MORRIS TWP. Voice of the Faithful New Jersey will present a discussion of Father Richard Rohrs book, Falling Upward, Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life, at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 100 Harter Road.

In this book Father Richard Rohr offers a new paradigm for understanding one of lifes most profound mysteries: how our failings can be the foundation for our ongoing spiritual growth.

Drawing on the wisdom of time-honored myths, heroic poems, great thinkers and sacred religious texts, he explores the two halves of life to show that those who have fallen, failed or gone down are the only ones who understand up. We grow spiritually more by doing it wrong than by doing it right. Rohr takes a journey to give an understanding of how the heartbreaks, disappointments and weaknesses of life can actually be stepping stones to the spiritual joys that the second half of life has in store for us.

In my opinion, this first-half-of-life task is no more than finding the starting gate, he writes. It is merely the warm-up act, not the full journey. It is the raft but not the shore. If you realize that there is a further journey, you might do the warm-up act quite differently, which would better prepare you for what follows. People at any age must know about the whole arc of their life and where it is tending and leading.

A Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province, Father Rohr founded the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, N.M., in 1986. He is the author of more than 20 books, translated into many languages. An internationally known speaker, he is also well known for his numerous recorded teachings, through the centers quarterly publication, Radical Grace, and is a regular contributing writer for Sojourners and Tikkun magazines. He uses many platforms in teaching on such themes as adult Christian spirituality, scripture as liberation, male spirituality, politics and spirituality, nature, and interfaith dialogue.

All are welcome. Liturgy will follow. There is no charge for the program.

For more information go to http://www.votfnj.org, email info@votfnj.org or call 973-538-4063.

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Spirituality program offered in Morris Township by Voice of the Faithful