The Universal Christ

How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope for, and Believe

By: Richard Rohr

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times Best Seller

From one of the world’s most influential spiritual thinkers, a long-awaited book exploring what it means that Jesus was called “Christ”, and how this forgotten truth can restore hope and meaning to our lives.

“Anyone who strives to put their faith into action will find encouragement and inspiration in the pages of this book.” (Melinda Gates)

In his decades as a globally recognized teacher, Richard Rohr has helped millions realize what is at stake in matters of faith and spirituality. Yet Rohr has never written on the most perennially talked about topic in Christianity: Jesus. Most know who Jesus was, but who was Christ? Is the word simply Jesus’s last name? Too often, Rohr writes, our understandings have been limited by culture, religious debate, and the human tendency to put ourselves at the center.

Drawing on scripture, history, and spiritual practice, Rohr articulates a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God’s constant, unfolding work in the world.

“God loves things by becoming them,” he writes, and Jesus’s life was meant to declare that humanity has never been separate from God - except by its own negative choice. When we recover this fundamental truth, faith becomes less about proving Jesus was God, and more about learning to recognize the Creator’s presence all around us, and in everyone we meet.

Thought-provoking, practical, and full of deep hope and vision, The Universal Christ is a landmark book from one of our most beloved spiritual writers, and an invitation to contemplate how God liberates and loves all that is.

©2019 Richard Rohr (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Rohr sees the Christ everywhere, and not just in people. He reminds us that the first incarnation of God is in Creation itself, and he tells us that 'God loves things by becoming them.' Just for that sentence, and there are so many more, I cannot put this book down." (Bono)

“Fr. Richard challenges us to search beneath the surface of our faith and see what is sacred in everyone and everything. Anyone who strives to put their faith into action will find encouragement and inspiration in the pages of this book." (Melinda Gates, author of The Moment of Lift)

"A major shift in our culture is needed, and Richard Rohr's unpacking of The Universal Christ is a critical step in the right direction. Remembering our connection to 'every thing' has implications for our religious traditions, society - and dare I say it - even our politics." (Kirsten Powers, CNN political analyst and USA Today columnist)

So very good!!!

I was first disappointed that I would not be able to hear Rohr’s voice, which deeply resonates with me, but Arthur Morey is excellent and he brings RR’s words to life. An absolute must read for those in search of Love and Grace...in themselves and in the world. And if you love this, Falling Upward and The Art of Letting Go are also excellent.

Seeing all creation anew

Seeing sll things, inanimate, plant, animal, and humans through the light of the Universal Christ as God sees His creation, who said "...it is good.

Requires contemplation

This is not a book that reads quickly or satisfies with easily digestible quips and memorable quotes. This volume requires contemplation. I will have to re-read this work several times. My first read left me delighted and in wonder of God, Jesus, and the Christ. I look forward to a yet more satiating encounters on subsequent reads.

A few steps in the right direction.

I feel the point(s) he makes may upset those who are “sure” they know their relationship with the Universe or God. So it may seem obscene with the bluntness he presents these thoughts BUT if you are at all familiar with Alan Watts, Buddhism, McKenna and the like by the end you feel he author has actually even too conservative in his introduction if these ideas.

I enjoyed the book and think it is capable of leading many people down “the path” if they can overcome the discomfort of being misinformed on ideas I’m sure many of us hold as foundational to the notions of Self, God, and reality.

Do pick it up if you’re interested in growth.

Thoughtful and insightful

Rohr offers powerful reflections on the Christian life and challenges many of the traditions and teachings of the church carrying us into the heart of the spiritual life.

Best book I have listened to/read about Christ

Among so many other things the author says: Christ is not Jesus' last name. In this book the author explains so many things, in every chapter, that I have had much trouble coming to terms with or understanding in what I have been taught or learned about Christianity and Jesus. I reccommend this book to all that are seeking for understanding what the Bible is really teaching is.

Well Worth Considering

First, I listened to its entirety. Now, I'm going back to learn even more. Outstanding.

Outstanding work from one of today’s greatest teachers!

Fr. Rohr is a true spiritual father by distilling decades of meditation and wisdom into a real tangible book! One that can be consumed, but slowly, lingering, and then many times over. Every time I travel through this book, I observe new paths, new understanding and something in me changes. Order, disorder, reorder...for behold I make all things new! Excellent choice of narrator, just a perfect fit for this type of book!

Wow

I am floored and will be reading it again.
Thanks to Richard Rhor for helping me on my quest to God

Life changing

It’s a wonderful healing, integrating mirror with so much education that I could feel the difference it
Was making physically. I am forever changed and am so glad that so many might experience this version of Christ through this book. It’s a Christ for us all.