The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation – Richard Rohr
1. Full Citation
Rohr, R. with Morrell, M. (2016) The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation. London: SPCK.
2. Introduction
In The Divine Dance, Franciscan priest Richard Rohr invites readers into a mystical, relational understanding of the Trinity, shifting focus from abstract doctrine to lived experience. Through poetic language, metaphor, and spiritual exploration, Rohr reframes the Trinity as an eternal dance of love and mutuality into which humanity is invited. While unorthodox in method and tone, the book has captivated many seeking a contemplative, inclusive, and transformational theology. This review explores the book’s theological propositions, spiritual tone, and place within modern Christian thought.
3. Author Background and Credentials
Richard Rohr is a Catholic priest of the Franciscan order, spiritual teacher, and founder of the Centre for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Known for his contemplative and ecumenical approach, Rohr blends Christian mysticism, Jungian psychology, and progressive theology. He has authored numerous works including Falling Upward and Everything Belongs, influencing spiritual seekers across denominational lines.
4. Summary of Contents
The book unfolds over three thematic movements:
- Rediscovering the Trinity
- Challenges the West’s neglect of the Trinity and calls for a return to its relational core.
- Critiques static, monarchical models of God in favour of perichoresis (mutual indwelling).
- The Dance of Relationship
- Emphasises divine flow, creativity, and co-participation with humanity.
- Connects spiritual growth with participation in the divine “dance” of love and transformation.
- Transformation Through Participation
- Reflects on how the Trinity reshapes prayer, community, forgiveness, and social justice.
- Encourages experiential spirituality rooted in divine union rather than mere moralism.
Throughout, Rohr makes extensive use of metaphors, symbols, and invitations to inner stillness.
5. Critical Evaluation
a. Coherence and Argumentation
The book is lyrically coherent but theologically unstructured. It flows more like a meditation than an argument, prioritising experience and metaphor over dogma or systematics.
b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution
Rohr’s approach to the Trinity as dynamic relationship is compelling and widely appealing, though not doctrinally unique. His creative theology of inclusion and transformation expands traditional categories but often lacks critical precision.
c. Evidence, Sources, and Method
Rohr references Scripture, the Cappadocian Fathers, Julian of Norwich, and modern thinkers like Teilhard de Chardin. His method is mystical-contemplative, influenced by Eastern Christianity and psychological insights.
d. Style and Accessibility
His poetic and informal style makes theology highly accessible, especially for spiritual seekers or those disenchanted with rigid dogmatism. However, this comes at the expense of doctrinal clarity.
e. Limitations and Critiques
The book’s doctrinal ambiguity and lack of orthodoxy have drawn critique from traditional theologians. Rohr’s language sometimes strays into panentheism or universalism, and the boundaries of Christian doctrine are not always clear.
6. Comparative Context
This book aligns with:
- Contemplative theology – such as Thomas Merton or Henri Nouwen
- Mystical reinterpretations of Christian doctrine – like Cynthia Bourgeault’s The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three
- In contrast to works like Fred Sanders’ The Deep Things of God or Michael Reeves’ Delighting in the Trinity, Rohr’s book is more experiential and poetic than doctrinal or systematic.
7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance
The book contributes to spiritual formation, mystical theology, and interfaith dialogue, particularly among readers seeking integration of spirituality, psychology, and divine communion.
8. Reflection or Practical Application
Readers are encouraged to move from religious performance to divine participation, fostering deeper compassion, contemplative awareness, and community engagement. Rohr offers a relational vision of God that heals division and awakens identity.
9. Conclusion
The Divine Dance is a provocative and soulful meditation on the Trinity, appealing to those yearning for relational theology and mystical encounter. While not doctrinally rigorous, it stirs spiritual imagination and invites participation in divine love.
Recommended for: Spiritual seekers, contemplatives, and those exploring non-traditional but Christ-centred theology. Not suited for formal doctrinal instruction but valuable for experiential exploration.
10. Other Works by the Same Author
- Falling Upward – On spiritual maturity and the “second half” of life.
- Everything Belongs – A vision of contemplative belonging.
- The Universal Christ – Rohr’s most controversial and widely-read work.
- Breathing Under Water – Spirituality and the Twelve Steps.
11. Similar Books by Other Authors
- Cynthia Bourgeault – The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three
- Henri Nouwen – The Return of the Prodigal Son
- Thomas Merton – New Seeds of Contemplation
- Ilia Delio – The Unbearable Wholeness of Being
12. References (only if external works are cited)
- Gregory of Nazianzus, Orations on the Trinity
- Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love
- Teilhard de Chardin, The Divine Milieu
- Bourgeault, C. (2013) The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three