I think it's almost necessary for most people to have the freedom to pull back, and then re-enter at an adult level, where they are neither playing the victim nor creating victims, but just participating in calm, adult behavior. Because an awful lot of churches just aren't there at adult Christianity, this seems to be the norm anymore.
Richard RohrIn terms of the ego, most religions teach in some way that all of us must die before we die, and then we will not be afraid of dying. Suffering of some sort seems to be the only thing strong enough to destabilize our arrogance and our ignorance. I would define suffering very simply as whenever you are not in control.
Richard RohrMuch of the work of midlife is to tell the difference between those who are dealing with their issues through you and those who are really dealing with you.
Richard RohrThe journey to happiness involves finding the courage to go down into ourselves and take responsibility for what's there: all of it.
Richard Rohr