Against an Infinite Horizon: The Finger of God in Our Everyday Lives

by Ronald Rolheiser

Book Overview

In this companion volume to his award-winning book Forgotten Among the Lilies, Ronald Rolheiser, the columnist from The Catholic Herald, looks with compassion and wit beyond the horizon of our times,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0824519655
• ISBN13: 9780824519650
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Crossroad Publishing
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Against An Infinite Horizon

This has been one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. I have given copies to some of my friend and they have commented in the same manner. It really hits home in many aspects.

More terrific insights from Rolheiser

I found this book enormously rewarding. Fr. Rolheiser is one of the sharpest Catholic writers out there today. He really "gets it." He is very gifted in articulating some very profound ideas in very real, human terms. Some of these ideas could be a bit shocking to someone used to more traditional Catholic books (esp. his thoughts on Eucharist). However, don't let that initial shock throw you. I truly believe he is not trying to be provocative for the sake of getting attention. Rather, the ideas he explores are truly a way to go deeper into some of the most profound Divine mysteries. And when we break through the superficial and enter honestly and deeply into those mysteries, the rewards are enormous. I am grateful to Fr Rolheiser for sharing his insightful writing talent. Too often Catholic writing are nice, but can be too intellectual/theoretical or historical. At some point we need to move beyond the dry/clinical talk and dive into the deep... the honest places that we are sometimes afraid and/or ashamed of... the real and gut-wrenching places were we risk exposing those hidden parts of ourselves to that Infinite Horizon. If we never get to what is truly real and honest, then what is the point? In this book, Rolheiser leads us into those real places... and the view is spectacular. I have read a few Rolheiser books. All have been good, but I thought the Shattered Lantern was a little dry. However, when he hits the mark, he is excellent. In addition to this book, I highly recommend Forgotten Among the Lilies. Another true gem.

Great, makes me search for deeper meanings in my faith

I am a fan of Rolheiser's books and his weekly column. He sees scripture as a whole work, woven together as only The Master would have it. Rolheiser is able to relate various scriptural passages in a way that makes sense and relates to our everday lives. The title, "Against an Infinite Horizon," asks us to view our lives against the infinite horizon of God's love and power. Not only does that put our earthly troubles into perspective, but it also unleashes the great power of God's love to change the world. Regardless of whether you tend to liberal, conservative or middle-of-the road, this book will challenge you to live your faith more fully and meaningfully. In one section, he states that the problem with modern Christianity is that the "liberals are not pious and the pious are not liberal." What if they were? he asks, stating that we are called by Jesus to be both pious and work for change, both in compliance with Divine will. The only down side to this book and more generally Rolheiser's work is that he tends to be repetative. Sometimes this is to the good; you don't miss anything. Other times it's laborious.

Read it and think!

Christian books often become cliche, filled with the same old rhetoric and dogma that leaves us cold and searching; however, "Against an Infinite Horizon" is very fresh in its approach to seeing God in every moment. I can't think of one aspect of living that Rolheiser omitted. He discusses social justice, marriage and sexuality (His assertion that sex is a sacrament still has me thinking!), death, the gender of God, and the simple act of being grateful. I didn't always agree with his premises, but Rolheiser gives so many unique perspectives from which to view the ordinary in our lives that you will simply devour this book. He challenges the reader to reconsider our lives and how we view ourselves "against the infinite horizon" of God. There were times when, with my mouth open, I had to stop mid-paragraph and think about what he had said. Nothing revolutionary, just a fresh approach.This is an excellent book for group discussions,or, like me, for personal growth. Read it and think!

A simple, profound book

Fr. Rolheiser has given us a wonderful gift in this compelling spiritual guide. I was especially inspired by his use of the stages of motherhood of the Virgin Mary and our own stages of faith. I loved his book "The Holy Longing" but I think I like this one even better. If you're on a spiritual journey, Catholic or otherwise, this is a real treasure.