The Tears of Things - Print

The Tears of Things
Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage

By Richard Rohr

A transformative guide that draws on the profound insights of the Hebrew prophets, offering a compassionate path to navigate the challenges of today's polarized world.

This book will help you:
•    Understand and apply the timeless wisdom of the Hebrew prophets to contemporary issues
•    Transform personal anger and societal outrage into compassionate action
•    Develop a deeper sense of empathy and connection amidst division
•    Cultivate a practice of "sacred criticism" to confront injustice with love
•    Find hope and resilience in the face of personal and collective suffering
•    Enhance your spiritual journey with insights from one of today's leading spiritual voices
•    Integrate contemplative practices into daily life to foster inner peace

Features
•    Authored by Richard Rohr, a globally recognized Franciscan friar and spiritual teacher
•    Explores lesser-read books of the Bible, bringing fresh perspectives to ancient texts
•    Combines biblical scholarship with practical applications for modern living
•    Written in a warm, pastoral voice accessible to both new and seasoned readers
•    Includes reflective questions and exercises for personal or group study
•    Addresses current societal issues through the lens of prophetic wisdom
•    Offers a hopeful and compassionate model for engaging with a divided world

Hardcover, 208 pages
Dimensions & Weight: 5.76 x 0.79 x 8.53 inches (0.79 lbs)
ISBN 9780593735817
Publisher: Convergent Books (2025)

[Allow 4-5 weeks]

Description
Renowned spiritual teacher Richard Rohr delves into the profound teachings of the Hebrew prophets to offer guidance for navigating today's polarized and tumultuous world.

Drawing from a century of biblical scholarship, Rohr illuminates how the prophets' journeys from anger to compassion provide a roadmap for personal and societal transformation.

The prophets' writings encompass the full spectrum of human emotion and maturity. Initially expressing righteous indignation, their messages evolve into deep empathy and lamentation for the shared human condition.

Through their critiques of cultural and institutional injustices, they exemplify what Rohr terms "sacred criticism"—a way of confronting evil that acknowledges our interconnectedness and the pervasive presence of divine love.

This prophetic pattern sets the stage for the teachings of Jesus, who embodies this transformative journey.

Written in Rohr's signature warm and pastoral style, The Tears of Things breathes new life into ancient wisdom, offering readers a path toward compassionate living amidst contemporary challenges.

Whether grappling with personal disappointments or societal injustices, this book provides the tools to transform anger into compassionate action, fostering a more empathetic and unified world.

For a visual introduction to the themes of this book, you may find the following video insightful:

About the Author

Richard Rohr is a globally recognized Franciscan friar and ecumenical teacher known for his work in Christian mysticism and contemplative practices. He is the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, an organization dedicated to introducing seekers to the contemplative Christian path of transformation. Rohr is the author of numerous books, including the New York Times bestseller The Universal Christ. His teachings have been featured on platforms such as Oprah's SuperSoul Sunday and the podcast On Being with Krista Tippett.

Contents
1.    Introduction: Embracing Prophetic Wisdom
2.    The Journey from Anger to Compassion
3.    Understanding Sacred Criticism
4.    Lessons from Lesser-Known Prophets
5.    Applying Prophetic Teachings to Modern Injustices
6.    Cultivating Empathy in a Divided World
7.    The Role of Lamentation in Healing
8.    Integrating Contemplative Practices into Daily Life
9.    Embodying Compassionate Action
10.  Conclusion: A Hopeful Path Forward