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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

In his most significant work since The Universal Christ, Richard Rohr, one of today’s most influential spiritual voices, offers a compassionate and hopeful vision grounded in the timeless teachings of the Hebrew prophets.

“Richard Rohr is one of the great Christian spiritual masters of our time. Of any time.”—James Martin, SJ, author of Come Forth

How can we practice compassion amid a world marked by violence, injustice, and despair? How should we respond to personal disappointments and justified anger when faced with such suffering? In this profoundly personal work, Rohr explores the books of the Jewish prophets, highlighting overlooked scriptures that offer essential guidance for our contemporary struggles.

The Hebrew prophets captured the entire continuum of human experience and growth. Their passionate indignation and harsh critiques of society and institutions gradually give way to deep sadness, gentle lament, and ultimately compassionate understanding of our collective human predicament. Rohr introduces the idea of “sacred criticism,” a distinctive approach to addressing evil and injustice. Sacred criticism recognizes the interconnectedness of all beings, the continuity of human history, and the reality of a universal, divine love. This prophetic tradition provides an essential foundation for the teachings of Jesus, who continued and embodied the same journey from grief and anger to humility and compassion.

Drawing heavily from a century of biblical research and presented in Rohr’s characteristically thoughtful and relatable style, The Tears of Things breathes fresh perspective into age-old scriptural wisdom. Rohr guides readers toward a meaningful path of compassionate living and empathetic understanding in an often troubled and painful world.