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Between The Monster And The Saint: Reflections on the Human Condition
Being human isn't easy. Consciousness and free will give control over life, but the mind is an unpredictable place. People are susceptible to forces that are not fully understood. In his thought-provoking new book Richard Holloway holds a mirror up to the human condition. By drawing on a colorful and eclectic selection of writings from history, philosophy, science, poetry,...more
Hardcover, 240 pages
Published
August 21st 2008
by Canongate Books
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Richard Holloway presents a compelling personal background as an impetus for reading this book: previously Bishop of Edinburgh for the Scottish Episcopal Church, he resigned that position when his spiritual doubts, and the internal and external questioning prompted by their disquieting existence, brought about the realization that he was no longer in a place where he could hold such an office with integrity. My experience with the author—solely from the writing encountered within the book under...more
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A beautifully written series of meditations on the human condition useful not only for the liberal Christian but also for anyone concerned with coming to peaceable terms with oneself and the world. There is great honesty and humility here, tempered with a clear intellect. Holloway does not shy away from the monstrous that seems to easily coexist with the saintly within us; but he does seem to suggest that the extremes of both should be avoided. This duality is shown to exist in the 'outer' world...more
Apr 04, 2008
Andrea
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone who thinks about humanity and what it means
Shelves:
recommended
This is a quiet, inspiring, and hopeful piece of writing from the former Bishop of Edinburgh. He makes an altogether more human and humane study of religion and how it makes us monsters, saints, and everything in between.
I want this man to live forever and keep teaching us stuff.
I want this man to live forever and keep teaching us stuff.
Aug 12, 2011
Kelly Smeeton
added it
Found this rather dull and pointless really. Most of the chapters didn't cover the subject of the chapter title and he seemed to waffle on a bit. I was quite surprised that he didn't believe in Heaven or that we should aim to live like Jesus, as he used to be Bishop of Edinburgh. Some interesting musings in places though.
Jul 27, 2011
Jo
added it
Really worthwhile read, so much more balanced than Dawkins, even having read his biography he is so balanced in his approach to the dilemma of evil it is hard to know where he stands on the place of organised religion. Highly recommended.
Holloway provides a beautiful middle ground between atheism and Christianity. And his idea of religion is art is profoundly convincing. Very good read.
Jan 17, 2011
Joker Nosol
is currently reading it
Great Read.
Read for my book group and found most interesting.
I'm only into the first chapter but already holding high hopes for this book. Don't know anything about it other than I though the title sounded compelling.
May 23, 2013
Henry Hill
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Richard F. Holloway (born 26 November 1933) is a Scottish writer and broadcaster and was formerly Bishop of Edinburgh in the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Holloway was educated at Kelham Theological College, Edinburgh Theological College and the Union Theological Seminary, New York City. Between 1959 and 1986 he was a curate, vicar and rector at various parishes in England, Scotland and the United Sta...more
More about Richard Holloway...
Holloway was educated at Kelham Theological College, Edinburgh Theological College and the Union Theological Seminary, New York City. Between 1959 and 1986 he was a curate, vicar and rector at various parishes in England, Scotland and the United Sta...more
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