On the Threshold of Transformation: Daily Meditations for Men

by Richard Rohr

For men, pain is very real.
So is the power to transform it.In one of the opening meditations of this book, male spirituality expert Richard Rohr writes, “We need to fail, to fall, to jump into the central mystery of our own existence, or we’ll have no way of finding our true path.” Those words serve as the starting point for a potentially transformative experience, one in which men come to grips with the fact that some form of suffering or letting go is essential to achieving wholeness, holiness, and happiness.
With nearly every man dealing with some form of hurt in his life, On the Threshold of Transformation acknowledges the pain and deals with it directly and redemptively. While much of our culture today would have us believe that failure and suffering are inherently bad, Fr. Rohr helps men see that pain—in whatever form it takes—is a primary doorway through which they can pass to reach their authentic, best selves, which is where they will truly encounter God.
Ultimately, this book of 366 daily meditations helps men learn how to transform their pain so they don’t pass it on. With Fr. Rohr as their guide, the path to male spiritual transformation can be found and followed.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian, Religion, Christianity, Philosophy

400 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

About the author

Fr. 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.

Reviews

[Ed Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my second time through it. I read it back in 2012 or so and got a good bit out of it then, so I thought I would see what I would think of it after ten more years of living and reading in the Bible and psychology.

I can say that a lot still rang true and that I did find useful insights, affirmations, etc. I love Rohr. He has a big heart, great wisdom, and a special gift for inspiring and empowering.

This time through I did find his psychological insights, which derive mostly from people like Jung, Hillman, Moore, and Bly, to ring truer than his Biblical commentary. Not that I have better commentary myself, but just to say that Rohr’s work here in the Bible seems to have the same problem that many liberal Christian perspectives have on the Bible, namely that the poetic, symbolic interpretation seems to be more of a last-ditch effort to rescue the Bible from its xenophobic and prescientific orientation than it does an accurate assessment of what the writers—Old and New Testaments alike—were actually driving at.

At the end of the day, however, the book does a fine job of teaching us and reminding us to be honest, compassionate, courageous, humble, etc., and who can argue with that?!?!

[Rick Rapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a series of meditations (which are supposed to be done on a daily basis.) They include topics which develop into five categories. Rohr is a a good writer and goodness knows he is knowledgable in Bible Studies. I found it thought-provoking, but not compelling. He makes many good points, but there are others where his "leading question" for meditation had me baffled. Still, it was a worthwhile experience and for those more firm in their faith and Biblical background, this would be an excellent read.

[William Kittler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every adult man should read this book. It’s my first book I read by Fr Rohr and I will be reading more. He puts being a male in perspective with God, your wife, kids , relatives, friends and career. He keeps repeating that God doesn’t expect men to be perfect so, give yourself a break and just keep praying. The perfect Lenten read.

[Philip Lopresto · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't care for this. Few reflections grabbed my attention and made me think deeper. Some of them seemed a little "new age" to me and not very Catholic. Surprising since the author is a Franciscan priest.

[Greg D · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had read this book religiously as a devotional every day like a good boy, I should have finished it in one year. Instead, it took me two years to read. Sometimes, because each reading took me several days to absorb. Other times, because I simply forgot or was too busy with other readings. Nevertheless, this has been by far the BEST devotional I have ever read in my 25 year Christian life. If I could summarize this book in two words: "deep" and "spiritual" would be it. These readings hit at the very core of my identity as a man and my position with God. It struck a chord where no other book has struck. While geared specifically for men, I think anyone could read this and certainly get something out of it. Rohr tells it like it is and is sometimes quite forthright for which I am thankful. There is so much depth to this book that I could barely touch the surface describing it. Simply read it and see for yourself. I highly recommend this book, especially to those who are tired of the... well... same old and tired devotionals of yesteryear.

[Scott Roellig · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh

If you are a Christian, then please don’t waste your money nor time on this drivel. Richard doesn’t believe in the Christ or God of the Bible. He rarely...rarely even mentions the Bible. When he does reference the Bible his interpretations are so far from the truth it’s staggering.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful resource from the pen of Richard Rohr. This is a year-long daily devotion resource, pulling excerpts from Rohr's other writings to help men on the spiritual journey of life. Wonderful, thought-provoking words fill each page. Rohr dares to confront the often unspoken challenges of male masculinity and spiritually in a way which encourages and gently guides. I suspect I will revisit this resource in the future for daily guidance and perspective on the journey of life. Highly recommended for all guys who are serious about growing spiritually and connecting more intimately with God and themselves.

[David Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daily reading book on the more religious (Catholic/Christian) but still full of wisdom and thought provoking challenges for me in living life in good faith.

This book was the most "challenging" of the 13 I read this year, mainly because the author goes pretrty deep on a spiritual level.

[Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even as a non Christian. This was one of the best books on spirituality I have read in a long time. Highly recommend.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first awoke each day in 2020, I read this book a page a day and let it’s thoughts deep into my brain. I’ve learned a lot about myself during this year and this book had a lot to do with it.

[Maria Huemmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! So many good insights and practices to help dive into the deep!

[Frans Clements · Rating 3 out of 5]

Richard Rohr is not a ' father' but a guru. I

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is designed as a daily devotional. Readings are based on Rohr's previously published writings and spoken messages. This is great book for men (and women who want to better understand men). There is something good, insightful, provocative here each day. I expect to keep this book at hand for quite some time. Highly recommended..

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some reflections really hit me where I was, others did not.
Some of the questions made me think, others did not.
I guess that is typical of all devotional type books - I was just expecting a little more from Rohr!!

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally an author who addresses issues facing men, from an intelligent approach that brings together the best of psychology and meaning of faith in God

[Tim Pickles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful resource for men on the spiritual path, by an master teacher.

[Ed Gavras · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book over all. But there are a few devotional days that scream non-Christian, world view, Unitarianism. This is very unsettling because most of this book is excellent.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daily depth for men

This is truly a daily "confrontational" reader for men who want to discover the depths of soul and significance - a true reminder that everything belongs.