The book serves as a critical analysis of traditional understandings of religious life, which typically involves living in community under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Murphy-O'Connor, a renowned New Testament scholar and Dominican priest, uses his expertise to move beyond conventional definitions and explore a more profound, biblically grounded understanding of this vocation. In essence, the book aims to provide a more vivid, human, and scripturally integrated perspective on what it means to dedicate one's life wholly to God, encouraging a re-evaluation of current practices in light of foundational Christian principles.