end.
This isn't academic theology and at times he is a little free and easy, perhaps heading towards glib. I rather like this as it allows for free associations and parallels and insights, and after all, as he says, we must let go of trying to intellectually "understand" or conquer everything; we are in the realms of the reality of experience here - and therefore of mystery. However, I can see some might not like this, and at times or does... not grate, or even ware, but maybe distract.
I really liked this and would strongly recommended it.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Miss Laura J Marsh
- 25-03-16
Beautiful
Read like a relaxed chat, which was soothing & full of important spiritual principals. Very nice.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Rick Hallett
- 26-11-15
Authenticity
This man has seen the light in himself and all of us. Listen, trust and practice if you can.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kingdiplodocus
- 08-03-15
Very good from Rohr again.
The narration is excellent but the audio quality is a little sub-par. I would recommend anything from Richard Rohr. His explanation of the journey is very helpful and honest as always.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
- connie
- 20-02-11
delivery a bit disappointing;still a 5 star listen
As a long time listener of Rohr audio (tapes dating back to 1976), I found the delivery in this sounded more "scripted" than his usual dynamic and enthusiastic spontaneous style. However, it condenses and updates his older audio "Spirituality of Subtraction" very nicely. This retreat is directed at a broader audience than his usual Christian, and that somehow broadens his presentation of Francis' radical critique of society even more.
Good to see a teacher like Rohr on Sounds True and Audible.
He is not a fad teacher and walks the talk (or the silence), and has been doing so for decades. His wisdom grows over the years and can benefit anyone interested in spirituality, no matter the variation.
39 of 41 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sandra D Finch
- 15-06-15
Life changing
I've been Christian then new thought then went through 12 step and started to circle back to Christianity who made me wonder what part did I have wrong. Rohr's 9 steps of spiritual development explained it all and made it all make sense. Now I know my broken heart and broken self is of use. And right on track.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- barefoot rabbit
- 13-01-15
Buy his Eager to Love print book instead.
I really love Richard Rohr, and was happy to see a bunch of his books on Audible. Sadly, most of them are read by an atrocious narrator, so I've stayed away. However, when I saw that some of the titles here are not audio books but rather, audio teaching, I was excited to try one out. This one was fairly enjoyable, and Rohr's voice is pleasant to hear on 1.5x or 2.0 (otherwise, it's painfully slow on this one as he's reading a script, unlike the others that feature live teaching). But the content--inspired by Francis of Assisi's life and teaching--isn't by far as profound as Rohr's brilliant book Eager to Love. I'd highly recommend buying this book instead (but not the audio book due to said atrocious narrator who sucks the life out of the content) if you're interested in this topic. It's profound and even life-changing, whereas a lot of this content is forgettable.
20 of 22 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Michael
- 22-11-11
A spiritual retreat of sorts
I really enjoyed listening to this program. It was as if I was on a spiritual retreat as I listened to Richard Rohr talk about the life of St. Francis and apply it to my life today. The insights offered transcended religion and dogma and addressed my real spiritual needs. For anyone trying to learn how to "Let go and let God," this is right on target.
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Adam Shields
- 01-08-13
Series of lectures on spiritual development
Over the last couple months I have come to the conclusion that Evangelicals (of whom I am one) are good at sharing the gospel and keeping the importance of conversion squarely in their sights.
But I have also come to see that groups that assume the large scale Christianity of their communities (those that have been state churches) have done much more thinking about how to live as a Christian.
It is cliche (and I think at least partially true) that Evangelicals are interested in you up until your conversion. After that I think we fall into the Paul problem of continuing to feed one another spiritual milk. We are still trying to save one another. But I think those that theologically are more oriented toward infant baptism and Christendom have thought more about living as a Christian. (The negative for them is that they also now need to evangelize their own as Christendom has broken down.)
There is nothing wrong with keeping the gospel at the forefront of our Christianity. But that does not mean that we need to keep the basic gospel message as the main content of our Christian teaching.
So I have been seriously thinking about finding a Roman Catholic spiritual director particularly because I want to learn more about spiritual growth from a different perspective. (On the other hand I have had a couple Evangelicals recommended to me, if you think of it, this is something I am still praying through and I would welcome your prayer for me.)
Richard Rohr has been interesting to me since I first read his book Falling Foward. Later I listened to his lectures that were turned into a book Why Be Catholic. And I want to read more about his work in male initiation rites and spiritual development.
But as I was looking around for an audiobook the other day I picked up The Art of Letting Go. It is not a book that is narrated, but rather six talks that are packaged together as an audiobook. They sound like they were prepared for those that want to go on a spiritual retreat with Rohr, but can only listen to an audiobook or lecture instead.
Many Evangelicals will probably find multiple places strange and questionable. But on the whole these are much more like Eugene Peterson’s memoir The Pastor or Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead. These sound more like a personal conversation with a spiritual mentor about how to grow spiritually.
There are six different sections, each about an hour about an area that Rohr thinks we need to let go of in order to grow spiritually. There is so much content here (in just 6 hours) that I will not attempt to recount it but only give a few thoughts. St Francis is a reoccurring character, but not really the subject of the book. The main subject of the book is the paradox of Christianity that God often uses what we perceive as loss to help us grow.
So we experience pain and through that pain we realize that we are not in charge of our lives and we give up trying to control a particular area of life and then God is able to draw us in to a deeper spiritual connection with him.
One thing I thought is useful is that Rohr is careful to say that people that are not growing spiritually are still Christian. And I think that is part of the problem with Evangelical theology (mine included) that we mix up redemption and sanctification. From the point of Salvation we are saved. But that is just the start of our spiritual growth as a Christian. God desires more for us, but does not force it on us. There is a paradox of the reality that we cannot growth spiritually under our own power, but God gives us the power (through the Holy Spirit) to move forward spiritually. But it seems that not being obedient and not following God allows us to miss out on spiritual growth.
Spiritual growth is not a knowledge problem, it is an obedience problem. This has been a reoccurring theme of my reading lately. And it is one that is hard to get around.
This is a series of lectures that needs more than one sitting. I think I will put it on my calendar to listen to again in another year.
36 of 41 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- John Stevens
- 14-01-11
Well Done Brother!
On your spiritual journey seeking God, Fr Richard Rohr brings St Francis to life. He alows us to visualize with great clarity how St Francis was able to Let Go from things of this world. I found in The Art of Letting Go, as Pope John Paul II said on his death bead, "I have been searching for you all my life, and now you have found me" has a new meaning.
16 of 18 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 13-05-12
Heart and Soul Provoking..
Would you listen to The Art of Letting Go again? Why?
I have listened to it 3 times and get something new each time
What did you like best about this story?
Answered my question as to why I don't feel at home in this world...
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- BSwift2Love
- 17-02-15
Transforming Words of Wisdom
Wonderful words of encouragement to live a life of letting go. Very inspiring and thought provoking. I plan to listen to it more than once.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- charles petrilla
- 05-05-15
A wonderful message, love God, love one another...
The one most important act of love is to forgive...unconditional love is to forgive and Richard Rohr repeats this many times throughout his narration. I feel so fortunate to have been able to listen to The Art of Letting Go for $15.00!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Alexander Rink
- 29-04-15
Dull narration, excellent content
The content was very profound but the narration was, unfortunately, quite dull. I still recommend it as it provides a good perspective on how to attain a state of contentment.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful