Monday, February 21, 2011

Hope Against Darkness: The Transforming Vision of Saint Francis in an age of Anxiety, by Richard Rohr with John Bookster Feister

In this insightful book we are presented with the models of Jesus and Francis of Assisi, both of whom lived in times of crisis similar to our own, and how they found a way to make a difference.  As he almost always does, Rohr gives us a strong dose of cultural criticism.  He cites the unhealthy attitudes, cynicism, sarcasm, darkness and confusion that are rampant in our postmodern era.  But in the midst of the darkness and confusion, even perhaps because of it, he sees that people of true greatness are emerging.  They have somehow captured the transformative vision of Jesus and Francis of Assisi.  In them he sees a glimmer of hope that all our wounds can be healed.

Rohr offers insight after insight, in his familiar and inimitable style, along with practical solutions for healing ourselves and our society.  He ends with a "Reconstitutionist Creed" as an aid for rebuilders to begin anew.

This is my third consecutive review of a book by Richard Rohr, a world-known writer, speaker, retreat master and a Franciscan priest.  Besides a countless number of books, he has also produced many audio-cassettes, all on matters of religion and culture and filled with insights and inspiration.  I invite you to check him out and discover for yourselves just how good he is.   

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