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The Wisdom Pattern: Order, Disorder, Reorder
“We are indeed 'saved' by knowing and surrendering to this universal pattern of reality. Knowing the full pattern allows us to let go of our first order, trust the disorder, and, sometimes even hardest of all—to trust the new reorder. Three big leaps of faith for all of us, and each of a different character.” —from the introduction
A universal pattern can be found in all societies and in fact in all of creation. We see it in the seasons of the year; the stories of Scripture; the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus; the rise and fall of civilizations; and even in our own lives. In this new version of one of his earlier books, Father Richard Rohr illuminates the way understanding and embracing this pattern can give us hope in difficult times and the courage to push through messiness and even great chaos to find a new way of being in the world.
A universal pattern can be found in all societies and in fact in all of creation. We see it in the seasons of the year; the stories of Scripture; the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus; the rise and fall of civilizations; and even in our own lives. In this new version of one of his earlier books, Father Richard Rohr illuminates the way understanding and embracing this pattern can give us hope in difficult times and the courage to push through messiness and even great chaos to find a new way of being in the world.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2020
470 people are currently reading
967 people want to read
About the author
Richard Rohr
248 books2,358 followersFr. Richard Rohr is a globally recognized ecumenical teacher bearing witness to the universal awakening within Christian mysticism and the Perennial Tradition. He is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Fr. Richard's teaching is grounded in the Franciscan alternative orthodoxy—practices of contemplation and expressing itself in radical compassion, particularly for the socially marginalized.
Fr. Richard is author of numerous books, including Everything Belongs, Adam’s Return, The Naked Now, Breathing Under Water, Falling Upward, Immortal Diamond, Eager to Love, and The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation (with Mike Morrell).
Fr. Richard is academic Dean of the Living School for Action and Contemplation. Drawing upon Christianity's place within the Perennial Tradition, the mission of the Living School is to produce compassionate and powerfully learned individuals who will work for positive change in the world based on awareness of our common union with God and all beings. Visit cac.org for more information.
Fr. Richard is author of numerous books, including Everything Belongs, Adam’s Return, The Naked Now, Breathing Under Water, Falling Upward, Immortal Diamond, Eager to Love, and The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation (with Mike Morrell).
Fr. Richard is academic Dean of the Living School for Action and Contemplation. Drawing upon Christianity's place within the Perennial Tradition, the mission of the Living School is to produce compassionate and powerfully learned individuals who will work for positive change in the world based on awareness of our common union with God and all beings. Visit cac.org for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 28, 2021
This was the May 2021 selection of South Austin Spiritual Book Group.
In this book, Rohr advocates the Third Way as an alternative to Fight or Flight. The Third Way is Compassionate Knowing--paying attention without judgment of self or others as a way of understanding (in lieu of reacting). Although we are a long way from this both personally and globally, I agree with Rohr that Compassionate Knowing is the way through our current lock into "the old and dead story" of violence and hate.
Rohr sees Jesus as a metaphor for how to be transformed by suffering. Instead of resisting death, Jesus resurrects from death, showing us that as we surrender our struggles, freedom is on the other side. If only we could get comfortable with the darkness and holding of opposites on the way across instead of falling prey to addiction and self-loathing.
Some of my favorite quotes include
"A saint is the new self on the occasional old path."
"The prophet's path is of descent. Prophets are always killed."
"The priest's path is the path of return--union, communion, love, and transcendence"
"Faith operates in chaos."
"Confidence is faith and hope."
"A little bit of God goes a long way."
In this book, Rohr advocates the Third Way as an alternative to Fight or Flight. The Third Way is Compassionate Knowing--paying attention without judgment of self or others as a way of understanding (in lieu of reacting). Although we are a long way from this both personally and globally, I agree with Rohr that Compassionate Knowing is the way through our current lock into "the old and dead story" of violence and hate.
Rohr sees Jesus as a metaphor for how to be transformed by suffering. Instead of resisting death, Jesus resurrects from death, showing us that as we surrender our struggles, freedom is on the other side. If only we could get comfortable with the darkness and holding of opposites on the way across instead of falling prey to addiction and self-loathing.
Some of my favorite quotes include
"A saint is the new self on the occasional old path."
"The prophet's path is of descent. Prophets are always killed."
"The priest's path is the path of return--union, communion, love, and transcendence"
"Faith operates in chaos."
"Confidence is faith and hope."
"A little bit of God goes a long way."
September 17, 2020
A recent road trip for a rural wedding allowed me time to listen to much of this book. It is vintage Rohr. Some would say that our spiritual writers get a bit repetitious after a while. That is, the same language and themes. I think there is at least three reasons for this. We all only have so many ideas. We are repetitive creatures. If we and others monitored our language for a week we may be surprised to see how often we use similar words and phrases. Some themes are recurring. Life and death, growth and change, action and reflection, contemplation and devotion, all wax and wane in our human family. God, Trinity, incarnation, suffering, resurrection, Gospel, law, prophecy and wisdom will also recur because they are central.
The progression or cycling of order, chaos and reorder have been visited before by Rohr in 'A Lever and a Place to Stand'. When we are younger people or groups we need to begin with order, structure, guidelines and boundaries to find who we are and where we belong (0rder). As we grow we, and life, begin to critique those structures where they are inauthentic or no longer applicable (chaos). Hopefully, we come at last to a stage of reorder, where the original values and the critique are honed into a new integrated whole in the cauldron of life experience and we become wise and holy, in the deepest sense. But we can slip in and out of the stages at various times.
What Rohr is doing is reinterpreting this according to where we find ourselves now.
There may be surprises for some of us. We may find ourselves, with inclusive language for example, wondering why we do it. Is it to appear nice and popular or because we truly desire to include the other, whoever that other may be? Worth a read. Or a listen.
The progression or cycling of order, chaos and reorder have been visited before by Rohr in 'A Lever and a Place to Stand'. When we are younger people or groups we need to begin with order, structure, guidelines and boundaries to find who we are and where we belong (0rder). As we grow we, and life, begin to critique those structures where they are inauthentic or no longer applicable (chaos). Hopefully, we come at last to a stage of reorder, where the original values and the critique are honed into a new integrated whole in the cauldron of life experience and we become wise and holy, in the deepest sense. But we can slip in and out of the stages at various times.
What Rohr is doing is reinterpreting this according to where we find ourselves now.
There may be surprises for some of us. We may find ourselves, with inclusive language for example, wondering why we do it. Is it to appear nice and popular or because we truly desire to include the other, whoever that other may be? Worth a read. Or a listen.
October 3, 2020
Must read
As usual. Brilliant. A timely and well thought out treatise of the wisdom pattern. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thought provoking. My advice is to take your time reading and think about each concept
As usual. Brilliant. A timely and well thought out treatise of the wisdom pattern. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thought provoking. My advice is to take your time reading and think about each concept
September 1, 2020
Great book about confronting the current chaos of the world with wisdom, patience, and compassion. Richard Rohr is a treasure.
June 19, 2023
I seriously hated this book - and i didn’t finish it. I kept waiting for the jewels - but what I got felt like a rant. Everybody and everything is wrong. Maybe this is a dated work, as I have read many Rohr books and have never had this experience. Also - he has a very long way to go, in his own practice, around systemic and historical racism and sexism. For such a learned man, I find his comments here regarding oppression to be infantile.
Read
August 26, 2022So thankful for Richard Rohr. This book is really full but centers on this cycle of order > disorder > reorder, which is kinda like moving from rigidity to deconstruction to balance. He is constantly calling out where both conservatives and liberals go wrong ideologically - good challenge for me.
April 9, 2024
Another thought provoking book by Richard Rohr. According to Rohr, the human experience has a pattern, articulated in many ways:
Order-> disorder-> reorder
Journey-> Fall-> Return to a new home
Life-> Crucifixion-> Resurrection
This book is his exposition on how to embrace this pattern and avoid the extremes of modernism ( insisting on complete order) or postmodernism ( giving up to nihilism). There is a third way that sees order in the universe but acknowledges paradox and mystery, and this is the path of wisdom and growth.
The chapter “Beyond Victimhood” alone is worth the price of the book, talking about how we want to “fight” - find a scapegoat to oppose and hate to avoid dealing with our shame and anxiety, or “flee” - hide from evil and pretend we are not a part of it. There is a “third way”, consisting of being willing to hold our anxiety and uncertainty so we can work for answers and transformation without becoming a part of the problem ourselves.
This is a book to revisit and ponder from time to time. I do wish he had written more on personal examples of what he calls the “cruciform pattern of life”. My plan is to reread “Falling Upward” in hopes of gaining more wisdom and insight on this perennial pattern in the human experience.
Order-> disorder-> reorder
Journey-> Fall-> Return to a new home
Life-> Crucifixion-> Resurrection
This book is his exposition on how to embrace this pattern and avoid the extremes of modernism ( insisting on complete order) or postmodernism ( giving up to nihilism). There is a third way that sees order in the universe but acknowledges paradox and mystery, and this is the path of wisdom and growth.
The chapter “Beyond Victimhood” alone is worth the price of the book, talking about how we want to “fight” - find a scapegoat to oppose and hate to avoid dealing with our shame and anxiety, or “flee” - hide from evil and pretend we are not a part of it. There is a “third way”, consisting of being willing to hold our anxiety and uncertainty so we can work for answers and transformation without becoming a part of the problem ourselves.
This is a book to revisit and ponder from time to time. I do wish he had written more on personal examples of what he calls the “cruciform pattern of life”. My plan is to reread “Falling Upward” in hopes of gaining more wisdom and insight on this perennial pattern in the human experience.
April 20, 2024
Although I am not an avid reader, I genuinely enjoyed this book. It has a lot to ponder about and do a lot of self reflection. English being my second language, I struggled a bit to follow it in the beginning and some of the terminology felt very theological for me so I would keep a notebook to make notes and look up later. This is a book that should be read by many, regardless of your religious beliefs or affiliation. I looked up the book in YouTube and I found a video where this is discussed in further detail - I recommend watching it. I forgot to mention the reverend that married my husband and I recommended for us to read this as we went through some hard times. This is a book I will be recommending to many people.
January 1, 2021
Amaze...
January 21, 2021
Fantastic
You want to help and work together to solve today’s social issues? This book I s a fantastic way to gain understanding of ourselves and others so we can work towards that outcome.
You want to help and work together to solve today’s social issues? This book I s a fantastic way to gain understanding of ourselves and others so we can work towards that outcome.
April 26, 2021
I first heard Fr. Richard speak when I was back in high school, so the late 1970s. Even as a young priest, he had a knack for getting across his messages. I did not read any of his many books until a few years ago, on the recommendation of a sagacious friend. Like a lot of spiritual authors, he repeats himself once you get through more than a couple of his works. But this one, a revision of a 2002-ish reply to the problems post 9/11, tries to tackle the liberal-conservative impasse. He uses the familiar Jungian paradigms of False and True Selves, the first vs the second half of life, and the three-step process of his subtitle to map out the problems of both the postmodern and the traditional approaches to faith or its lack. For someone who's been often categorized as New Age-friendly, Fr. R. does get in some critiques of that often far too self-satisfied, smug "spirituality."
However, the one main point I'd challenge is his total absence of any acknowledgement that, just maybe, Vatican II was not a totally Good Thing. He acknowledges the "restorationists" and the revival of a turn towards the pre-conciliar observances, but only in abrupt dismissal. The possibility of the "mass exodus" of many Catholics from attendance at Mass and the decline in participation or even "the faith" itself he never attributes to the changes in the liturgy, the erosion of devotion, and the mindset that, for all its insularity, yes, perhaps inspired a lot of folks more than a folk guitar Mass that half a century later seems as dated as "Godspell" as the Church tried to catch up to what was then hip in the denim and suede era. That appeal certainly has not drawn in the youngsters, nor has it inspired and comforted all of the greying congregants. I wish Fr. R. would reflect more on this, as this is missing from his analysis of our current woes. Whatever one's belief system, he does offer a thoughtful reaction to the ideological and political and social polarization around us, but he does as we all do have a blind spot-- when it comes to why the pews are emptying so rapidly today.
However, the one main point I'd challenge is his total absence of any acknowledgement that, just maybe, Vatican II was not a totally Good Thing. He acknowledges the "restorationists" and the revival of a turn towards the pre-conciliar observances, but only in abrupt dismissal. The possibility of the "mass exodus" of many Catholics from attendance at Mass and the decline in participation or even "the faith" itself he never attributes to the changes in the liturgy, the erosion of devotion, and the mindset that, for all its insularity, yes, perhaps inspired a lot of folks more than a folk guitar Mass that half a century later seems as dated as "Godspell" as the Church tried to catch up to what was then hip in the denim and suede era. That appeal certainly has not drawn in the youngsters, nor has it inspired and comforted all of the greying congregants. I wish Fr. R. would reflect more on this, as this is missing from his analysis of our current woes. Whatever one's belief system, he does offer a thoughtful reaction to the ideological and political and social polarization around us, but he does as we all do have a blind spot-- when it comes to why the pews are emptying so rapidly today.
October 15, 2020
Brilliant. Deep and dense subject matter presented in Rohr’s inimitable clear, folksy voice. I usually breeze through books- this one required I slow down, reread and absorb. One of my favorite observations of his is “much, if not most, religion is a belonging system more than a search for intimacy with God.”
April 18, 2021
I am an unabashed Richard Rohr fan. The vast majority of what he says resonates with me and he is an expert with words.
As someone coming from a conservative religious background that now has more progressive ideologies this book speaks to me. As someone living in post-modernism, agreeing with a good portion of it and staring dumbfounded at a lot of it as well, this was a call to live and be better. I have often found myself at an impasse as I critique what is going on around me, with no constructive thought or action.
Here are 3 quotes in response to that mentality
* I am not saying there is no place for criticism, but there is the kind that opens possibility and the kind that merely spews and increases negative energy.
* When we recognize that we are an accomplice in the evil and also complicit in the good, and take responsibility for both, when we can use the language of “us” and not “them,” then we are bearing the full mystery of something. Then our criticism is coming from love, not hate.
* We believe that we must build on the positive, on what we love. Creative life-energies come from belief and commitment. Critics must first be believers who have learned how to say an ultimate “yes.”
I agree with Rohr. How can I get to "Constructive Postmodernism?" A place where I "know the challenges, but build anyway."
Anyway, another great entry from Father Rohr. Highly recommend if you are a fan of his or if you are interested in modern faith journeys or going through one of your own.
As someone coming from a conservative religious background that now has more progressive ideologies this book speaks to me. As someone living in post-modernism, agreeing with a good portion of it and staring dumbfounded at a lot of it as well, this was a call to live and be better. I have often found myself at an impasse as I critique what is going on around me, with no constructive thought or action.
Here are 3 quotes in response to that mentality
* I am not saying there is no place for criticism, but there is the kind that opens possibility and the kind that merely spews and increases negative energy.
* When we recognize that we are an accomplice in the evil and also complicit in the good, and take responsibility for both, when we can use the language of “us” and not “them,” then we are bearing the full mystery of something. Then our criticism is coming from love, not hate.
* We believe that we must build on the positive, on what we love. Creative life-energies come from belief and commitment. Critics must first be believers who have learned how to say an ultimate “yes.”
I agree with Rohr. How can I get to "Constructive Postmodernism?" A place where I "know the challenges, but build anyway."
Anyway, another great entry from Father Rohr. Highly recommend if you are a fan of his or if you are interested in modern faith journeys or going through one of your own.
May 21, 2023
Some see Father Richard Rohr as the Thomas Merton of our day. First published in 2001, The Wisdom Pattern: Order, Chaos, Reorder was edited and re-released in 2020. It nonetheless remains sadly dated by his often equivocating the blindness of the right with the exuberance of the left. Theologically, it feints toward universality, but in practice reverts to a non-inclusive, non-universal Catholicism in the end.
For these reasons, it is one of Rohr's least appealing books.
But Rohr being the spiritual mentor that he is, this book is not without its passages of brilliance and insight.
When he keeps it simple, Rohr is at his best. For instance,
The best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better (20).
How we do anything is how we do everything. If we spend all day controlling and blocking others, why would we change when we kneel to pray? (57)
God makes grace out of our grit, salvation out of our sin. We are saved, ironically, not by doing it right as much as by the suffering of having done it wrong. We come to God not through our perfection (Thank God!) as much as through our imperfection (22).
For these reasons, it is one of Rohr's least appealing books.
But Rohr being the spiritual mentor that he is, this book is not without its passages of brilliance and insight.
When he keeps it simple, Rohr is at his best. For instance,
The best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better (20).
How we do anything is how we do everything. If we spend all day controlling and blocking others, why would we change when we kneel to pray? (57)
God makes grace out of our grit, salvation out of our sin. We are saved, ironically, not by doing it right as much as by the suffering of having done it wrong. We come to God not through our perfection (Thank God!) as much as through our imperfection (22).
September 30, 2025
My first book by Richard Rohr, and I must say - he has some profound thoughts in the book - but it is a mixed bag. The subtitle of the book - "Order | Disorder | Reorder" sounds so clear and orderly, but the content is not as orderly(I mean, a book like this should not mention the Enneagram, even if it is close to Rohr's heart). It is a good book, and I would recommend it. His philosophical outlines are too broad, and thus his judgment of both political sides, as he finds a way in the middle - the third way. It is a good way, and I'm happy that he did not go all out hating on the republicans as Brian D. McLaren - he is much more pleasant than that, and it is nice to read somebody with respect for the people who hold wrong beliefs, rather than lashing out at them and their beliefs. I would say books like this are needed, and Rohr also gives some insight into wisdom - a topic I try to investigate and read lots about.
April 28, 2024
He is one of my new favorite authors and I consider him a trustworthy guide. After reading this fantastic book, I am yearning to more deeply walk my faith journey. Each page is filled with such rich spiritual wisdom, that I had to often pause and reflect:
“IN ORDER TO RECONSTRUCT, WE NEED TO BE OPEN TO SOMETHING MORE than cerebral, rational knowing. We need to move toward a more spacious, contemplative knowing. We need to move beyond the dualistic, seesawing mind that makes quick judgments, beyond the self and its own self-interest, beyond win/lose and either/or worldviews. This is actually conversion in its most basic sense, but it is also the way to enormous wisdom and the vision of God. Only the whole self is ever ready for the whole God.”
Brilliant book - looking forward to reading it again!
“IN ORDER TO RECONSTRUCT, WE NEED TO BE OPEN TO SOMETHING MORE than cerebral, rational knowing. We need to move toward a more spacious, contemplative knowing. We need to move beyond the dualistic, seesawing mind that makes quick judgments, beyond the self and its own self-interest, beyond win/lose and either/or worldviews. This is actually conversion in its most basic sense, but it is also the way to enormous wisdom and the vision of God. Only the whole self is ever ready for the whole God.”
Brilliant book - looking forward to reading it again!
May 22, 2021
As expected, Rohr delivers insightful, thought provoking, introspective, and faith filling material. Sometimes I felt I was in over my head, reading something intended for spiritual academia.
I would read Rohr's Falling Upwards again and again, cover to cover, which is a pretty high bar for any other book he writes. In this one I found myself skimming to finish it, though still knowing my highlighted notes will always be a good re-read.
I would read Rohr's Falling Upwards again and again, cover to cover, which is a pretty high bar for any other book he writes. In this one I found myself skimming to finish it, though still knowing my highlighted notes will always be a good re-read.
September 3, 2021
Resonates the whole way through.
All in relation to the journey of transformation, RR relays the message of Jesus’ life, articulates the questions behind our views on self/God/world, and delineates how conservatives & liberals have over-owned one side of the cosmic balancing act.
The central theme is the necessity of creatively holding both truth and mystery. The cross itself is a collision of opposites - how can we reject the urge to conform to our idea of universal patterns (they don’t actually exist) and instead follow the example of Jesus, God breaking God’s own rules.
All in relation to the journey of transformation, RR relays the message of Jesus’ life, articulates the questions behind our views on self/God/world, and delineates how conservatives & liberals have over-owned one side of the cosmic balancing act.
The central theme is the necessity of creatively holding both truth and mystery. The cross itself is a collision of opposites - how can we reject the urge to conform to our idea of universal patterns (they don’t actually exist) and instead follow the example of Jesus, God breaking God’s own rules.
October 15, 2021
The world needs more Richard Rohr.
This is the second book I've read by this man, a Catholic priest of the Franciscan order--who rejects the duality of our world and advocates for a third way. Embracing the mystery of faith and God's sacrifice on our behalf, there is nothing for us but to love. This requires listening more than speaking, humility more than pride, forgiveness more than judgement, love more than hate.
This is the second book I've read by this man, a Catholic priest of the Franciscan order--who rejects the duality of our world and advocates for a third way. Embracing the mystery of faith and God's sacrifice on our behalf, there is nothing for us but to love. This requires listening more than speaking, humility more than pride, forgiveness more than judgement, love more than hate.
December 23, 2025
I am stunned by Richard's humility, dedication to observing life's many tragedies, and his evolution from rigid Catholicism in childhood to, now, world renowned contemplative. His claim that true wisdom emerges not from stability or chaos alone, but from engaging honestly with both feels psychologically and scientifically grounded. What I like about it is that Richard's experience doesn't come across as only intellectual, but experiential.
May 16, 2021
Richard Rohr's most recent book spoke to my heart about the nature of the conflict raging in the USA during the global pandemic. It gave me much needed empathy and understanding of a historical pattern that we can alter with out thinking and faith. I read it 4 times cover to cover with notes in the margin and peace in my heart.
Highly recommend to everyone with a heartbeat.
Highly recommend to everyone with a heartbeat.
January 19, 2021
This book is so timely for our current situation in the US. Rohr frames many of the different perspectives that are seemingly at odds with one another and points out that what’s most important isn’t always what we think.
February 19, 2021
i finished reading this as a Lenten discipline and am so very glad I did so! Every book I read by Fr Richard is like going home. His theology makes so much sense to me and yet challenges me afresh with every book I read
Wonderful !
Wonderful !
Read
June 6, 2021Prophetic
This book is so timely for our day. Understanding the paschal mystery and walking through paradox has taken on new meaning for me. I came away with more compassion and understanding for myself and the other side of the political divide.
This book is so timely for our day. Understanding the paschal mystery and walking through paradox has taken on new meaning for me. I came away with more compassion and understanding for myself and the other side of the political divide.
April 8, 2022
Order, disorder, and reorder - a pattern that is all around us. In his book, Rohr, teaches us how to embrace this pattern as a refreshing necessity. Our world is ever changing; therefore, we need to find a new way of being.
June 11, 2022
Slightly disappointing as it seemed like a book constructed out of parts of something else to fit the required theme. The 'wisdom pattern' of the title was the main learning point I took from this, reassuring in a time of many changes.
March 25, 2024
As always, Richard Rohr expresses so beautifully a deep love for his church and religion while holding it up to honestly point out the problems in it. He doesn’t criticize from the outside, but holds personal accountability as well, while exuding faith that things, and people, can change.
September 2, 2025
Phenomenal book with clarity in spirituality, philosophy (and it's evolution, consequences, and cycles), and cultural realities, while providing a clear understanding that focus on the True, Good, and Beautiful is the key to traversing the caverns of the dark sea journey.
August 5, 2020
A must read!!
September 2, 2020
Mind blowing
Mind blowing, wise, offering hope to a Church and world that is losing hope. In short, an amazing read. Needs to be reread periodically. Thank you, Fr. Rohr!
Mind blowing, wise, offering hope to a Church and world that is losing hope. In short, an amazing read. Needs to be reread periodically. Thank you, Fr. Rohr!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews