Rohr argues that everyone has a persona they present to the world. The persona, which he notes is Greek for “stage mask,” is not necessarily bad or egotistical, but is not really people’s true selves. People tend to rely on titles or accomplishments to nurture their persona, such as parent, minister, president, etc. The persona may protect people’s “shadow selves.” This is the negative aspect of yourself which you refuse to see, which likely comes out as negative emotions and reactions to others. Rigidly defended personas will have to work harder to uncover and address their shadow selves. Rohr calls this “shadow work.”

In novels and myths, doing shadow work—and experiencing its resulting personal growth—is called character development. Accepting humiliations and being humbled is an inherent part of shadow work. Rather than listening to voices which justify hurting themselves or others, shadow work enables people to understand that what they are doing is harmful. Rohr laments that personas and shadows “allow us to do evil and not know it” by creating justifications and denials (83). 

However, the shadow self is not the same as sin. By encouraging people to avoid sin, Rohr believes the church has accidentally stopped people from engaging thoughtfully with their shadow selves. Rohr coaches the reader on how to do this. First, be aware of others’ criticisms, since they can see your shadow self more easily than you can. Second, become aware of what upsets you and triggers your overreactions or denials, since this is how the shadow self operates.

Saintly people who have done much shadow work are more accepting of others and therefore less easy to anger. They can forgive people for their faults and not let them ruin their whole relationships with people. Rohr shares that it is a relief to let go of persona and the fear of others’ judgments. While shadow work can be sad and disappointing, he tells the reader to not obsess over these challenges. Rohr claims that, in American culture, men in particular deny their sadness, which then manifests as anger or depression. He concludes that shadow work is synonymous with “falling upward,” and that every part of this journey is from God (86).

By distinguishing between the “shadow self” and sin, Rohr adds a complex layer to Christian thought, arguing that believers should reflect on the qualities and impulses they have that lead to sin, instead of trying to avoid it altogether. He explains, “Sin and shadow are not the same. We were so encouraged to avoid sin that many of us instead avoided facing our shadow. Then we ended up ‘sinning’ even worse—while unaware besides!” (83). He frames shadow work as an essential part of understanding and preventing sin, arguing that recognizing one’s negative traits takes away their influence. He writes, “You come to expect various forms of halfheartedness, deceit, vanity, or illusions from yourself, but now you see through them, which destroys most of their game and power” (83).

The author uses scriptures to support his concept of the shadow self, though none of the Bible passages use the same terms “persona” or “shadow self.” For instance, he interprets Matthew 5:25-26 to mean that people should extend kindness and non-judgment to themselves and others. He explains, “The ‘opponent taking you to court’ is, for me, a telling description of what we allow inner story lines to do to us. In ten seconds, we can create an entire and self-justifying scenario of blame, anger, and hurt—toward ourselves or toward another” (82). This concrete example of judgment and blame helps the reader understand what Rohr means by the “shadow self.” By building on the scriptures and introducing his own terms on personas and shadow selves, the author asks the reader to consider a new interpretation of these passages and incorporate specific self-reflection or “shadow work” into their faith.

Chapter Lessons

• Everyone has a “shadow self” of negative qualities and impulses
• Personas and shadow selves create justifications for poor behavior
• Shadow work is deep reflection that uncovers the shadow self and its impulses

Reflection Questions

• Rohr says there is a difference between persona and one’s true self. What does your persona look like? How does it differ from your true self?
• Which of your qualities or tendencies do you consider your “shadow self,” and what sins or flaws do these qualities lead to? What could you do to better understand or manage your “shadow self”?
• Rohr speaks to how emotional repression can lead to negative outcomes, such as anger or depressive states. What emotions do you have a tendency to repress, and why? What concrete steps could you take to express that emotion in a healthier way?