Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life
Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life
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General Impressions
Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.
1. What was your first impression of the book when you began reading? How did it compare to other works of spiritual or devotional literature you may have read?
2. Overall, did Falling Upward meet your expectations? Why or why not?
3. Do you feel that Rohr persuaded you on any points? Which ones? In what ways, if any, did you disagree with some of his ideas?
Personal Reflection and Connection
Encourage readers to reflect on how the book relates to their own life or work and how its lessons could help them.
1. Rohr talks about how he grew and changed spiritually from youth to maturity, with his faith evolving from the Biblical literalism of his family to a more nuanced understanding. How has your faith changed over time? How did your spiritual trajectory compare to Rohr’s?
2. Which of Rohr’s lessons feels the most relevant to your life? Why? How will you try to apply these lessons going forward?
3. Having read the book, do you feel you are in the first half of life, the second, or somewhere in between?
4. Is there a biblical figure, mystic, saint, poet, philosopher or other figure from the book whose work has helped your spiritual development? Explain.
Real-World Relevance
Prompt readers to explore how the book fits into today’s professional or social landscape.
1. Rohr critiques the church, and organized religion in general, several times in his work. How do his critiques reflect a broader dissatisfaction with organized religion?
2. The author has tried to change the church while still operating within it. How have figures like Rohr changed the Catholic church in recent years? Do you believe these are positive or negative changes?
Practical Applications
Encourage readers to share and consider how the book’s lessons could be applied to their personal/professional lives.
1. Rohr claims that inclusion and compassion are hallmarks of the second half of life. Who do you find it challenging to extend compassion to? How might you try to do this?
2. Rohr interprets numerous scriptures in his work. Choose one scripture and reflect on how it might be meaningful to you personally. How could you live out its lesson?
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