2008 Woodie Awards
Nouwen writes on being taken, blessed, broken and given
By: Staff Member
Issue date: 4/4/07 Section: Entertainment & Features
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Jon Vick
Staff Writer
Henri J. M. Nouwen, Catholic priest and author was given a proposition by a non-Christian friend, "Why don't you write something about the spiritual life for me and my friends." Reluctantly Nouwen made an attempt in his 1992 book, Life of the Beloved. The text is written much like a letter to Nouwen's dear friend Fred, using shared experiences from both men's personal lives and experiences.
The forward gives ample background of the two friends' history, and relationships. Nouwen's life as a Catholic priest is much different from Fred's, the life of a reporter and non-practicing Jew. After the initial stage setting, Nouwen shares his own doubt of his ability to communicate a piece of literature that is devoid of common Christian jargon, and then invites readers to listen in on his monologue with Fred.
Progressing into the main body of the text Nouwen structures his book on four words: taken, blessed, broken and given. This section is then subdivided into sections titled with each of the four words. The section "Taken," explains that we people need to claim that we have been taken, or rather, chosen by God so that we may become one of the beloved. After claiming to have been "Taken" the believer must understand that by being the beloved of God that we are "Blessed" and should bless others. Thirdly comes "Brokenness". Nouwen is quite transparent during this section and illustrates the brokenness found in all people with examples from his own life, and the lives of friends. We are not all broken in the same way, all people have their own unique brokenness, and should learn to face that brokenness and use it to find spiritual victory. Lastly, is "Given." Nouwen writes, "True joy, happiness, and inner peace come from the giving of ourselves to others".
In closing, we learn of Fred's response to Nouwen's attempt at an outsider's view into Christianity. We find that, although the attempt was a good one, Fred found that it still did not speak to his heart to the extent that he had hoped. A bit discouraged Nouwen eventually sent in the manuscript for review by his publisher, and it blessed those who had reviewed the text.
The book is most interesting because it is intimate. The book was a letter to a friend, a message between two real people. The book flows well from point to point, the structure works well for Nouwen's purposes. The book is just long enough to address all of the author's points without rambling, or treading over old ground. The lack of any scripture references (save a few, unreferenced quotes) poses a problem. Why should the opinion of the author be trusted with no real connection to scripture? Also I echo the opinion of his friend Fred that this book is not really suited for explaining Christian beliefs to those with a secular mind set, but can be a useful tool for those of the faith that may be searching for answers (as the author admits in the epilogue). Overall Life of the Beloved is a valiant effort and presents some good points, but disappoints when it comes to scriptural backing of ideas.
Staff Writer
Henri J. M. Nouwen, Catholic priest and author was given a proposition by a non-Christian friend, "Why don't you write something about the spiritual life for me and my friends." Reluctantly Nouwen made an attempt in his 1992 book, Life of the Beloved. The text is written much like a letter to Nouwen's dear friend Fred, using shared experiences from both men's personal lives and experiences.
The forward gives ample background of the two friends' history, and relationships. Nouwen's life as a Catholic priest is much different from Fred's, the life of a reporter and non-practicing Jew. After the initial stage setting, Nouwen shares his own doubt of his ability to communicate a piece of literature that is devoid of common Christian jargon, and then invites readers to listen in on his monologue with Fred.
Progressing into the main body of the text Nouwen structures his book on four words: taken, blessed, broken and given. This section is then subdivided into sections titled with each of the four words. The section "Taken," explains that we people need to claim that we have been taken, or rather, chosen by God so that we may become one of the beloved. After claiming to have been "Taken" the believer must understand that by being the beloved of God that we are "Blessed" and should bless others. Thirdly comes "Brokenness". Nouwen is quite transparent during this section and illustrates the brokenness found in all people with examples from his own life, and the lives of friends. We are not all broken in the same way, all people have their own unique brokenness, and should learn to face that brokenness and use it to find spiritual victory. Lastly, is "Given." Nouwen writes, "True joy, happiness, and inner peace come from the giving of ourselves to others".
In closing, we learn of Fred's response to Nouwen's attempt at an outsider's view into Christianity. We find that, although the attempt was a good one, Fred found that it still did not speak to his heart to the extent that he had hoped. A bit discouraged Nouwen eventually sent in the manuscript for review by his publisher, and it blessed those who had reviewed the text.
The book is most interesting because it is intimate. The book was a letter to a friend, a message between two real people. The book flows well from point to point, the structure works well for Nouwen's purposes. The book is just long enough to address all of the author's points without rambling, or treading over old ground. The lack of any scripture references (save a few, unreferenced quotes) poses a problem. Why should the opinion of the author be trusted with no real connection to scripture? Also I echo the opinion of his friend Fred that this book is not really suited for explaining Christian beliefs to those with a secular mind set, but can be a useful tool for those of the faith that may be searching for answers (as the author admits in the epilogue). Overall Life of the Beloved is a valiant effort and presents some good points, but disappoints when it comes to scriptural backing of ideas.
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