The Shaping of a Soul: A Life Taken by Surprise

by Richard Harries

Richard Harries was serving as a soldier in Germany when he suddenly had an overwhelming sense that God was calling him to be ordained. He had virtually no religious background, but like Martin Luther, he could do no other. The Shaping of a Soul is the story of a man who has engaged in some of the major issues of our time and who, for fifty years, has been a much loved voice on 'Thought for the Day' in the Today programme. Bishop of Oxford from 1987 to 2006, Harries was made a Life Peer on his retirement and remains active in the House of Lords as Lord Harries of Pentregarth. In a life repeatedly taken by surprise, he tells how he is still able to retain his faith even in our present highly secular and sceptical society.

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2023

About the author

Richard Douglas Harries, Baron Harries of Pentregarth (1936–2026), was a bishop of the Church of England and a British Army officer. He was the Bishop of Oxford from 1987 to 2006. From 2008 until 2012 he was the Gresham Professor of Divinity.

Reviews

[Will Whitmore]

I would rate this a 3.5 if I could! Really enjoyed the autobiographical elements speaking of his coming to faith and ministry, but the chapters that focused on the archbishops he has worked with and his work in the House of Lords got a little dull and made the last chapters, which are theologically thought provoking, not as engaging

[Zak]

Enjoyed this, particularly his theological reflections at the end and naturally the stuff on Rowan. St Alddate’s caught a few strays for their “terrible music” which made me laugh. His accounts of some of his more liberal theological positions weren’t argued for entirely convincingly but Richard offered a compelling life that was taken by surprise.

[as]

an interesting life.

I have listen to Richard Harries on the radio for many years, I enjoyed this book . His life has been interesting and yes surprising. I do not in any way agree with his Christian beliefs but never the less am intrigued. However the book needs a better proof reader !! So many silly errors.

[John Blore]

I enjoyed the book and found that I was in tune with much of Richard Harries’ faith and theology. There are some printing errors and a few other slips, but overall we are invited into a conversation as he nears the end of his life. The challenges and encouragements far outweigh the flaws.