Richard Rohr's "The Tears of Things" explores the role of prophets in society, contrasting them with priests. Rohr emphasizes the prophet's focus on self-critique and confronting internal 'sin' rather than externalizing blame. The book draws parallels between ancient Jewish prophets and contemporary challenges, urging readers to examine their own complicity in societal ills. It offers a framework for personal and collective transformation, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and confronting uncomfortable truths. Ultimately, it calls for a more just and compassionate society.
In "The Sin of Certainty," Peter Enns challenges the common emphasis on unwavering certainty in faith, arguing that a more humble and trusting approach is more aligned with the nature of God. He explores the dangers of rigid belief systems and the importance of embracing doubt and uncertainty as part of the spiritual journey. Enns encourages readers to move beyond simplistic answers and engage with the complexities of faith. The book promotes a more nuanced understanding of God's relationship with humanity, emphasizing trust and openness over rigid adherence to doctrine. It's a call for a more authentic and vulnerable approach to faith.
In *How (Not) to Read the Bible*, Dan Kimball tackles big questions about the Bible, such as its stance on women, science, violence, and slavery. He provides explanations for puzzling passages, helping readers to understand them in their historical and cultural context. The book is designed for both Christians and skeptics, offering a step-by-step approach to interpreting challenging biblical texts.
Walter Brueggemann's "The Prophetic Imagination" is a highly influential work in biblical studies and theology. It explores the nature of prophecy in the Old Testament and its relevance to contemporary society. Brueggemann argues that the prophetic tradition is not merely about predicting the future but about critiquing power structures and advocating for justice. He emphasizes the importance of a prophetic imagination that challenges complacency and calls for social transformation. The book has had a profound impact on theological discourse, shaping how scholars and theologians understand the role of the prophet in society. It continues to be widely read and studied for its insightful analysis of the prophetic tradition and its enduring relevance to contemporary issues.
How can we find wisdom amidst outrage and connect with the divine in the face of suffering?
In this episode, we're exploring the self-titled first chapter of Richard's latest book, The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage, entitled "The Tears of Things." After our conversation with Richard, we're joined by Pete Enns, author, Old Testament scholar, and host of "The Bible for Normal People," who helps us explore the importance of uncertainty, the evolution of faith, and reading scripture as a journey. Pete, along with hosts and CAC Staff Mike Petrow, Paul Swanson, and Drew Jackson, discuss navigating the rhythm of order, disorder, and reorder in both life and scripture, the value of tears in the prophetic journey, and how the wisdom of the prophets can be applied to contemporary issues of injustice and outrage.
Peter Enns (PhD, Harvard University) is the Abram S. Clemens Professor of Biblical Studies at Eastern University, St. David’s, Pennsylvania. He has also taught courses at Harvard University, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary. He is the host of The Bible for Normal People podcast, a frequent contributor to journals and encyclopedias, and the author of several books, including The Sin of Certainty, The Bible Tells Me So, and Inspiration and Incarnation. He lives in northern New Jersey.
Resources:
• Grab a copy of The Tears of Things here, where you can get a free reader's guide, discover a new course, and other offerings related to the book.
• The transcript for this episode can be found here.
• Check out the work of Pete Enns and The Bible for Normal People here.
Everything Belongs: Living the Teachings of Richard Rohr Forward 
