The Tears of Things

Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage

By: Richard Rohr

Narrated by: Drew Jackson

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In his first major work since The Universal Christ, one of our most prominent spiritual voices offers a wholehearted and hope-filled model for the world today, grounded in the timeless wisdom 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 do we live compassionately in a time of violence and despair? What can we do with our private disappointments and the anger we feel in such an unjust world? In his most personal book yet, Richard Rohr turns to the writings of the Jewish prophets, revealing how some of the lesser-read books of the Bible offer us a crucial path forward today.

The prophets’ writings reflect the full spectrum of human maturity. In almost every case, their initial rage and their accusatory words evolve into a profound pathos and lamentation about our shared human condition and the world’s suffering. Through astute critiques of culture and institutions, and their journey from anger to sadness, and ultimately compassion, the prophets exemplify what Rohr calls “sacred criticism”—a distinct approach to confronting evil and injustice that acknowledges the wholeness of history, the interconnectedness of every living being, and the reality of a divine and universal love. In this, they set the stage for Jesus, who follows this identical pattern.

Drawing on a century of biblical scholarship and written in the warm, pastoral voice that has endeared Rohr to millions, The Tears of Things breathes new life into ancient wisdom. It paves a path of enlightenment for anyone seeking a compassionate way of living in a hurting world.

©2025 Richard Rohr (P)2025 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Richard Rohr brings to his study his long, discerning reflection, his immense pastoral sensibility, and his capacity for close reading. His book is a welcome entry point for us into an urgent biblical trajectory.”—Walter Brueggemann, author of The Prophetic Imagination

“In this luminous book, Richard Rohr synthesizes action and contemplation with greater passion and courage than ever before. By retelling the stories of the biblical prophets, he calls upon us all to speak truth in our own times and to speak it with love.”—Mirabai Starr, author of Wild Mercy

“In a world that can feel like a house on fire, Richard Rohr’s The Tears of Things is a much-needed road map to wisdom and higher—more hopeful—ground.”—Pete Holmes, comedian, host of You Made It Weird

Tears of things

A very important book for all those who wish to contribute to the healing of the world.

This is the book we need

Any words I write here do a disservice to this work. It's one of the most staggeringly beautiful works of writing I've ever read. It's the reckoning of my faith and spiritual upbringing, and I'm sure many many others. This book is both a cracking open and repairing of our individual and collective spiritual health.

Friar Rohr doing what he does best

Richard Rohr once again ties ancient wisdom and guidance to modern times and challenges us to do better. Because he loves us and knows we are capable of so much more.

The honest embrace of life’s journeying revealed in the lives of the prophets.

The journey of the prophets perspectives and discoveries that hold true for all of us.

Phenomenal Listen!

The narrator is excellent and the content gave my old man brain some new things to think about. It also gave my ten year old self new knowledge about the prophets who were skipped over in Sunday School. Ten stars! 🌟

Another great book by Father Rohr

Excellent summary of the prophetic message in the Bible. Teaches God is loving, not vengeful.