Festival of Faiths: Fr. Richard Rohr: Finding God in the Depths of Silence

Rohr shares his perspective on Silence as the only thing broad enough and deep enough to hold all of the contradictions and paradoxes of Full Reality and our own reality, too. 99.9% of the known universe is silent, and it is in this space that the force fields of life and compassion dwell and expand. We can live there too!

The 2013 May edition of the Festival of Faiths was presented in partnership with:

Brown-Forman

Thomas Merton Center

Archdiocese of Louisville

WFPL news 89.3 FM

Idea Festival

Muhamad Ali Center

Compassionate Louisville

Fons Vitae

The Drepung Gomang Institute

Earth & Spirit Center

[bertonedes]

This guy is simply GENIUS! Im an ortodox christian, an this resonates with all my being! God bless you brother Richard!

[charisvarnadore]

I read and listen to Fr. Richard each and every daY

[mindfulkayaker]

It is very interesting to hear a man who speaks so well to talk about the importance of silence. God bless this man.

[missy]

Fr. Richard is such a light in the darkness of current religious institutions. Seems to me his teachings deserve listening/learning. Please consider supporting the Rohr Institute with your prayers and funds.

[SelfImageStylist]

After a 40 year hiatus, Fr. Richard made catholicism possible again.

[paulnewsome]

Without question I admire the work that Father Rohr has done since I listened to his tapes back in '74. I've long lost any battle with any kind of moral high ground since I've deteriorated into solitude, poverty and despair. Some lives are just tragic with no silver lining no matter how much one wants to spiritualize it.
As I reflect on my pathetic current condition, I'm painfully aware of the many years I used to be useful as I worked hard to raise three kids, run a successful business and devote myself to the church as I faithfully took action in my own small way by delivering meals to the shut ins in my parish for years. Those days are long gone as I've succumbed to my genes and the circumstances of my unwanted birth. All I've learned is that life is way more sloppy than U ever thought.
Beyond his highly intellectualized theological sermons, I'm not sure that Richard has added much to the case for Christianity other than any other religions.
After all the well meaning complex work that Fr. Rohr has done over the years, I hope he's still cognizant of the essence of the scant and few promises that Christ really proclaimed. He did not promise happiness and He certainly didn't promise an easy life or any kind of freedom from persecution, poverty or even mental illness.
It's only been through my own failings that I have some realization that I need to just shut up and try and learn how to listen. I'm scared of Him just like His disciples were. I can understand why He was frustrated with stupidity like mine.
This is why I go to His essence. He forgives me for my sins even while I keep on failing.
I admit that I just can't understand much of what Richard has to say but I hope I can eventually utilize his wisdom.

[Barbara-gvvw]

This is so profound! So helpful in so many ways! Prayer being a form of listening on a suble level !

[meresonia]

I wish I could listen all-day to your conferences. You've lightened my spiritual life

[daileystory]

Richard Rohr has it all together and I was pleased to pass this on to a pastor-in-training in the UCC.  She too will love him.

[ajd]

He's good, and deep, would love to hear a peaceful discussion with him and a Traditional priest

[johnshockensmith]

Our modern day "Merton" thank you, Fr. Rohr

[Joethebro]

Thanks Fr Rohr. This is why everyone believes in God. Skeptics can only use words to say what they THINK. God comes in the silence and stillness BEFORE the words.

[lesleydavies]

So enlightening. Thank you from the heart.

[sheilalittlejohns]

Yes, ,I am listening to it in 2022 in you U K Thank you so much .

[ascent]

love his approach and wisdom.has helped me expand or reconnect with Christ where evangelical christianity boxed me and God in with thier we know everything answers

[rallen]

"The ego uses words to get what it wants... The soul doesn't use words. It... surrounds words with space... And that's silence."

[anastasiadoxologia]

This increases my faith in the scriptures : For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

[MrBoyblue]

When God began to reach out to me in Silence, I was overcome with fear and didn't know why. But, I needed to know what was going on and what did of all this mean. I thank you Fr. Rohr, for providing this insight - I feel more at peace now.

[Barbara-gvvw]

How you do anything is how you do everything, wow!

[EARTH]

More stimulation, more excitement ...We are living in a dopamine addictive culture. Silence is an antidote to this.