Ep. 41 / Bridging Catholic and Evangelical Spirituality ► Ronald Rolheiser

Father Ronald Rolheiser, renowned Catholic theologian and best-selling author, offers profound insights into Christian spirituality that transcend denominational boundaries. When asked to define spirituality, Rolheiser provides both practical and theoretical frameworks: "Spirituality is the game, not just the rulebook," he explains, describing it simply as "what we do with our spirit" – how we channel the deep longing within us.

A fascinating distinction emerges between "Jesus" and "Christ" – not as first and last names, but as complementary spiritual realities. "We need to learn from evangelicals about Jesus, and evangelicals need to learn from mainline churches about Christ," Rolheiser suggests. This perspective illuminates how evangelicals excel at fostering intimate personal relationships with Jesus while Catholics often emphasize the ongoing mystical reality of Christ's presence through the church community.

The conversation explores Rolheiser's "four pillars of spiritual life" – personal morality and charity, social justice, community participation, and having a "mellow heart." This final pillar proves particularly thought-provoking, as Rolheiser connects it to the elder brother in the prodigal son parable who does everything "right" but remains too bitter to join the celebration. "You can be doing everything right and it can still all be wrong," he cautions.

When discussing spiritual disciplines, Rolheiser borrows wisdom from Dietrich Bonhoeffer about marriage: "Today you're in love and think your love will sustain your marriage, but it won't. Your marriage can sustain your love." Similarly, spiritual rituals and habits carry us through periods when emotions fade. This reframes potentially "legalistic" practices as faithful persistence – showing up regardless of feelings.

Perhaps most encouraging is Rolheiser's conviction that the gulf between Catholics and evangelicals is "much less than we imagine" – merely "500 years of misunderstanding." He shares Pope Francis's surprising statement: "I have no interest in converting evangelicals," reflecting a mutual respect that allows traditions to learn from each other without demanding conversion. This conversation offers a powerful vision for how different Christian traditions can enrich one another while maintaining their distinctive voices. 

You can learn more from Ronald Rolheiser through his website and books and you can find him on Facebook.

And don't forget to share this episode using hashtag #Evangelical360 and join the conversation online! 

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