Description
Book SynopsisFormer Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams writes frankly on belief, Christianity and the place of religion today.
Apart from being a scholar and theologian, Rowan Williams has also demonstrated a rare gift for writing plainly and clearly about essentials of the Christian faith. In Holy Living, he writes with profound perception about the life of holiness to which we are called. The range of Williams' frame of reference is astonishing--he brings poets and theologians to his aid, he writes about the Rule of St Benedict, the Bible, Icons, contemplation, St Teresa of Avila and even R. D. Laing. He concludes with two chapters on the injunction Know Thyself in a Christian context. Throughout, Williams points out that holiness is a state of being--it is he writes completely undemonstrative and lacking any system of expertise. It can never be dissected and analysed.
Trade ReviewRead, taste, and grow in wisdom and grace -- Richard Rohr OFM
Those who study [...] Rowan Williams’ theology and those who collect his many books will be delighted with this new work. It comprises a series of discrete but thematic essays or lecture texts originally written between 1977 and 2016, though most are recent … This book will deepen each reader’s spiritual awareness and promote Christian maturity. It is an ideal companion for a retreat or a quiet day. * The Reader *
A collection of thought-provoking essays ... Drawing from the deep wells of Christian tradition (from early church writers to contemporary theologians, preachers to professors), each essay reflects upon Christian disciplines in contemporary Christianity. * Theology Forum *
Table of ContentsIntroduction PART ONE: THE WAY IN 1 To Give and Not to Count the Cost 2 Health and Healing 3 The Bible Today: Reading and Hearing
PART TWO: SHAPING HOLY LIVES 4 God's Workshop 5 Urban Spirituality 6 Forbidden Fruit: Sexuality and Spirituality in Perspective
PART THREE: PRAYER AND CONTEMPLATION 7 Contemplation and Mission 8 Icons and the Practice of Prayer
PART FOUR: THE GENIUS OF TERESA OF AVILA 9 What St Teresa Means to Me 10 Teresa and the Scriptures 11 Teresa and the Eucharist
PART FIVE: WAYS OF KNOWING 12 Julian of Norwich's Way 13 'Know Thyself': What Kind of Injunction?
Notes Acknowledgements
