The Messianic movement is interting!!

Be blessed.

I did not read anything else by Nouwen until last summer when I read one of his earliest books (I don’t remember the title) — and it was a HUGE disappointment. The book was spiritually shallow and took me greatly aback, since over the years I’ve recommended Nouwen highly to many people. It also didn’t help that I read this book about the time I first learned that Nouwen admitted to having homosexual inclinations (though I don’t believe he ever acted on them because of his vow of celibacy).

It took me awhile, but eventually I realized that this ‘discovery’ mirrored my experience reading Thomas Merton: writings near the end of Merton’s life are thought-provoking and reflect a mature wisdom, but his first book The Seven Storey Mountain — written while he was still in his 20′s — is so facile, egotistical, and immature, it is not worth the waste of paper required to print it.

For years I was confused and conflicted as to which represented the ‘real’ Merton, until I read that Merton himself disavowed The Seven Storey Mountain later in life, stating publicly that he considered it a personal embarrassment, he wished he had never written it, and he wished people would stop reading it. What a relief to hear him say that, especially since (young people in particular) DO continue to read it, and I believe it confirms spiritual immaturity instead of indicting it and spurring readers to humble themselves before God.

Anyway. Despite Henri Nouwen’s personal flaws which may well have hampered him spiritually in life, especially in his early years, his final works are impressive for their humility, their grace, their insight, their compassion — and I would still recommend to others the first four books I read.

Sincerely,
Diane Stranz

Nouwen wrote this book just before he died in 1996. It’s about his friendship with a man in the L’Arche community called Adam. Although Adam could not speak and was wracked with violent seizures, Nouwen called Adam “my friend, my teacher, and my guide,” and credited Adam with renewing his faith in a particularly dark period of life.

He describes how Adam showed him the Jesus of the gospels. It is a profound book and immensely moving.

Closely followed a first cancer diagnosis. The entire journey created a desire to help others grow as I had; I was inspired to work with support groups and patient education programs. Besides the books Len mentioned, I utilized Seeds of Hope, With Open Hands, The Way of the Heart and Our Greatest Gift.

May I suggest: Nouwen may not have been as successful a speaker as an inspirational writer. I wish I could have had the opportunity to hear for myself.

I was not aware of the availability of more wisdom from him via his proteges. I will give Spiritual Directions a go. I have utilized so much growth through the works of Richard Foster and will look forward to comparing the two

Nouwen knew much about spiritual renewal at a very deep level. I’m inspired by learning that you are finding his work inspiring. Thanks for sharing…

(If you are still at Willowbrook UMC and see Tim Bruster, tell him I said hello. My prayers are with y’all.