Order, Disorder, Reorder
- Richard Rohr
- Sep 1, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 26
Richard Rohr shares his paradigm for the transformative process of spiritual maturity:
It seems quite clear that we grow spiritually by passing beyond some perfect Order, through an often painful and seemingly unnecessary Disorder to an enlightened Reorder or “resurrection.” This is the “pattern that connects” and solidifies our relationship with everything around us.
ORDER:
At this first stage, if we are granted it (and not all are), we feel innocent and safe. Everything is basically good. It is our “first naïveté.” Those who try to stay in this first satisfying explanation of “how things should be” tend to refuse and avoid any confusion, conflict, inconsistencies, or suffering. Disorder or change is always to be avoided, the ego believes, so let’s just hunker down and pretend that my status quo is entirely good, should be good for everybody, and is always “true” and even the only truth.
DISORDER:
At some point in our lives, we will be deeply disappointed by what we were originally taught, by where our choices have led us, or by the seemingly random tragedies that take place in all our lives. There will be a death, a disease, a disruption to our normal way of thinking or being in the world. It is necessary if any real growth is to occur.
This is the Disorder stage, or what we call from the Adam and Eve story the “fall.” Some people try to return to the original Order and do not accept reality, which prevents them from further growth. Others, especially today, seem to have given up and decided that “there is no universal order,” or at least no order to which they will submit. That’s the postmodern stance, which distrusts all grand narratives, including often any notions of reason, a common human nature, social progress, universal human norms, absolute truth, and objective reality. Permanent residence in this stage tends to make people rather negative and cynical, usually angry, and quite opinionated and dogmatic as they search for some solid ground. [1]
REORDER:
Only in the final Reorder stage can darkness and light coexist, can paradox be okay. We are finally at home in the only world that ever existed. This is true and contemplative knowing. Here death is a part of life, and failure is a part of victory. Opposites collide and unite, and everything belongs. [2]
At the Reorder stage, we come to that true inner authority where I know something, and the only nature of the knowing is that it is okay because God is in every moment no matter what happens. Nothing needs to be excluded. I can live and work with all of it because apparently God can. For some unbelievable reason, contrary to logic and common sense, everything belongs. [3]
To learn more, see https://cac.org/daily-meditations/order-disorder-reorder-weekly-summary/
FAQs: Order, Disorder, Reorder
What does “Order, Disorder, Reorder” mean in spiritual growth?
“Order, Disorder, Reorder” describes a universal pattern in spiritual maturity: we begin in a safe, simple order; we enter disorder through suffering, crisis, or doubt; then we emerge into reorder - a deeper, wiser way of being. Rohr says this cycle solidifies our relationship with everything around us. (Source: Richard Rohr, Order, Disorder, Reorder, CAC)
Why is disorder necessary for deep transformation?
Disorder shakes the foundations of what we assumed was true or stable. It could be loss, illness or disillusionment. Rohr teaches that real growth often comes not during comfort but through pain or disruption. If we try to stay in the first order without embracing disorder, we risk stagnation. (Source: CAC, Order, Disorder, Reorder)
How do I know if I am in Order, Disorder or Reorder in my life?
Some signs:
In Order you feel secure, safe, perhaps unchallenged, with familiar structures.
In Disorder there may be confusion, loss, anxiety, breakdown of old beliefs or routines.
In Reorder you begin to perceive a new pattern, a kind of peace despite imperfection, integration of past wounds into clarity. Recognizing these phases helps you engage your spiritual journey more soulfully. (Source: Daily Meditations, CAC)
How can spiritual practices help me move from Disorder to Reorder?
Practices that ground you in truth and presence help. Silence, contemplative prayer, journaling, reflecting on scripture or sacred tradition, caring relationships, and service all play roles. Rohr suggests that instead of resisting disorder, we lean into it with compassion and allow it to refine us. These practices tune us to the emerging reorder.
(Source: Richard Rohr, Order, Disorder, Reorder)
What blessings can emerge from Reorder?
Reorder is not merely restoration of old order but a resurrection into something richer. It often brings insight, compassion, deeper trust, a more expansive vision, and living more authentically. We begin to live with greater humility, wisdom, and a capacity for paradox. Rohr describes reorder as a resurrection that comes after disorder, not by avoiding it. (Source: CAC meditation; Rohr’s writings)
At St Lucia Spirituality we believe the journey is richer when it’s shared. If you’re seeking a place to explore questions, practice mindfulness, or simply belong to an inclusive spiritual community, we invite you to join us. From online discussion groups and meditation gatherings to our growing library of resources, there’s space here for every seeker. Step into the conversation, connect with others, and discover how community can nurture your spiritual growth.
References:
[1] Adapted from Richard Rohr, The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope for, and Believe (New York: Convergent, 2019, 2021), 247–249. See also “Disorder: Stage Two of a Three-Part Journey,” Daily Meditations, August 16, 2020.
[2] Adapted from Richard Rohr, Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer (New York: Crossroad, 1999, 2003), 159.
[3] Adapted from Richard Rohr, How Do We Get Everything to Belong? (Albuquerque, NM: Center for Action and Contemplation, 2005). Available as MP3 audio download.