Moving reflections from an influential Anglican pastor, theologian, and teacher In this compelling memoir Anthony Harvey traces the three ways he has felt drawn throughout his life — t
Moving reflections from an influential Anglican pastor, theologian, and teacher
In this compelling memoir Anthony Harvey traces the three ways he has felt drawn throughout his life — to a ministry in the Anglican priesthood, to a profession in theological scholarship, and to his marriage and family.
Harvey recounts his training of clergy in Canterbury, his time as canon of Westminster Abbey, his teaching and research at the University of Oxford, and his many exciting travels. He also candidly discusses the challenges presented by his marriage to an artist and writer whose spells of mental illness, along with the premature death of their daughter, placed great strain on both his family life and his public responsibilities.
Throughout the book Harvey authentically narrates his inner tensions and conflicts, his own spiritual questioning, and his propensity toward a Christian stoicism.
Church of England Newspaper
"This memoir of a ministry, a profession, and a marriage is an unusually honest book that sheds light not only on the author but also on the history of the Church of England in the post-war years."
David J. Goldberg
— The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, London
"This disarmingly frank, elegantly written memoir by Anthony Harvey is both a personal account of his distinguished career in the church and a hymn of love to his late wife. Harvey frequently upbraids himself for having been 'a gifted amateur' rather than a single-minded academic; but classical scholarship, theology, the working ministry, and his circle of family and friends are all the richer for his having spread his talents widely and generously, thus enabling so many of us in so many different fields to benefit from his wisdom, eloquence, and Christian goodness."
Richard Harries
— former Bishop of Oxford
"Anthony Harvey is one of the ablest priests of his generation. In this beautifully written memoir he gives us a vivid picture of both himself and the church he has tried to serve. Thankfully free of any self-aggrandizement or false humility, his book gives us a ruthlessly honest account of great personal struggle and fortitude."
Robert Morgan
— University of Oxford
"An outstanding Oxford classicist, New Testament scholar, teacher, church theologian, and social activist, Anthony Harvey has achieved more than most. This searingly honest account of what it all looks like in retrospect and from the inside prompts searching questions about England today, its established Church, and its ancient universities."
Rowan Williams
— from the foreword
"This moving and unpretentious memoir charts a journey of education in faith, not least through times of deep challenge in personal life. It shows us a scholar always willing to put the resources of his remarkable learning at the disposal of the Christian community. . . . This book has the capacity to rekindle faith in the theological vocation in the fullest sense of the word 'theological' and to renew a confidence in the possibility of interweaving human honesty and Christian depth."
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A. E. Harvey is Emeritus Canon of Westminster, and former lecturer in theology at the University of Oxford. His other books include A Companionto the New Testament and Is Scripture Still Holy? Coming of Age with the New Testament.
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