Simplicity: The Freedom of Letting Go

by Richard Rohr

Book Overview

One of Fr. Rohr's bestselling books, this revised and updated edition explores St. Francis's ancient call to the simple life, where joy, not dry theology, helps us build relationships and find peace in ourselves.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0824521153
• ISBN13: 9780824521158
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Crossroad Publishing
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

AWESOME READ!!!!!

I have been reading about Simplicity for a little over a year and have found that practicing Simplicity truly enriches your life. This book has to be one of the best books I have read on Simplicity! Richard Rohr is right on target when he speaks about simplicity and the condition of America...and when he addresses the church in America! I found this book to be very thought provoking, eye-opening, and this is quite a powerful book. This book also got me interested in the life and practice of Saint Francis, which lead me into other wonderful books. Richard Rohr is awesome and I was truly blessed by this book. I think people who are truly on the spiritual path tend to be lead into Simplicity and this book will truly be beneficial to all seekers of truth!

Simplicity for everyone

Richard Rohr writes beautifully, provacatively, and movingly of what we need to do to live lives of meaning. Talk about a voice crying in the wilderness! I imagine some of what he says rattles more than a few conservative heads (both in the church and out), but no one will ever call him a 'rubber stamper" He invites you to look at yourself, at your beliefs and challenges you to become a better person. To do what Christ calls us to do.

Rohr as usual --- priceless!

Richard Rohr certainly is among my five favorite Christian authors. Rohr is a priest, a preacher and a member of the Franciscan Order (OFM) within the Roman Catholic Church. He is both priceless and refreshing because he in a direct, forceful and honest way -- speaks the truth as he sees it. He doesn't view the Church as perfect, certainly not all its leaders. He is a consistent critic of the present capitalistic economic system. And, he points out the failings in socialism. Although this book is entitled "Simplicity." only the last chapter really is devoted to that subject consistently. Apparently the book is based on a series of talks Rohr gave in Germany and Switzerland in the late eighties. The varioius chapters range from Christians being active in transforming society, to women's place in the church, to how the Church needs to save itself. An example of speaking plainly, clearly and directly: "Chrisitian nations are among the greediest and the most intent on security of any in the world, while they maintain that Jesus is their Lord and their security."

Startling Insights

This book is a mind blower. Thea author pulls no punches. As when for example he calls bishops echo chambers of the Vatican. But there are profound and startling isights into the Christian spiritual life also. As for example when he says the Incarnation has nothing to do with theology but with vulnerability. For anyone wishing to enrich his or her spiritual life, this book is a must.

Is Simplicity Really This Simple?

Richard Rohr dives below the surface of rational Western culture in a dialog about God's Kingdom, being poor, social justice and living in a deeper place of simplicity where we are at home with the Jesus in us. The thoughts in this book are profound, simple, and challenging. This book truly captivated me. I did not want to put it down. My mind was stretched and my heart defibrillated as I began to see how simple it all really is... Blessed are those with very little... Blessed are those who have lost something... Blessed are those... Is the Sermon on the Mount just imagery of a life which is unobtainable to us now? His Kingdom seems to be up-side-down. And as Jesus said, "The Kingdom is here now!"