Shaping Holy Lives: "Holy Realism: Living Life as it Matters"

Layperson and poet, Kathleen Norris calls holiness both "anachronistic and relevant." Reading several short poems, e.g. Mark Van Doren's 'Morning Worship' to illustrate points of her talk, she calls "Holy Realism" and "worldly monks" oxymorons. According to Norris, Holy Realism involves the naming of holy people. Norris claims we recognize holiness in others but cannot recognize it in ourselves, for that would be vain glory. "Holy Realism rejects false images," is humbling, and is the opposite of narcissism, since it's welcoming and seeks to connect with others in a deep way.