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  • The Universal Christ

  • How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope for, and Believe
  • Written by: Richard Rohr
  • Narrated by: Arthur Morey
  • Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (51 ratings)

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The Universal Christ

Written by: Richard Rohr
Narrated by: Arthur Morey
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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

What the critics say

"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)

What listeners say about The Universal Christ

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Most thorough book on the Christ I've ever read...

I think the best thing about this book was how Rohr confirmed for me many things that I have begun to see as I have deconstructed and reconstructed my faith. Today's church needs to evolve beyond the 1500's with many of it's doctrines and embrace the true message of God/Jesus which is love.

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Hard to follow

The first chapter "Christ is not Jesus' first name" is enlightening and provided an interesting interpretation of what John meant by "Logos". It then served as the basis for which the author developed the rest of the book. After that, it became harder and harder to follow, as a lot had to do with challenging the traditional way how Catholics understand Christianity. Lots of insights but one will have to be open minded.

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a complete shift in thinking

Truth will always be found by those seeking it. The fear that truth might not be what you want to hear keeps many willfully ignorant of it.

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It all makes sense

Essential reading for anyone whose world has been rocked by the revealing of the true colours of the evangelical church when it came out in support of Donald Trump in 2016. Instrumental in my understanding of how far off base current Christian culture is. Lots of good history explained.

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he gets it

Loved it. Would recommend. Would listen again. He gets it and he shares it with love and wisdom. it was so refreshing to listen to. Yes. Yes. Yes

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Great book

So many insights as always with Rohr. Wish it could have been narrated by him.

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Wonderful reading of a beautiful book

Richard Rohr's writing is compassionate and insightful, he leaves much to be considered by the end. The narrator is clear, concise, and nice to listen to. Would highly recommend this book to anyone.

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