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The Wounded Healer: Ministry in Contemporary Society
The Wounded Healer is a hope-filled and profoundly simple book that speaks directly to those men and women who want to be of service in their church or community, but have found the traditional ways often threatening and ineffective. In this book, Henri Nouwen combines creative case studies of ministry with stories from diverse cultures and religious traditions in preparin...more
Paperback, 100 pages
Published
February 2nd 1979
by Image
(first published 1972)
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Recommends it for:
anyone willing to wrestle with the truth
Shelves:
nonfiction
I set out to read Henri Nouwen's 100 page book thinking I would finish it in a few days. Instead, as always with Nouwen, it took me several weeks to read. Every time I picked it up I found myself flipping back through my previous reading, and every time I set it down I found myself spending days processing the few pages I just completed.
Nouwen is, at heart, a philosopher and a psychologist and his writing is organized according to a logical formula. Some may struggle against that st...more
Nouwen is, at heart, a philosopher and a psychologist and his writing is organized according to a logical formula. Some may struggle against that st...more
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I read this years and years ago. It changed my life.
I have certainly suffered, and I understand the idea that my suffering can help me empathize with others’ suffering. But for me this is not so that I can bring myself into the encounter as a representative of a suffering God, which is Nouwen's paradigm. I was so relieved to read in a chapter in Dayle Friedman’s book (Jewish Pastoral Care) by Rabbi Israel Kestenbaum that
"Nouwen’s paradigm is compelling…..However Nouwen’s image of the wounded healer is not a Jewish one. The Christia...more
"Nouwen’s paradigm is compelling…..However Nouwen’s image of the wounded healer is not a Jewish one. The Christia...more
I don't know that Nouwen was quite clear on what he was writing as he put his words onto paper. The mood of loneliness comes through clearly, and there is an insightful analysis of "nuclear man" (which is awfully close to what we would characterize as postmodern today). Nouwen includes a chapter that is kind of a case study of a conversation between a hospital chaplain (in training) and a man with fears about a pending operation, and he analyzes ways that there could (and should) have ...more
The Wounded Healer was an introspective book for me. The way I summed up this book in one sentence was: The Wounded Healer tells us how ministers can converge their own weakness to strength, and to use this experience to heal others. I dove in this book in a youth ministry and a counseling context. Even though this book offered some applicable ways to minister, I found myself having more questions about Nouwen’s theology than I got answers.
Nouwen’s book is wrapped up in his own ...more
Nouwen’s book is wrapped up in his own ...more
This is the book that I go to when I am in need of a spiritual pick me up. I often find myself referring back to this book when I am being pastoral and encounter a situation in need of tremendous insight.
It is foundational to my understanding of call.
It is foundational to my understanding of call.
Nouwen has some very good things for ministers to think about. His language, however, is dated (1972) and the 60s-era mode of expression that comes through is a little distracting. It is disappointing that such a recent book would be so bound to its time-frame. Despite this shortcoming, Nouwen does identify and discuss quite well some of the fundamental issues in modern ministry. I recommend it for all who are in ministry, contemplating their vocation, or merely interested in knowing more about ...more
I am wounded. Nouwen helped me understand my woundedness, and how it informs my ministry as a clergyperson in the United Methodist Church. His chapter on people living under the threat of cold war nuclear holocaust brought me to the edge of tears. I remember my friends and me playing war games on the playground, and growing up next to Tinker Airforce Base in Oklahoma City. We did surprise nuclear attack and tornado drills - oddly similar in execution. We were scared to death! Nouwen empowered me...more
Basically, this seems geared to ministers in spritual direction. It was good for me too as we are all ministers to each other at times. It's tricky as the old systems don't seem to be comforting to younger people. I'm not young but in many ways I can see why. What this book offers is a way to God in the moment. It was very helpful to me to read a real-life pastoral visit and how it might have been better done for both the minister and for the person who died in surgery. Once again, compassion is...more
Nouwen discusses how ministry can help today's "nuclear man" living in a dislocated world (still applicable--even though it was written in 1972).
"WHY IS THIS A HEALING MINISTRY? It is healing because it takes away the false illusion that wholeness can be given by one to another. It is healing because it does not take away the loneliness and the pain of another, but invites him to recognize his loneliness on a level where it can be shared."
"When we...more
"WHY IS THIS A HEALING MINISTRY? It is healing because it takes away the false illusion that wholeness can be given by one to another. It is healing because it does not take away the loneliness and the pain of another, but invites him to recognize his loneliness on a level where it can be shared."
"When we...more
This book written in 1972 fairly uncannily predicted what today is known as post-modernism and described how being a healer (minister) to this generation would require a new approach. The book seems to suffer from some over-generalizations but still offers wise insights.
Nouwen argues that for those who live in a nuclear age that hope is lost amidst destruction, injustice, and the complexities of the world. To escape this people tend to either turn inward to mysticism or outward a...more
Nouwen argues that for those who live in a nuclear age that hope is lost amidst destruction, injustice, and the complexities of the world. To escape this people tend to either turn inward to mysticism or outward a...more
Synopsis
Nouwen opens with a description of “nuclear man,” the modern man who is forced to see that mankind's creative powers have reached a point where they hold the potential for imminent self-destruction. Nuclear man is further characterized by a historical dislocation, a fragmented ideology, and a search for immortality. Though originally intended to portray the youth coming of age at the time of the book's first publication in 1972, it is perhaps an even more accurate representatio...more
Nouwen opens with a description of “nuclear man,” the modern man who is forced to see that mankind's creative powers have reached a point where they hold the potential for imminent self-destruction. Nuclear man is further characterized by a historical dislocation, a fragmented ideology, and a search for immortality. Though originally intended to portray the youth coming of age at the time of the book's first publication in 1972, it is perhaps an even more accurate representatio...more
Enjoyed the second half of the book more than the slower-paced first half. Henri made some thought-provoking assertions and insights that continue to be sources of contemplation and reflection as I learn what it means to be a minister of the Gospel of Jesus. Probably the biggest thing that jumps out at me as I think about what I just read is his point that we, like Jesus, are called to use our individual wounds to assist in authentically helping heal others' wounds. His thoughts brought me to th...more
I think this is the first book that I have read that has brought me closer to accepting my own woundedness as a positive part of my life while recognizing that what lies within my wounds comes the power to help others with theirs. The passivity of victimization that has plagued my existence has provided many years of escape from the realities of love and life; without having read this book and rereading this book, I don't think that I have been able to continue fighting through the draw to pass...more
I can't believe I made it through seven years of higher education in religious and theological studies without reading anything by Nouwen. They shouldn't have given me my diploma. So it's time I got around to him!
Before I read this book, I had a hunch about things like suffering and wholeness. They had to be connected somehow. Nouwen articulates and draws out those realities, draws them into the Christian story, and leaves us with hope in the end.
It did not take me ve...more
Before I read this book, I had a hunch about things like suffering and wholeness. They had to be connected somehow. Nouwen articulates and draws out those realities, draws them into the Christian story, and leaves us with hope in the end.
It did not take me ve...more
This is a pretty quick read. I think I read it too quickly.
Very valuable and interesting, very good for chaplains or ministers of any kind - which means just about anybody.
I think the Spirit may be working in my reading order...I just read 'On Becoming A Person' by Rogers and then this book, which refers to 'On Becoming...' a couple times.
I enjoyed the title idea, which is a calling for all of us to minister to our neighbors acquaintances etc. using our o...more
Very valuable and interesting, very good for chaplains or ministers of any kind - which means just about anybody.
I think the Spirit may be working in my reading order...I just read 'On Becoming A Person' by Rogers and then this book, which refers to 'On Becoming...' a couple times.
I enjoyed the title idea, which is a calling for all of us to minister to our neighbors acquaintances etc. using our o...more
Every Christian should be familiar with the works of Henru Nouwen, a twentieth century priest and teacher who finished his life serving a physically and mentally handicapped young man. The premise of the work is that it is our hurts and trials that ultimately allow us to minister to others, in the same way that it was the sufferings of Christ that opened the path to life. You can read this book in a day, but you will be wrestling with its truths for years.
Annabelle Markey
added it
Although it took me a while to get through this book due to school, I thought it was a really good read. It's been especially helpful reading it in conjunction with CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education). Nouwen's descriptions of how we can be there for others and how we can help to lead them forward, whether in life or in death, are very helpful. This book has given me a lot to think about, especially when it comes to defining the complex word "ministry."
It took me a few times through the first two chapters to get the hang of what Nouwen was saying. This is definitely a book that requires slow reading even though it is only a hundred pages long. I thought the back end of the book was fantastic because he wrapped everything up in saying that we can help wounded people by understanding and going into our wounds first. Nothing this side of death can fully take the pain and loneliness away, and that is alright.
This classic book beres multiple read throughs even from types who (unlike me) tend not to reread books. I was fascinated by a book so prophetic and yet so contemporary. Nothing since I read Harold OJ Brown's "The Sensate Culture" has had the potential to cause me to ponder and rethink what being a christian aind the real world means in terms of practical application. Wish I could read it with a discussion group to sort through more practical application.
I've read this book several times over the past several years. I find that Nouwen has an amazing way of explaining what is complex in very simple ways through his own experience and desire to help humanity. His service to humanity through his writing is amazing. I find his understanding of people to be more compassionate than most other writers. I cannot write enough about this book. Nouwen's work is one of exprience.
It's a decent book. A little short, and people have to remember that it was written almost 40 years ago to really get it in context. However, many of the principals discussed are still relevant today. It's a great book to use as a book club discussion though. It gives a platform for discussing various issues going on in people's lives and can create a bond different that just having a commonality of the book.
This was one of the first books I read about faith and religion, and has been one of the most influential to this day.
Nouwen directs the book towards anyone who is or wishes to minister to people in society who are outcast, troubled by the times, suffering, etc. The "wounded healer" he speaks of is being able to share in one's own sufferings, worries and self to those who are suffering themselves (rather than give inspirational dialogues or cliched phrases.) And in his own wa...more
Nouwen directs the book towards anyone who is or wishes to minister to people in society who are outcast, troubled by the times, suffering, etc. The "wounded healer" he speaks of is being able to share in one's own sufferings, worries and self to those who are suffering themselves (rather than give inspirational dialogues or cliched phrases.) And in his own wa...more
Milan Homola
added it
This is another great personal book by Nouwen. He takes real life stories that he has interacted with and gives simple clear principles. Just like, In The Name of Jesus, the leadership principles gained from this read are way outside the box of 21st century evangelical leadership principles....at least in vocabulary and expression. This is a great quick read.
There is some great content in this book, but there was also some content that I didn't see in present culture. It could be a lack of exposure of the types of people Nouwen refers to in need of ministry. Regardless, there isn't much scripture used at all in this text, much of his direction is based in simple assertions from sources all over the map. For aspiring to a new form of ministry, I found the shifting, unpredictable basis for points kind of strange. I'll leave it at that.
Stacey Patrick
added it
The book was fairly good for it being an academic reading. I felt that the 1st chapter could have been explained using different terminology. The concepts in the book were worth the read. I had no idea loneliness was a good thing, based on what the world tells us. Nor did I really think about how a minister should be wounded...New info all around
One of my favorite books-
surprising for me because I don't think of myself as reading deep books-and I'm sure I would not have picked it up on my own, but it was a book club read at church. I gained so much from Nouwen's writing and I am often reminded of how our wounds can help others heal.
One I need to go back to from time to time.
surprising for me because I don't think of myself as reading deep books-and I'm sure I would not have picked it up on my own, but it was a book club read at church. I gained so much from Nouwen's writing and I am often reminded of how our wounds can help others heal.
One I need to go back to from time to time.
Written decades ago, Nouwen still manages to make his writing timeless. I identified with a lot of his sentiments of the "modern man" and his search for meaning in an ever increasingly fast-paced world. It's only 100 pages, so take a day out of your busy schedule and read it, just get over his gender exclusive language.
This book offers an interesting perspective on the role our wounds play in reaching out to others in ministry. The author advocates moving beyond mechanical and predictable conversations when ministering to those suffering. Concentrate on creating space in order form a genuine bond where you can share in their suffering along side them.
The first chapter is a little dry/dated, but I really enjoyed the second half of the book. Some really great insights into pastoral care and the minister as both wounded and engaged in healing work.
I'd still recommend In the Name of Jesus over this one...
I'd still recommend In the Name of Jesus over this one...
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Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen (Nouen), (1932–1996) was a Dutch-born Catholic priest and writer who authored 40 books on the spiritual life.
Nouwen's books are widely read today by Protestants and Catholics alike. The Wounded Healer, In the Name of Jesus, Clowning in Rome, The Life of the Beloved, and The Way of the Heart are just a few of the more widely recognized titles. After nearly two...more
More about Henri J.M. Nouwen...
Nouwen's books are widely read today by Protestants and Catholics alike. The Wounded Healer, In the Name of Jesus, Clowning in Rome, The Life of the Beloved, and The Way of the Heart are just a few of the more widely recognized titles. After nearly two...more
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“when the imitation of Christ does not mean to live a life like Christ, but to live your life as authentically as Christ lived his, then there are many ways and forms in which a man can be a Christian.”
—
15 people liked it
“Why should a man marry and have children, study and build a career; why should he invent new techniques, build new institutions, and develop new ideas--when he doubts if there will be a tomorrow which can guarantee the value of human effort?
Crucial here for nuclear man is the lack of a sense of continuity, which is so vital for a creative life. He finds himself part of a nonhistory in which only the sharp moment of the here and now is valuable. For nuclear man life easily becomes a bow whose string is broken and from which no arrow can fly. In his dislocated state he becomes paralyzed. His reactions are not anxiety and joy, which were so much a part of existential man, but apathy and boredom.”
—
7 people liked it
More quotes…
Crucial here for nuclear man is the lack of a sense of continuity, which is so vital for a creative life. He finds himself part of a nonhistory in which only the sharp moment of the here and now is valuable. For nuclear man life easily becomes a bow whose string is broken and from which no arrow can fly. In his dislocated state he becomes paralyzed. His reactions are not anxiety and joy, which were so much a part of existential man, but apathy and boredom.”
