5.0 out of 5 stars Clear, straightforward, compassionate

A.K. · 30 September 2025

Rowan Williams is a clear and accessible writer who doesn't use any religious jargon. This makes what he says straightforward to understand and to follow. What he says is thoughtful, compassionate and challenging. I'm so glad I have the book, and would love to have heard him speak.

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent. thoroughly recommend

c. · 8 March 2022

Really enjoyed this as it was both accessible and profound. The glimpses of colour (the flash of the kingfisher) was never obscured by language or concept; but the practical steps towards living as a disciple, open to whatever Jesus may teach today, and ready to celebrate that was so refreshing.

5.0 out of 5 stars Being disciples

M.A.N.H. · 16 March 2024

Dr Williams always writes clearly and simply....which makes the messages in being disciples understandable...and therefore challenging! Thank you for clearly articulating the challenge of true discipleship!

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Soul Food, a Spiritual challlenge

B.D.M. · 9 April 2017

Quite simply this is one of the finest books I have read. It is my first, but on this alone not my last by the author. Rowan Williams speaks with authority but yet writes with the style of Max Lucado, John Pollock to name but two. Yes he is speaking from sermons given at various conferences etc but there are times when you feel you are in a one to one situation with him, your own private mentorship. It isn't an easy read there are times when you are challenged. Examine not just your faith practice but Rowan Williams goes right to the very fibre of your soul. Two Chapters in particular are Chapter 3 on Forgiveness and Chapter 6 Life in the Spirit. Challenge yourself, read it through then answer the questions discussing your answers with with a member of your Clergy or a close friend/spiritual advisor.

5.0 out of 5 stars Just brilliant

B. · 4 January 2019

This is such a good book to offer to anyone who might want to think further about how to live life as a Christian. It is neither 'heavy' nor proscriptive; and is greatly to be valued for all the encouragement it gives.Anyone who ever thought Rowan Williams was 'difficult' should read this, and think again - he is the essence of clarity and intelligent explanations, and I have this book beside my bed - at least until I find yet another friend to give a copy to!

4.0 out of 5 stars A deceptively short book

V.M. · 20 January 2018

A deceptively short book that purports to be a follow on to his introductory primer to Christian faith "Being Christian" but is actually a series of talks on aspects of Christian discipleship re-formatted in book form. The cynical among us might suggest that it is merely an attempt by the publishers to capitalise on the previous popular book, while those of a more generous mindset might suggest that this is an introduction into wider and deeper themes. It is certainly not as TV-vicar Kate Bottley suggests on the back "an essential guide for the journey" because this is in no-way a systematic guidebook to discipleship, but disparate reflectios on discipleship, with the overarching theme being that discipleship is more about being in relationship with Christ and others, than a discipline... It can be read on a number of different levels and at different paces, but would repay re-reading, as it has that mixture of theological and spiritual depth, poetic turn of phrase and profound compassion that Rowan Williams is famed for (even if those characteristics were not always appreciated when he was AoC (within the church or in the wider world). My only criticism, hence only 4 out of 5 stars, is that at times I was longing for him to unpack throwaway udeas at greater length, or to explore them in a more practical way, but it is only 86 pages long!

5.0 out of 5 stars As described

P.M. · 26 April 2025

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3.0 out of 5 stars when you get round these obstacles you can find useful ideas and points of view

k.s. · 6 April 2017

Rowan writes from a academic point of view ,its difficult as it takes some hard mental work to understand what he is saying ,when you get round these obstacles you can find useful ideas and points of view ,He addresses the fundamentals of being a Christian disciple like forgiveness and holiness and what they mean .but they are his ideas and on holiness he says its practically worked out which is true but i didn't see an explanation of the work of the holy spirit , or talk of the fruit of the spirit ,which is where i thought it was lacking.

Refrshing Meditations on the Life of Faith

D.F. · 5 March 2018

In a series of short reflections, Rowan Williams calls us to the slow, deep simplicity of living into discipleship. We are always learning the art of resting, listening, paying attention to Jesus. The long way of faith is rooted in expectation that God is leading us, is sustaining us, and is guiding us in the little ways. While this book could easily be read in an afternoon, it might be to pause for a few days over each reflection to pray, listen, and wait upon the Lord.

Wise words from a good man. Loved "Being Christian

n. · 11 January 2017

Wise words from a good man. Loved "Being Christian." This is almost as good, not quite, though. Why? I'd like to know more about the conversion of fisherperson into Apostle, male and female, Jew and Gentile.

Fantastic read!

L. · 2 November 2017

Every Christian could benefit from this book. It is not one to read through in one sitting, but rather one chapter at a time. Contemplating and digesting. And then when finished, you may want to read it again.

Don’t buy

R.G. · 30 October 2017

This book was a sad musing of a man who doesn’t much know his Bible. One of the most important things when you are going to write a book about living a Christian life is to use the Bible as your main reference. The author used many references, but precious few were biblical. I deeply regret wasting my money on opinions.