The truly human is always experienced in vulnerability, in mutuality, in reciprocity… Vulnerability transforms you.
Richard Rohr
The Truly Human
Topic: Interfaith Pathways
I think the truly human is always experienced in vulnerability, in mutuality, in reciprocity. When human beings try to deny their own vulnerability, even from themselves, when they cannot admit weakness, neediness, hurt, pain, suffering, sadness, they become very unhuman and not very attractive. They don’t change you; they don’t invite you. Vulnerability transforms you. You can’t be in the presence of a truly vulnerable, honestly vulnerable person and not be affected. I think that’s the way we are meant to be in the presence of one another.
Richard Rohr, OFM, born in 1943 in Kansas, is a renowned American Franciscan priest and celebrated writer on spirituality, presently based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ordained in the Roman Catholic Church in 1970, Rohr embarked on a spiritual journey that has since garnered widespread attention and respect. By 2011, PBS had recognized him as "one of the most popular spirituality authors and speakers in the world," a testament to his influential presence in contemporary spiritual discourse.
In his pursuit of spiritual growth and community building, Rohr has achieved noteworthy milestones. He attained his Master of Theology degree from the University of Dayton in 1970. The subsequent year saw him founding the New Jerusalem Community in Cincinnati, Ohio. But perhaps his most enduring legacy stems from establishing the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1986. Here, he has diligently served as the founding director and academic dean of the Living School for Action and Contemplation. Rohr's teachings, embodied in the school's curriculum, revolve around seven themes explored deeply in his book, "Yes, And."
Rohr's contributions to Christian spirituality, while transformative for many, have occasionally faced scrutiny and opposition, especially from certain conservative Catholic factions. These groups have sometimes critiqued his interpretations and teachings as diverging from traditional Catholic orthodoxy. In this context, a defining moment in his career was his meeting with Pope Francis, who gave a heartfelt endorsement to Rohr's book, "The Universal Christ." This endorsement can be viewed as a significant vindication of Rohr's teachings. It not only bridged potential theological divides but also highlighted Rohr's influential and valued position within the broader spectrum of Christian thought and practice.
Living In Deep Time
Tippett, Krista. “Richard Rohr - Living in Deep Time.” The On Being Project, The On Being Project, 13 Apr. 2017, onbeing.org/programs/richard-rohr-living-in-deep-time-apr2017/.
Richard Rohr
Theme: Interfaith Dialogue
About This Richard Rohr Quotation [Brief Commentary]
In the heart of Richard Rohr’s teachings lies a profound recognition of the human experience, rooted in vulnerability, mutuality, and reciprocity. This perspective challenges the often-held belief that strength and invulnerability are the hallmarks of human achievement and interpersonal relations. Rohr suggests that true humanity and personal transformation are found not in self-sufficiency or isolation, but in our willingness to be open and vulnerable with one another. This vulnerability is a gateway to deeper connections and understanding, highlighting that our greatest strengths may actually lie in acknowledging our weaknesses, needs, and the entire spectrum of our emotions. It is through this lens that Rohr invites us to see vulnerability not as a flaw but as a fundamental aspect of being human, capable of leading us toward genuine transformation.
About This Richard Rohr Quotation [Brief Commentary]
In the context of interfaith dialogue, Rohr’s insights into vulnerability offer a valuable framework for approaching conversations across diverse religious and spiritual traditions. The practice of entering dialogue with a spirit of openness and vulnerability can break down barriers of misunderstanding and prejudice. It encourages participants to move beyond the surface level of their beliefs to share their deeper fears, hopes, and experiences. This mutual vulnerability fosters an environment where genuine listening and empathy can occur, allowing individuals to be transformed by the encounter with the ‘Other.’ Such an approach to interfaith dialogue underscores the importance of reciprocity and mutuality, where each participant, in their vulnerability, becomes both a teacher and a learner, reflecting the transformative potential Rohr speaks of.
Rohr’s assertion that “Vulnerability transforms you” is especially poignant in the realm of interfaith engagement. It reminds us that the goal of dialogue is not to win or to convert but to be present to one another in a way that is authentically human. This presence requires the courage to be vulnerable, to share our truths, and to allow ourselves to be shaped by the experiences of others. It is here, in the shared space of vulnerability and openness, that true understanding and transformation can occur. By embracing our vulnerability, we not only become more fully human but also open ourselves to the profound changes that can arise from encountering the divine in one another, transcending the boundaries of faith traditions to touch the universal human spirit.
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