The Wisdom Pattern: Order, Disorder, Reorder

by Richard Rohr O.F.M.

Overview

“Order, by itself, normally wants to eliminate any disorder and diversity creating a narrow and cognitive rigidity in both people and systems. Disorder, by itself, closes us off from any primal union, meaning, and eventually even sanity in people and systems. Reorder, or transformation of people and systems, happens when both are seen to work together” – from the preface.

Through time, a universal pattern can be found in all societies, spiritualities, and philosophies. We see it in the changing seasons, the stories of Scripture in the Bible, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the rise and fall of civilizations, and even personally in our lives. In this updated version of one of his earliest books, Father Richard Rohr clearly illuminates how understanding and embracing this pattern can give us hope in difficult times and the courage to push through disorganization and even great chaos to find a new way of being in the world. 

“We are indeed 'saved' by knowing and surrendering to this universal pattern of reality. Knowing the full pattern allows us to let go of our first order, trust the disorder, and, sometimes even hardest of all—to trust the new reorder. Three big leaps of faith for all of us, and each of a different character.” —from the introduction.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781632533463
Publisher:	Franciscan Media
Publication date:	05/01/2020
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	208,481
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

Fr. Richard Rohr is a globally recognized ecumenical teacher bearing witness to the universal awakening within Christian mysticism and the Perennial Tradition. He is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Fr. Richard's teaching is grounded in the Franciscan alternative orthodoxy—practices of contemplation and lived kenosis (self-emptying), expressing itself in radical compassion, particularly for the socially marginalized. Fr. Richard is the author of numerous books, including Everything Belongs, Adam’s Return, The Naked Now, Breathing Under Water, Falling Upward, Immortal Diamond, and Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi. Fr. Richard is academic Dean of the Living School for Action and Contemplation. Drawing upon Christianity's place within the Perennial Tradition, the mission of the Living School is to produce compassionate and powerfully learned individuals who will work for positive change in the world based on awareness of our common union with God and all beings. Visit cac.org for more information.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments xi

Preface to the Revised Editon xiii

Part 1 The Current Dilemma 1

Chapter 1 The Postmodern Opportunity 3

Chapter 2 Beyond Victimhood 23

Chapter 3 Great Awakenings 48

Chapter 4 Transformation 82

Chapter 5 The Cosmic Egg of Meaning 103

Chapter 6 Cleaning Our Lenses 121

Part 2 Finding a Third Way 133

Chapter 7 What Is Your Window on Reality? 135

Chapter 8 The Great Chain of Being 148

Chapter 9 The Power of Forgiveness 155

Chapter 10 Limits Are Good Teachers 171

Chapter 11 Living with Shadow 183

Chapter 12 A Reconstructionist Creed 197

Epilogue 199

Endnotes 201