The Calling - A year exploring what the secular world can learn from religion
by Niki Harré
This Book stems from an interest of a psychology professor to investigate what an increasingly secular New Zealand society might reclaim from religion for its benefit. By Niki’s own admission this book summarises her immersion experience in a “year as a priest without God”.
In an apparent paradox to the foundations of many religions, the spiritual significance of God being absent from Niki’s journey still allowed her profound insight into a life of meaning and purpose that manifested itself in a “Strange New Feeling of Happiness – SNFH”. Perhaps ironically Niki, as an academic focused on looking “at life”, finds a kinder, simpler, rhythm that helps her make sense of how to “be in life” by softening excesses of contemporary living.
Niki’s learning inner dialogue is generously and honestly shared as she chooses to pause regularly, to connect and give to others with a greater sense of appreciation and grace. At times her eccentric thoughts with multiple characters and events may seem excessive and overwhelming to the reader, however it captures the extensive, at times self-sabotaging, mental gymnastics that is commonplace in many of our own minds. Niki also models a warm generosity and benevolence towards herself that can be lacking in a fast-paced performance-orientated life.
With humour, humility and hospitality Niki embraces mystery and enchantment by immersing herself in western Christian and eastern religious practices whilst simultaneously crafting her own secular vows, services, ceremonies and personal conversations. Her passage through the year is highlighted by COVID lockdowns, mental, physical and academic conflict, which make for a fascinating invitation into how we might find unity and peace amongst the numerous opportunities to engage with a troubled world and its people.
Although this was largely a personal reflection, those who believe in God will find solace in Niki’s practices that give thoughts and action to their faith. Aligning with her premise “without God” believers may also feel a sense of sadness as the comfort of a loving God’s presence appears missing. Others unsure (or certain) of God’s absence will find guidance to process and enrich their inner worlds through Niki’s articulate, thoughtful musings and subsequent actions to free, calm and encourage herself.
by Niki Harré
This Book stems from an interest of a psychology professor to investigate what an increasingly secular New Zealand society might reclaim from religion for its benefit. By Niki’s own admission this book summarises her immersion experience in a “year as a priest without God”.
In an apparent paradox to the foundations of many religions, the spiritual significance of God being absent from Niki’s journey still allowed her profound insight into a life of meaning and purpose that manifested itself in a “Strange New Feeling of Happiness – SNFH”. Perhaps ironically Niki, as an academic focused on looking “at life”, finds a kinder, simpler, rhythm that helps her make sense of how to “be in life” by softening excesses of contemporary living.
Niki’s learning inner dialogue is generously and honestly shared as she chooses to pause regularly, to connect and give to others with a greater sense of appreciation and grace. At times her eccentric thoughts with multiple characters and events may seem excessive and overwhelming to the reader, however it captures the extensive, at times self-sabotaging, mental gymnastics that is commonplace in many of our own minds. Niki also models a warm generosity and benevolence towards herself that can be lacking in a fast-paced performance-orientated life.
With humour, humility and hospitality Niki embraces mystery and enchantment by immersing herself in western Christian and eastern religious practices whilst simultaneously crafting her own secular vows, services, ceremonies and personal conversations. Her passage through the year is highlighted by COVID lockdowns, mental, physical and academic conflict, which make for a fascinating invitation into how we might find unity and peace amongst the numerous opportunities to engage with a troubled world and its people.
Although this was largely a personal reflection, those who believe in God will find solace in Niki’s practices that give thoughts and action to their faith. Aligning with her premise “without God” believers may also feel a sense of sadness as the comfort of a loving God’s presence appears missing. Others unsure (or certain) of God’s absence will find guidance to process and enrich their inner worlds through Niki’s articulate, thoughtful musings and subsequent actions to free, calm and encourage herself.
Review by Aidan Harrison
Title: The Calling - A year exploring what the secular world can learn from religion
Author: Niki Harré
Publisher: Auckland University Press
ISBN: 978 1 776711 918
RRP: $35
Available: bookshops
Author: Niki Harré
Publisher: Auckland University Press
ISBN: 978 1 776711 918
RRP: $35
Available: bookshops
RSS Feed
