Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the 12 Steps [Audio CD]

Richard Rohr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2005

Both individuals and society are drowning in addictions, says dynamic speaker Richard Rohr, O.F.M., in this powerful presentation. To survive the tidal wave of compulsive behavior and addiction, Christians must learn to breathe under water and discover God s love and compassion. Rohr s presentation was an instant best-seller on audiocassette and is now available on compact disc. Renewed interest in Breathing Under Water can be expected as Rohr will be leading retreats in 2005 that revisit and extend the original themes presented in these talks.

--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Richard Rohr continues to guide us to greater wholeness. The latest example is his new book, Breathing Under Water. A prolific writer, his books have helped countless souls, especially those who struggle with issues of brokenness and seek transformation. -- NCR (read full review: ncronline.org/node/26677)

Franciscan priest and prolific author Rohr (Falling Upward) is a perfect writer on the subject of the 12 Steps. He understands how radical a change they bring about, and that the 12 Step program is preeminently spiritual. His easy-to-read book is essentially a commentary on each of the steps, with twelve chapters and a postscript that concisely tackles the big religious question of human suffering, suffering with which addicts and their families are intimately acquainted. Jesus, Rohr answers, is no stranger to suffering. ...This is a good book for those in recovery from addiction and those who love them. --Publishers Weekly

In this paperback, Rohr draws on talks he has given over the past 20 years to people in recovery. He joins Rami Shapiro, Thomas Keating, and other spiritual masters who have saluted the fellowship, encouragement, support, discipline, and wisdom of the Alcoholics Anonymous Twelve Step Method.

Rohr is convinced that this program "parallels, mirrors, and makes practical the same messages that Jesus gave us." In other words they are saying the same thing with different vocabulary:

We suffer to get well.
We surrender to win.
We die to live.
We give it away to keep it.

In 12 chapters, Rohr explores the Christian principles in the Twelve Steps. Along the way, the reader is treated to examinations of powerlessness, the imperial ego, keeping the heart space open, the surrender of our will to God, making amends, restorative justice, being responsible, the importance of intimacy, and the grace of God. --Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Health --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

About the Author

RICHARD ROHR, O.F.M., is a popular speaker, author and retreat master. He is founder and codirector of the Center for Action and Contemplation, a school for prophets in Albuquerque, New Mexico. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Saint Anthony Messenger Press (April 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 5558992360
• ISBN-13: 978-5558992366
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,425,698 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Richard Rohr was born in Kansas in 1943. He entered the Franciscans in 1961, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1970. He received his Master's Degree in Theology from Dayton that same year. He now lives in a hermitage behind his Franciscan community in Albuquerque, and divides his time between local work and preaching and teaching on all continents.

He has written numerous books including: Everything Belongs, Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality, The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See, On the Threshold of Transformation: Daily Meditations for Men, and Wondrous Encounters: Scripture for Lent.

For information on all of the resources from Richard Rohr please visit the Mustard Seed Resource Center at www.cacradicalgrace.org

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 12 Steps in Christian-ese, April 1, 2008

By 

Virginia Woodward - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the 12 Steps (Audio CD)

Father Rohr takes AA's 12 steps & puts a Christian spin on them (adding Jesus' teachings to the mix..) As a long-time fan of Father Rohr, a Franciscan priest, this is one of my favorite sets. Totally real, and REALLY helpful (even if you're not recovering from substance abuse, this definitey is a Faith-strengthen-er!) Must confess that some of Father Rohr's other stuff is WAY over my head, but these practical recordings walk through the recovery process step by step. Especially like his take on mercy. Not just words, it's an attitude -- as folks in AA humbly stand and say "I'm an alcoholic".. the church can learn to be humble like that -- Lord have Mercy. REAL mercy. We sure need it! These CDs are from the 80s (some references a bit dated); but insights still very relevant. (Thought Father Rohr did a conference a few yrs ago.. there may be an updated version.)

30 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spirituality and the Twelve Steps, September 2, 2011

By 

Carol Blank (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps (Paperback)

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.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Christian Recovery, November 13, 2011

By 

Marie Nacht - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps (Paperback)

As a Twelfth-Stepper who is also a Christian, I found this book a wonderful guide in my journey towards a better relationship with Jesus, who is my Higher Power. This book would also be helpful to those who are the family and friends of those of us in recovery.