Nick the Cat: Christian Reflections on the Stranger

by Roberta C. Bondi

Combining her storytelling skills with theological insights and reflections, Bondi here tells the story of the stray cat Nick, who wheedled his way into her family's life, home, and heart. At first almost nothing but a pathetic bag of torn, matted bones, Nick arrived unexpectedly but quickly won their hearts. Under the care of a vet and the Bondis, he regained his health while receiving a home and much affection. His coming and going, his health and its decline, his insanity and death are gently told. Nick's presence prompts Bondi to reflect on the unexpected way grace comes into our lives and how we push away the Other, be it stranger, one who is sick, or a person of different orientations and beliefs. She also comments on evil and mental illness; on suffering and the atonement; on the unexpected nature of love; on the training of the heart and mind and the discipline of the Christian life for dealing with otherness; on the pervasive and persistent nature of sin; and, on the nature of embodiment, mortality, and loss.

140 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2001

Reviews

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I need to be very careful to remember that both the teachers of the early church and modern scientists remind us that nature and its laws are often more complex and unknowable than we would like them to be. This means that where I do have to make judgments about myself and other people upon which I base my actions, I had better make love the measure of those judgments and not nature.”

This author is coming to speak at Randolph-Macon College where my husband works. I had never read anything by her and so I am working my way through her writings. I am both blessed and overwhelmed by how easily I can purchase used books.

This is the first title that arrived after my buying spree. It is very different from Memories of God which I had found at my public library. In that book, Bondi used her own life to talk about some theological issues that were important to her. Even though Bondi referenced her own life, I found that book academic in tone.

Nick the Cat is more personal in my opinion. I guess it hard to write about a cat’s life and stay too academic. Having read about her cat, I now feel like I know Bondi a bit better.

If you have any interest in cats and how they can help you understand hospitality, I recommend this book.

[Kathy Gardner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Different approach showing cats and their relationship with the author who is a professor at Emory University. Very down-to-earth and a very fast read. I happen to have a stray beautiful black cat also.