An interesting aspect of Immortal Diamond by Richard Rohr- The search for our true self is an interesting work mainly because it attempts to analyze the self. An essential factor examined by the author is the fake self. As a person interested in understanding my personality and that of others, I found this section particularly empowering as Rohr attempts to define a false identity that emanates when a person is split from reality. In one of his descriptions about the false self, Rohr notes that it can come when "we split from our shadow self and pretend to be our idealized self" (Rohr, 2012). From my perspective, this is an accurate assessment of why people at times fake their personalities or identities. Many people tend to have a kind of self they immensely idealize. However, once they move out of their actual personalities to this virtual self, they adopt a false self that could vividly appear from the outside. In emphasizing the need to live a real life, Rohr goes further to note that “we split our mind from our body and soul and live in our minds” (Rohr, 2012).When one part of this trinity is separated from the others, the likelihood is that one would live a life without reality.
Rohr further goes ahead to provide individuals with valuable insights regarding the importance of life, love, and the position of death. I found this discussion very essential because it touches on some of the most fundamental aspects of an individual's social life. As part of the process of divinization, the author asks individuals to believe that "we are larger than life!" some of the vital tenets that he goes ahead to ask people to incorporate in their lives include love and truth to ensure that people live a meaningful life. An important proclamation in the book is that “love is stronger than death” (Rohr, 2012). I find this quote particularly powerful because it gives me a reason to live. When we ingrain our thoughts to perpetual fear of death, then it becomes difficult for us to enjoy the importance that comes with being alive. When people embrace the fact that love is stronger than death, they become increasingly poised to succeed in their life by acting according to the best societal practices. Rohr notes that acceptance that love is stronger than death emphasizes the “acceptance and appreciation of our true self with all its radiance, energy, and power” (Rohr, 2012).
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Although the author produces a master price that is arguably one of the best books to stress the importance of true self and life, I found some concepts or assertions objectionable. First, he notes that once a person acquires the true self in sufficient amounts, the false self will automatically crumble just as it happened in Jesus. However, in my opinion, the author fails to account for the mechanism through which the idealized self will simply walk away. Vital to note is that human beings are regularly exposed to various factors that could promote false life in the media and in real life. My thinking is that the idealized self will not just wish away if we are not aware of how to deal with these factors. Also, the text is critically enriching because it draws Biblical connotations and verses to help in supporting his points regarding living life with the true self. For instance, he uses the analogy of Paul lamenting that his flock felt they were unworthy to of going to heaven. He further draws in the life story of Jesus. I find this enriching to read and most importantly, enlightening as it relates the Biblical teachings to real life.
Reference
Rohr, R. (2012). Immortal diamond: The search for our true self . John Wiley & Sons.
