Practicing Compassion

An Academy Recommends eCourse

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Compassion is more than a sympathetic feeling—it is the bond of human connection. Most religions lift up compassion, yet few people actually teach how to practice it.

Through rich and moving stories of people from various faiths, Frank Rogers, an Academy for Spiritual Formation faculty and advisory board member, shows ways to incorporate compassion in our daily lives. His interfaith perspective on mercy, kindness, and caring for one another trains us to Pay attention, Understand empathically, Love with connection, Sense the sacredness, and Embody new life (PULSE). Key to Rogers' instruction is that we begin our compassion practice by extending compassion to ourselves. Getting in touch with our breath, with our own belovedness, and grounding ourselves in the midst of tumultuous emotions is where we start our practice of extending compassion to the world.

Our eCourse includes:

  • All essential content from Frank Rogers' book, Practicing Compassion
  • Video introductions to each chapter with Frank Rogers
  • Audio recordings of guided meditations
  • Questions for personal reflection
  • A place to exchange comments with others learning to practice compassion

Endorsements for Practicing Compassion

"Everybody believes in compassion, but nobody tells you how to practice it. Until now. Frank Rogers turns compassion into a doable, daily practice—as simple as catching your breath and taking your pulse. If you want to read a book that actually has the capacity to change your life (and the world), beginning today, this is exactly what you need." —Brian D. McLaren, Author/speaker/blogger/activist (brianmclaren.net)

"If you want clear, practical guidance on how to cultivate the inner resources to become a healing presence and force of good for the world, there is no better book than this and no better guide than Frank Rogers." —John Makransky, Professor of Comparative Theology, Boston College; Author of Awakening through Love

Academy Recommends eCourses seek to highlight content that aligns with The Academy for Spiritual Formation's mission to create transformative space for people to connect with God, self, others, and creation for the sake of the world.

Private eCourse classrooms with group rates are available upon request. If you are interested, email us at [email protected].


To purchase a print version of Practicing Compassion, visit The Upper Room online store.

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Your Instructor


Frank Rogers Jr.
Frank Rogers Jr.

Dr. Frank Rogers Jr. is the Muriel Bernice Roberts Professor of Spiritual Formation and Narrative Pedagogy at the Claremont School of Theology and codirector of the Center for Engaged Compassion. His research and teaching focus is on spiritual formation.

Frank also is a spiritual director and Internal Family Systems practitioner. He earned his spiritual direction certificate of completion through Mercy Center in Burlingame, California, and offers IFS therapy in private practice, as a consultant, and through retreats.

Frank is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary and lives in Claremont, California, with his wife, Alane, and three boys, Justin, Michael, and Sammy.


Course Content



Frequently Asked Questions


When does the eCourse start and finish?
The eCourse starts when you are ready to begin and will remain open indefinitely. It’s self-paced, so you can decide when to start and when to finish.
How long do I have access to the eCourse?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this eCourse for as long as you like—across any and all devices you own. We’ll give you plenty of notice should we need to close the eCourse.
What if I am unhappy with the eCourse?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us within the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
Who sponsors these eCourses?
This eCourse is brought to you by The Upper Room and The Academy for Spiritual Formation.

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