Transform anger into compassion in this self-guided online course that explores the path of the prophet, based on Richard Rohr’s bestselling book, “The Tears of Things.”
Course Description
A self-guided online course based on Richard Rohr’s new book, “The Tears of Things.” Explore the wisdom of prophets from ancient times to modern day, and discover how we can transform our anger into compassion in our modern “age of outrage.”
The Tears of Things: Integrating the Prophetic Path will lead you on a journey from righteous anger at injustice, through grief for the world’s suffering, and—for those committed to the path—finally to grace-filled love for everyone and everything.
Students will explore themes from “The Tears of Things,” like radical grace, collective evil, and the alchemy of tears. Discover deeper meaning in the Hebrew prophets and find inspiration from today’s truth-tellers like Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Day, Etty Hillesum, Howard Thurman, Joanna Macy, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Oscar Romero.
This self-guided course offers a flexible online learning experience to explore prophetic themes from the sacred space of your home. You can enroll anytime and access all course materials through CAC Connect, our new online learning platform. Engage with the material in a space that’s safe for questions and deepen your understanding alongside fellow seekers.
Learning Objectives
- Understand patterns of emerging prophetic wisdom in the writings of the Hebrew prophets.
- Explore the path of the prophet through contemplative practice for our own transformation and the good of our communities.
- Expand your sense of a loving God, and that everyone and everything is loved by God.
- Develop your own capacity to become an “effective insider critic.”
- Embrace your own context, while also including your own intersections with injustice.
Course Details
The Tears of Things: Integrating the Prophetic Path is a self-led online course with lessons on 9 prophetic themes. In this online course, students should expect to:
- Invest 1-2 hours of time for each theme.
- Read insights from Hebrew and contemporary prophets.
- Go deeper with Lectio Divina and personal reflection practices.
- Participate in optional online discussions.
- Integrate new insights and learnings to discern what calls you to action.
CAC Connect
This online course is available on CAC’s new learning platform, CAC Connect, your companion for deeper engagement with Christian contemplative wisdom and practices. Designed for spiritual seekers and lifelong learners, it supports those seeking transformation and a deeper connection to contemplative practices. Through CAC Connect, you can explore enriching content and engage with like-valued individuals in dedicated spaces. Build meaningful relationships within a supportive community and foster both personal growth and a commitment to a more just and connected world.
Cost
The standard cost for this course is $100. While this price reflects the true cost of creating and offering it, we believe that transformation belongs to everyone and are committed to reducing financial barriers to participation. That’s why we’re offering two additional price levels—$80 and $60—so you can choose the one that best aligns with your current financial circumstances.
If these price levels are still out of reach, you may apply for additional financial assistance.
These reduced options are made possible by the generosity of our donor community who help ensure that seekers from all walks of life can engage the wisdom that calls us toward healing, wholeness, and deepening love. If you’re able, you’re invited to select the $120 level to help support others on the path.
Requirements
- This course is taught in English.
- There are no prerequisites for this course. “The Tears of Things” book is not required reading, though students may find it helpful to have on hand.
- Learn more about the technical requirements for taking this course.
Please review our FAQs for additional requirement questions.
Course Impact
Students enroll in our online contemplative courses, like The Tears of Things, for many reasons. Some find the teachings helpful in creating a deeper understanding of what prophetic wisdom looks like in our world today. Others share the contemplative practices helped them find greater clarity about what is theirs to do in the world.
Students who engaged fully with CAC online courses shared that they:
- Explored how to transform emotions, like anger, into loving action.
- Forged a deeper connection to their physical communities and the greater contemplative community.
- Felt a greater sense of stillness through contemplative practice.
- Found greater clarity on the work they are called to do in the world.
Are you struggling with transforming your anger at the world today? This Christian contemplative online course will give you wisdom and practices to find your feet as an insider critic — in other words, a loving voice for truth.
Course Overview
Students will explore each prophetic theme through teaching material, reflection questions, optional student discussions, and contemplative practice.
Students are encouraged to progress through each theme at their own pace.
- Introduction — What is a Prophet?
Discover what it means to be a prophet and get introduced to practices like Lectio Divina. - Theme One — Path of the Prophet
Explore the path of Isaiah and Martin Luther King Jr. Learn about challenges on the prophetic path. - Theme Two — Necessary Disorder
Explore the disorder and reorder caused by Moses and Fannie Lou Hamer. Learn about the inspired process of disorder and reorder. - Theme Three — Bias Toward the Margins
Explore the clear-eyed wisdom of Amos and Dorothy Day. Learn about the inspired marginal voices. - Theme Four — Collective Evil
Explore the response to collective evil with Micah and Desmond Tutu. Learn about living through challenging political times. - Theme Five — A Critical Mass
Explore community power through the life and work of Hosea and Oscar Romero. Learn about finding critical mass for change. - Theme Six — The Role of Anger
Explore the role of anger in the prophetic path with Jeremiah and Greta Thunberg. Learn how we recognize and give voice to our anger. - Theme Seven — Alchemy of Tears
Explore the role of grief in transformation with Lamentations and Joanna Macy. Learn how welcoming tears can be a transformational experience. - Theme Eight — Radical Grace
Explore the embodiment of radical grace with Ezekiel and Howard Thurman. Learn how we welcome grace in our lives and actions. - Theme Nine — Growing Toward Love
Explore the loving path of Etty Hillesum and other prophets. Learn how to welcome a loving stance even in difficult times. - Conclusion — Summary & Integration
Integrate what you have learned into your daily life. Explore the path of Answering the call to action.
“My hope is that we can recover the universal need for the prophet and prophetess, while also seeking to create and validate lovers and not just critics.”
—Richard Rohr, from “the tears of things”
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find our most frequently asked questions about our online courses. You may utilize the menu below to find your question quickly. If you are unable to find what you are looking for below, please contact our support team and we will be happy to assist you in a timely manner.
Transformation belongs to everyone. CAC is committed to reducing financial barriers so that seekers from all walks of life can engage the wisdom that heals and inspires. That’s why we offer reduced price levels for all our online courses—so students can choose the one that best aligns with their financial circumstances.
If those price levels are still out of reach, students may apply for additional financial assistance.
Please wait to register for a course or event until you’ve received confirmation of your financial assistance status.
Students will have unlimited access to course materials and discussions as long as CAC Connect is available. We encourage students to go at a pace that fits their lifestyle and supports their transformational journey.
Yes! CAC is currently in the process of transitioning courses to a new community learning platform called CAC Connect (powered by Mighty Networks). Courses on this platform will offer multiple opportunities for discussion, practice, and engagement with others within the course and beyond.
Each course will have a Course Facilitator whose role is to facilitate interactions that support contemplative study, reflection, practice, and application of what is learned. Students will interact with each other throughout the course lessons and discussion feed. Additionally, each course includes a student list that allows students to meet, follow, and chat with fellow participants.
CAC online courses are available on computers and mobile devices, like tablets and smartphones.
If you’re having problems, you might be able to solve them by making sure you’re using a supported browser or device, and making sure it’s updated.
CAC Connect Web Access:
- Browser: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge (latest versions recommended).
- Operating System: Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later.
- Internet Speed: At least 5 Mbps for general browsing; 10+ Mbps recommended for livestreaming and video uploads.
- Screen Resolution: Minimum 1024×768 for the best viewing experience.
CAC Connect Mobile Access:
- iOS App: Requires iOS 15.0 or later (compatible with iPhone and iPad).
- Android App: Requires Android 7.1 or later.
- Storage Space: At least 200MB free for the app installation, more for media uploads.
- Permissions: The app may require access to notifications, microphone, camera, and storage for full functionality.
Yes, CAC Connect has a mobile app for both iOS and Android users! With the app, you can easily access and engage with your online courses, connect with fellow students, and explore enriching content that supports your spiritual journey while on the go.
The iOS version requires 15.0 or later (compatible with iPhone and iPad), and the Android app requires Android 7.1 or later. Students will need at least 200MB free on their device for the app installation, with more available for media downloads. For full functionality, the app may require access to notifications, microphone, camera, and device storage.
To reset your password, visit connect.cac.org and click the “Forgot Password?” link. Please be sure to verify that the email you use is the one associated with your CAC Connect profile and that your email address has been entered correctly. All passwords are case sensitive.
1. Have you received the course invite link?
After purchasing and registering for the course, you will receive an invite link via email to log in or sign up for CAC Connect. This email will come from [email protected]. If you don’t see it in your inbox within a few minutes, please double check your spam folder.
If you haven’t received the invite link, please contact our support team here.
2. Are you using the correct email to log in or sign up?
Once you have received the course invite link, make sure you are signing up or logging in with the exact email address used for the student registrant details at checkout.
Double-check the email you used when registering for the course. If you’re unsure, refer to your purchase confirmation email from [email protected].
Note: The invite link is tied to the student’s email. Only the student will receive the invite. If you received this course as a gift, please check with the purchaser about what email address they used in the purchase confirmation email.
3. Still experiencing issues?
If you have received the invite link, are using the correct student email, and still cannot access your course, please contact our support team for further assistance.
Students can request a full refund for any online course for up to 30 days from the date of purchase.
To request a refund, please contact our Community Support team.