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Vows: Nuns and Priests Speak Out
Much of the fascination and mystery of Catholicism is symbolised by the religious life of nuns and priests. Their obvious sacrifice, piety and austerity intrigues, and has led to endless speculation about life in strict religous communities. Certainly their powerful influence is seen in generations of New Zealanders irrevocably marked by Catholic education.
But how are nuns and priests faring in a world of rapid social change? Religous life, once viewed as the fast track to heaven, now seems almost irrelevant. This book is a remarkable series of interviews with men and women who have taken vows: some have stayed in their orders, some have left - all reveal the joys, frustrations, richness and rewards of religious life.
But how are nuns and priests faring in a world of rapid social change? Religous life, once viewed as the fast track to heaven, now seems almost irrelevant. This book is a remarkable series of interviews with men and women who have taken vows: some have stayed in their orders, some have left - all reveal the joys, frustrations, richness and rewards of religious life.
168 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
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March 29, 2021
A really interesting read that makes you think more about the role of religion in increasingly secular Western societies. It seems strange to think that so recently religion played such a dominant role in society. It begs the question what has filled that void for faith and community that Catholicism and other religions once provided to our grandparents and older generations?
Aside from the content itself I also really enjoyed the format of the book. I haven't read something before that is a compilation of interviews and I though it to be a fantastic medium. Obviously there is an element of editorial bias but it's refreshing to read something non-fiction where the content is really direct from the source. Clearly it's a style best suited to this kind of content where people are simply sharing their stories and experiences, but I thought it gave a raw, journalistic quality to the work which made its messages and stories more impactful.
Would recommend the book to anyone, even those without an active interest in religion/theology - the book speaks as much to NZ history and social structures as it does to religion and is a fascinating and very unique read.
Aside from the content itself I also really enjoyed the format of the book. I haven't read something before that is a compilation of interviews and I though it to be a fantastic medium. Obviously there is an element of editorial bias but it's refreshing to read something non-fiction where the content is really direct from the source. Clearly it's a style best suited to this kind of content where people are simply sharing their stories and experiences, but I thought it gave a raw, journalistic quality to the work which made its messages and stories more impactful.
Would recommend the book to anyone, even those without an active interest in religion/theology - the book speaks as much to NZ history and social structures as it does to religion and is a fascinating and very unique read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review