Richard Harries is a well-known, broadcaster, and author. He is a member of the House of Lords, and was Dean of King’s College, London, and Bishop of Oxford from 1987 to 2006. This is his autobiography. It is a very readable account of the life of a senior Bishop of the Church of England, and it is, in my view, a presentation of the most positive aspects, both rationally and spiritually, of a modern Christian faith. His life has been remarkable and, to him, surprising. When young, he was a commissioned Army officer who had very few religious inclinations. Then occurred what he called an ‘inner volcano’ almost out of the blue, an experience calling him to be ordained as a priest. But he was no ordinary priest. From the first, he found himself engaged in major social and ethical issues – the question of nuclear disarmament, the status of the human embryo, Apartheid in South Africa, and ethical investment by the Church Commissioners. On all these issues he was not afraid to take a principled stand, often in disagreement with many of his colleagues. He even sued the Church Commissioners, trying to force them to invest ethically rather than for profit. He lost that case, but he had clearly chosen moral principle rather than personal preferment in the church, and many consider that the moral victory was his. Later in his career, he supported the ordination of women and the acceptability of gay partnerships by the church, and promoted serious conversations with Jews and Muslims aimed at greater mutual understanding, respect, and, where possible, co-operation. His book gives clear accounts of his involvement in these issues and it is remarkable for the way he shows no resentment or acrimony, but respects the integrity of his opponents while standing by what he believes to be right. Lord Harries was not just a reforming moralist. He became a valued broadcaster, causing even people in the BBC who wished to abolish ‘Thought for the Day’ to admit that he made them really think. He became a prolific author, writing beautifully and insightfully about art and poetry, about the agony of suffering in a God-created world, and about reasonable and life-transforming ways of Christian believing in a sceptical age. In the book, he claims not to be an academic theologian, yet his short but incisive statements of what he believes and what drives his faith are models of reasoned thought and judicious reflection. If one desires an account of how a Bishop of today’s church can be morally committed to human flourishing, deeply sensitive to art and poetry, and faithful to a religious tradition that can be both open to rigorous critical enquiry yet committed to truth, beauty, and goodness, then this is it. We live in an age both of scepticism about religion, and of widespread searching for new forms of spirituality. It is often thought that traditional religions cannot provide such forms. The result is often that fantastic theories and irrational claims can grow and multiply. This story of a life makes a strong case that some traditions, if sensitively adopted, are capable of providing a spirituality which has ancient roots, the benefits of long experience and reflection, and the capacity for change and renewal. In this sense, the book is not just an autobiography, but a profound exploration of a religious and spiritual faith, which has real morally inspired social and political implications, in a sceptical, pluralistic, and often self-absorbed world. ~ Paradigm Explorer - David Lorimer

Inspired and inspiring, "The Shaping of a Soul: A Life Taken By Surprise" is a testament to a religious life lived out in spiritually challenging times. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "The Shaping of a Soul" will have a special relevance to readers with an interest in religious faith and Christian leadership. While highly recommended for community, academic, and seminary Christian Biography/Memoir collections, it should be noted for the persona reading lists of seminary students, clergy, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The Shaping of a Soul" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99). ~ Willis Buhle - Midwest Book Review , https://www.midwestbookreview.com/rbw/may_23.htm#willisbuhle

I loved The Shaping of a Soul by Richard Harries. It is searingly honest, full of intellectual and spiritual challenge, and surprisingly amusing about aspects of his life. He covers spiritual, religious, political, moral, ethical and human issues- often combined- and he makes us think about why faith matters, and indeed how it can be built up again in the modern, western, world. Julia Neuberger, Rabbi and member of the House of Lords ~ Julia Neuberger

Richard Harries' autobiography is a deeply moving account of an extraordinary life of our times. It challenges the faithless and humbles the indolent. ~ Sir Simon Jenkins

If you know Richard Harries, it’s probably though listening to Thought for the Day on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. This is the story behind the voice. And it’s gripping – human, humane, often humorous, frequently moving, it’s an account of the unexpected life of a remarkable man – a soldier turned priest, a bishop and a broadcaster, a husband and a father, whose private life has known profound challenges and whose public life has known all sorts of controversy. With a fascinating cast list – that includes The Queen, prelates and prime ministers – this is a compelling autobiography that is as life-enhancing as it is revealing, because through it runs the golden thread of Richard Harries’ faith. ~ Gyles Brandreth

Richard Harries is one of the towering figures of the Church of England in the past fifty years. In this wise, charming and challenging account of a lifetime's service of the Church and the gospel, he observes that 'the first task of a Diocesan Bishop is to appoint good people, and the second is to let them get on with it.' As one of those appointed by him, and then given space to grow and flourish - and make mistakes and be picked up - I am grateful for this book. It will help many Christian leaders reflect on their own formation and journey and the exercise of ministry. For Richard this ministry was always focused on the world Christ came to save. His vision is expansive, generous and intellectually stimulating. And of course, it is beautifully written in simple, pithy elegant prose. Reading it will save some leaders today from focusing too much on themselves and on the institution of the Church. Full of wit and wisdom, it will lift your sights. ~ Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York

As a non-believer I spent 33 years on Today trying (and failing) to persuade the BBC to drop Thought for the Day. They refused. Richard Harries is a shining example of why they just might have been right. If there’s one justification for “Thought” it’s that it should make the listener think. That’s what Richard did. Without fail. This absorbing book of his spiritual journey and engagement with the great issues of our time does the same. It proves that he’s the greatest Archbishop of Canterbury the Anglican Church never had. ~ John Humphrys

In Richard the twentieth century Church of England-and the twenty-first century Church of England for the matter-has had one of its truly great and memorable figures. He is one of our greatest Christian intellectuals. ~ Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury

While I am agnostic about the existence of God, I am not agnostic about life after death. I am sure that belief in it is an illusion. However, if-which God forbid-I should undergo a death bed conversion, there is no Christian priest I would rather have at my bedside than Richard Harries. ~ Sir Antony Kenny, philosopher