Rowan's Rule: The Biography of the Archbishop of CanterburyA fascinating, fair-minded depiction of Archbishop Rowan Williams. /Rowan Williams is a complex and controversial figure. Widely revered for his personal qualities, he is also an intellectual giant who towers over almost all his predecessors as Archbishop of Canterbury. Among other achievements, he has trounced the atheist Richard Dawkins, and published over twenty well-regarded books, including several volumes of poetry and a major study of Dostoevsky. / Yet he is also one of the most reviled church leaders in modern history. Long before facing calls to step down after his lecture on sharia law in early 2008, he had been accused of heresy on account of his pro-gay views. He has disappointed many of his own supporters as well. So how has high office changed Rowan Williams? Has he been bullied and manipulated? Or is he perhaps playing a long game, obliged to rate church unity above the pursuit of his own vision at a time when the Anglican Communion has never looked more unstable? / Rupert Shortt, already the author of an acclaimed introduction to the Archbishop's thought, offers answers to these and other questions in this authoritative biography. He explores how the events of the Archbishop's remarkable life have shaped his beliefs and practices today. Of particular interest is the riveting account of Williams's experience near the World Trade Center towers on the morning of September 11, 201. Written with Williams's cooperation, Rowan's Rule not only elucidates his ideas but gives a compelling portrait of a private and in some ways surprisingly vulnerable man. |
Contents
Introduction | 1 |
Semper Sursum | 23 |
Tradition and the Individual Talent | 65 |
Where All the Ladders Led | 107 |
Fox and Hedgehog | 151 |
The Newport Years | 185 |
Positive Capability | 403 |
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Akinola Anglican Communion appointment Archbishop of Canterbury Archbishop of Wales argument asked believe Bible bishops Cambridge Cathedral Catholic centre challenge Christ Christian Church of England clergy colleagues consecration conservative critics culture David debate decision diocesan diocese divine doctrine ecumenical Episcopal Church especially essay Evangelical faith feel felt friends Garry Williams Gene Robinson God's Gospel Harries Holy homosexuality human ibid idea interview Jeffrey John Jesus John's Lambeth Conference Lambeth Palace later leader lecture liberal look Martyn Minns matter meeting ministry Monmouth moral Muslim never O'Donovan Orthodox Oxford parish pastoral Peter Peter Akinola political prayer priest primates question reflected religious Robert Runcie Rowan Williams same-sex Scripture sense sexual sharia speak spiritual Synod talk teaching Testament theologian theological things thought tion Tokens of Trust told tradition traditionalists truth Wales Welsh Windsor Report women words