Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps

Spirituality and the Twelve Steps

This review refers to the paperback book published in 2011 Richard Rohr joined the Franciscans in 1961 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1970, the same year he earned a master's degree in theology. In 1971 he founded the New Jerusalem Community in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1987 he established the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he serves as founding director, dividing his time between local work and preaching and teaching around the world. The center is designed as a place of discernment and growth for activists and those interested in social service ministries. Rohr is best known for his audio and video tapes, CDs, books, and articles. His themes include Scripture as liberation, integration of action and contemplation, community building, peace and justice, and eco-spirituality. His latest work, Breathing under Water, is based on a series of talks Rohr gave 25 years ago connecting the Gospel to the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. He begins with two connections: (1) what we now label "addiction" can be compared to what the bible called "sin" (2) sin, like addiction, may be viewed as a disease rather than something that is punishable and displeasing to God. He expands the commonly held idea of addiction to something broader and also hidden. He suggests that individuals today are addicted to our own way of doing things, our own defenses, and our own way of thinking and processing reality. The book is formatted in twelve chapters, corresponding to the AA steps. Each chapter opens with the text of the step being addressed and relevant quotations from Scripture. Rohr often holds up elements in established religion, yes, Catholic too, that seem not to contribute to the necessary healing. At the same time, he does not condemn those practices, but suggests ways in which they might be altered to comply more fully with the healing message of Jesus. For more information on the center, and a list of services and resources, search the Internet for Center for Action and Contemplation.

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Insightful; spiritual...

A deeply spiritual look at the Twelve Steps.Insightful analysis of Mr. Wilson's intended purpose of using these twelve steps as a way to get and keep people sober. Enjoyable and instructive for the open minded reader.

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I have listened to the audio book 3 times now and have found thi

I have listened to the audio book 3 times now and have found this book to resolve so many gaps between my church-based main-line experience and education and my inner spirit yearnings and leanings. It resolves many sub-surface conflicts for me and pulls me into my Christian experience and relationships in ways that heal. This book has so much beauty and grace for me to digest that I must read and digest parts again and again, as well as begin to practice with the new light shed. It is now among my favorites that I cannot do without. Watchman Nee, Henri Nouwen, Brennan Manning, and Richard Foster. I am grateful and soaking these up. I have been in Co-dependents Anonymous for 4 years and a Christian for 48 years. Healing and recovering slowly but surely and loving God more every day. It was in 12-step rooms that I first had the courage to lay down my defenses. Church was always a place to pretend to have it together. This book helps me integrate the 2 diverse spiritual places.

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Where is it?

You are asking my review for something that was supposed to be available 9/1/2011. I see now there is a publishing date scheduled for 10/1/2011. When will I receive this book?

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