Jesus' Plan for a New World: The Sermon on the Mount

This book brought a deep and quiet sadness over me. We, especially in America, have strayed so far from the teachings of Jesus that I fear there is no clear way back. We have become the antithesis of the message he gave us. Richard has a depth of understanding that most Priests and theologians don’t. His clear understanding is a threat to those Christians who are part of the American power structure. He, in my opinion, is a prophet of our time.

Rohr begins by giving the reader the historical setting of the speech. This includes the geographical, Jewish traditions and political climate of the times. Rohr has done his research well and gives credit to many that have been involved in collecting historical documentation. He goes on to interpret line by line what Jesus meant with each verse he spoke. Rohr makes Jesus’ teachings so clear that unless you choose to be in denial it is not possible to misunderstand what Jesus was about and what his priorities were for then and for now. One of the great things about Rohr is he writes in terms the non-religious can understand and he moves you to action and transformation of what it looks like to follow the Christ.

Eyes wide open!! Fr. Richard Rohr's books are changing the way I was taught to know and seek God. I am so grateful! Highly recommend and I just keep buying copies to give away!! Inspiring me to know and love God for who he really is!! Isn’t that what we all want? Spirituality is a journey and I am so glad Richard Rohr on this one with me!! I highly recommend ‘TrueSelf False Self’ also.

This work is an honest, eyes-open, courageous look at the heart of Jesus' message; the Sermon on the Mount. In our days of civil religion and the US as the world police, Rohr dares to tell Christians that Jesus intends for us to love, to make peace, to be humble, to be pure, and to be loyal to God first, with all other loyalties a distant second. We are to be the moral standard and conscience of our society; to lead by example in giving, seeking, and finding-mostly to those in our society who have lost their way to fruitful and fulfilling living, whatever their socio-economic status. And when others threaten us with violence and hatred, we literally turn the other cheek, and the other, and the other, and the other-if it costs us our lives, we remain committed to God and Jesus' message of love, mercy, peace, and justice. Rohr is outstanding, easy to understand, and yet challenging-a great book.

I consider Richard Rohr one of the finest teachers in the world. This book is one of his best because it explains the plan of Jesus like no other. I like to highlight my books and kindle and Rev. Rohrs are marked through. His writings are full of new and poetic ideas and I'm able to put my faith into expression when I read his books. He writes:"These three demons are in all of our lives: the need to be effective, the need to be right and the need to be powerful or in control. Until those demons have been faced and exorcised you will very likely not preach the gospel; you will preach your own self. It’s only after Jesus exorcises these three demons that he sets out on his public ministry."Rohr, Richard; Feister, John Bookser (2011-07-17). Jesus' Plan for a New World: The Sermon on the Mount (p. 103). St. Anthony Messenger Press. Kindle Edition.

Even though some time has passed since the writing of this book, it's wisdom remains fresh. Our interconnected world cultures are in desperate need of the salt, leaven, and light Jesus teaches us how to be in the Sermon on the Mount. Father Rohr is an inspiring and gracious guide to these teachings. Christians who have lost the thread and persons investigating Jesus and his teachings for the first time would both benefit from this book.

It is an exciting and engrossing look by Richard Rohr into Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. Richard compares both Matthew and Luke’s version plus Richard own wonderful thoughts on each blessing.

Answered many of the questions I have, because of my image of God, like the author's, is that God is the "PERFECT PARENT". It also validates that We Christians, like the rest of humankind, take ourselves to seriously and believe our beliefs are exactly the only TRUTH. As a parent, I have a real problem with that, because I can't think of anything that would make me completely turn my back on my children. Also, as a follower of Jesus Christ, He is teaching me to, like Him, see all mankind as His Children, which has given me a deep desire and yearning for their salvation. Why! Because "That is what Jesus would do." And, that is why He died!

I'm a theologian; butI'm no longer in touch with a theological 'community'. So I found Richard Rohr's theology refreshing and encouraging. He's got none of the pomposity often found in theological writings; and he's unequivocally a universalist.....A good read!

Such a refreshing, clear, and profoundly spiritual exposition of the Sermon on the Mount and its bearing on life now. Recommended in a sermon by my local vicar, I thought I would give it a try, and felt greatly enriched in mind by the experience. I would want to read more of this lovely Franciscan theologian and guide.

Filled with great and new (for me) insights this book has enhanced greatly my understanding of the sermon on the mount. I highly recommend

As a Christian of many years, I have found it harder to see my way forward in Christ with every passing decade. ( I am 70). I finally cast myself adrift 3 years ago, My church-attending seemed to be all about me and us - irrelevant in the modern world. I realise that I was the problem, but that didn't help me to re-find the Way. This book found me where I am and turned me around. A great book for those who have lost their Way!

A good insight into the central teaching of Jesus, and a strong challenge to build a new and better world