Richard F. Holloway is a Scottish writer and broadcaster whose career evolved from his role as Bishop of Edinburgh to becoming one of the Church's most outspoken and controversial figures. Having adopted an atheist worldview, he is renowned for his critical commentary on religious belief in the modern era, describing himself as an "after-religionist". Holloway is a vocal advocate for liberal causes, particularly human rights for gay and lesbian people, and extensively explores complex ethical issues surrounding sexuality, drugs, and bioethics. His engagement with these topics is reflected in his prolific writing, where he examines their intricate relationship with contemporary religion.
Sacred to millions across the world, translated into countless languages and with estimated annual sales of 25 million, The Bible is one of the most influential books of all time. But how, in the 21st century, should believers and non-believers alike approach the Book of Books? Here, acclaimed writer, respected thinker and former bishop Richard Holloway takes us from 'Genesis' to 'Revelation', illuminating key passages and helping us to a deeper understanding of the Bible's message.
Where do we go when we die? Or is there nowhere to go? Is death something we can do or is it just something that happens to us? Now in his ninth decade, former Bishop of Edinburgh Richard Holloway has spent a lifetime at the bedsides of the dying, guiding countless men and women towards peaceful deaths. In Waiting for the Last Bus, he presents a positive, meditative and profound exploration of the many important lessons we canlearn from death: facing up to the limitations of our bodies as they falter, reflecting on our failings, and forgiving ourselves and others. But in a modern world increasingly wary of acknowledging mortality, this is also a stirring plea to reacquaint ourselves with death. Facing and welcoming death gives us the chance to think about not only the meaning of our own life, but of life itself; and can mean the difference between ordinary sorrow and unbearable regret at the end. Radical, joyful and moving, Waiting for the Last Bus is an invitation to reconsider life's greatest mystery by one of the most important and beloved religious leaders of our time.
Adventures in the Aid Trade takes us on a fascinating journey through 40 years of work at the coal face of international development. Drawing on his experiences from long periods in the field, the author reflects on what has worked, what has not and why, and considers how these experiences relate to students and practitioners today. Looking beyond high-level policy matters and international relations, this book focuses instead on the author's actual experiences in the field and the inspired local people he encountered. The narrative traces how these people, working through their own organisations, make a difference to the lives of their contemporaries, and learn how they generate the income to do it. Chapters draw on the author's experiences of working with local practitioners from 40 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, South, South East, and Central Asia, and the South Pacific. Peppered with lively stories and anecdotes, Adventures in the Aid Trade provides valuable lessons from the shifting aid landscape and reflects on where the industry is likely to go next. Whether you are a current development practitioner, or a student just starting out in your understanding of the development and humanitarian sectors, this book provides an invaluable snapshot of the world of civil society organisations, governance, the voluntary sector, and the lived lives of ordinary people in extraordinary times.
For curious readers young and old, a rich and colorful history of religion from humanity's earliest days to our own contentious times
An examination of spirituality, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Leaving Alexandria
A powerful memoir about faith and doubt, with a strong meditative and philosophical heart
This work includes A.N. Wilson on 'The Gospel According to Matthew', Nick Cave on 'The Gospel According to Mark', Richard Holloway on 'The Gospel According to Luke', Blake Morrison on 'The Gospel According to John' and the King James Bible text of all four Gospels.
A moving and personal anthology from the Sunday Times bestseller, encompassing melancholy, morality, mortality and more
A fascinating exploration of human morality from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Waiting for the Last Bus and Leaving Alexandria