Clergy - Roman Catholic, Spiritual Life - Christian Life, Spirituality - Roman Catholic, Doctrine - Roman Catholic
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Overview
Henri Nouwen, a Dutch Roman Catholic priest, was one of the most beloved and important spiritual writers of the twentieth century. Since his death in 1996, his stature has only increased; and his books, including The Inner Voice of Love, The Wounded Healer, and The Return of the Prodigal Son, have become cherished classics. For thousands of readers around the world, Nouwen’s influence as a teacher and author is considered equal to, or greater than, that of the century’s great spiritual writers, C. S. Lewis and Thomas Merton.Although Nouwen could be radically revealing about his personal thoughts and struggles, there are nonetheless gaps in our understanding of who he was.
With Wounded Prophet, readers are given the first extensive look into this man who touched so many, not only through his own words but, most powerfully, through the eyes of those around the world who knew Nouwen best. While researching this compelling biography, BBC producer Michael Ford conducted wide-ranging interviews with Nouwen’s friends, colleagues, and family members. What he discovered was far more compelling than what he had imagined: Though Nouwen was indeed the generous and loving man many thought he was, he was also never able to find consistent peace in his own life. Tormenting him were profound feelings of anxiety, insecurity, and loneliness. This portrait gives an honest and well-balanced account of Nouwen’s life that leaves no stone unturned, investigating his childhood, his family, his sexuality, and his life as a priest and member of the L’Arche Daybreak community in Toronto.
Editorials
Library Journal
Next to Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen--a Dutch Roman Catholic priest who spent most of his life in North America and died in 1996 as chaplain of the L'Arche community in Montreal--is arguably the most influential spiritual writer of the latter half of the 20th century. One of his books was titled The Wounded Healer, and BBC producer Ford's well-written biography reveals just how wounded Nouwen was. While not a tell-all, Ford's book perhaps provides more detail on Nouwen's personal life than many readers will care to know. Still, it does show the human side of a spiritual writer who has touched many people, Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish alike--a restless spirit whose personal crises, which were the substance of his writings, were so much like the personal crises of the ordinary believer. De Vinck, a spiritual writer, has gathered reflections by various people who were touched by Nouwen or his work. Some, like John Mogabgab, Nouwen's research assistant at Yale, knew him well. Others knew him only through his writings but were transformed by them. Given the tremendous popularity of Nouwen's works, both of these volumes should find a place in all but the smallest libraries.--Augustine J. Curley, O.S.B., Newark Abbey, NJ Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.Book Details
Published
May 18, 1999
Publisher
New York : Doubleday, 1999.
Pages
256
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780385493727