No images? Click here

News from New Mexico

A Monthly Newsletter from the Center for Action and Contemplation

Among the Contemplatives: An interview with Richard Rohr

Embraced in the earliest days of Christianity, contemplation has been excluded from mainstream worship over the years. In his Harper's Magazine article, The Gate of Heaven is Everywhere, author Fred Bahnson reconnects with these roots, sharing his experience with Richard Rohr and "among the contemplatives" at the Center for Action and Contemplation's Universal Christ Conference last year. Bahnson writes, "So many of the mistakes in American Christianity, Rohr told me, are a result of dualistic thinking, which is 'inherently antagonistic, inherently competitive...the dualistic mind always chooses sides.' He is sympathetic to those who disaffiliate from religion. But he still believes in faith’s power to instill awe, to bind and heal, to return us to ourselves, to God, and to one another. At the center of that return lies the contemplative mind."

Read The Gate of Heaven is Everywhere
Why is contemplation such a powerful salve for disaffected Christians? How does contemplation invite us to return the mystery within ourselves?

Pre-Order Brian McLaren’s new book, Faith After Doubt

In his new book, Faith After Doubt, Center for Action and Contemplation core faculty member Brian McLaren uses his own story and the stories of a diverse group of struggling believers to show how old assumptions are being challenged in nearly every area of human life, not just theology and spirituality. He proposes a four-stage model of faith development in which questions and doubt are not the enemy of faith, but rather a portal to a more mature and fruitful kind of faith. The four stages ― Simplicity, Complexity, Perplexity, and Harmony ― offer a path forward that can help sincere and thoughtful people leave behind unnecessary baggage and intensify their commitment to what matters most.

“Sixty-five million adults alive in the United States today have already dropped out of active religious attendance... Some leave because they begin to doubt God or the Bible or some of the doctrines and practices required by their churches. Many leave because they begin to doubt the church or synagogue or mosque itself as an institution worthy of their trust and support. Whatever the focus of their doubts, at this very moment, hundreds of thousands of people are watching their doubts grow and their religious identity weaken.” Read an excerpt from the book.

Does this sound like a familiar story for you or someone you love? This new book will help readers to discover a healthy faith that heals and nourishes, and to learn how doubt can reveal a path to detoxifying religious traditions.

Pre-order Faith After Doubt and receive a free signed bookplate
Look for Faith After Doubt in the CAC Bookstore in January.

A Time of Unveiling: 2021 Daily Meditations from Richard Rohr

Today many people experience tremendous suffering, uncertainty, and disruption in their lives. Systems of evil and injustice are being revealed in greater clarity and our collective “normal” has been radically upended. Walking through this chaos and despair can be difficult; but, ultimately, it is when everything seems adrift that the spiritual journey becomes both an anchor and a sail.

In 2021 Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditations will reflect on the theme of A Time of Unveiling. Through this series of free daily and weekly emails, Fr. Richard Rohr offers guidance on how to transform this time of chaos into a time of hope and wholeness.

Watch Fr. Richard’s video to discover what A Time of Unveiling means—and how God reveals infinite Love by unveiling reality.

Study Richard Rohr’s Franciscan Way

Join Richard Rohr as he explores the teachings of his spiritual father, St. Francis — an icon of gentleness and compassion, as well as a radical prophet — in this online course with spiritual seekers from across the world.

The Franciscan Way closely follows Jesus’ path of simplicity, justice, and counter-cultural inclusivity. Discover an “alternative orthodoxy” that values vulnerability and union over power alongside a global community of like-minded seekers eager for deeper connection with God, self, and each other.

Learn more about The Franciscan Way
Registration closes Feb. 17, 2021. Course begins Feb. 24, 2021. Financial assistance applications due Feb. 10, 2021.

Explore Cynthia Bourgeault’s Introductory Wisdom School

Explore teachings from the earliest days of Christianity— but in ways that suit today’s world—with Cynthia Bourgeault and other spiritual seekers on the journey toward living in a Wisdom way. This online course integrates Cynthia’s teachings and contemplative practice to offer an embodied experience. Cultivate a Wisdom rhythm in your daily life through reflection and engagement with contemplative practices and teachings.

Learn more about the Introductory Wisdom School
Registration closes Feb. 24, 2021. Course runs March 3 – June 8, 2021. Financial assistance applications due Feb. 17, 2021

Christmas and Advent Favorites:
Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditations

Find additional meditations by Father Richard in the online archive.

Forward this email to a friend or family member.

Sign up to receive the CAC's daily or weekly emails.

Feel free to share meditations on social media. Go to CAC’s Facebook page or Twitter feed and find today’s post. Or use the “Forward” button above to send via email.

Richard Rohr's Daily Meditations are made possible through the generosity of CAC's donors. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation.

If you would like to change how often you receive emails from CAC, click here. If you would like to change your email address, click here. Visit our Email Subscription FAQ page for more information. Submit an inquiry here for additional assistance.

Image credit: The Center for Action and Contemplation offices in the South Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico.