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Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World
Initially written for a Jewish friend, Life of the Beloved has become Henri Nouwens world.
Paperback, 160 pages
Published
October 1st 2002
by The Crossroad Publishing Company
(first published 1992)
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I've only read one Nouwen book that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. After reading Life of the Beloved, I've still only read one Nouwen book that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed (and I can't remember the name of that one). This book was, however, different from most of his other books, but his humility and love for God and people still seeped through every page. I loved this book for its simplicity and down-to-earthness. No high and lofty theology here - just the basics. We're human: broken and imperf...more
Parts of this book were incredibly good, but I can't recommend it unreservedly.
I resonated with his explanation of our being loved by God, missing that point, and therefore trying to substitute affirmation from the world in place of God's love.
I disagreed with his premise that we can influence this world as spirits after we die. I think that's Catholic vs evangelical theology.
But at the end, it turned out that he missed the mark. The book was written to a fr...more
I resonated with his explanation of our being loved by God, missing that point, and therefore trying to substitute affirmation from the world in place of God's love.
I disagreed with his premise that we can influence this world as spirits after we die. I think that's Catholic vs evangelical theology.
But at the end, it turned out that he missed the mark. The book was written to a fr...more
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More than being about what other people tell us spiritual life is based on experience. Anyone who reads this book will bring to the reading of it their own experience. It could not be otherwise. The experience of the book is an interaction, a kind of alchemy, between the experience of the reader and the writing of the author. And with each reader, the book becomes something new.
Henri Nouwen wrote this book for a friend, and the friend, in his honesty, found that the book did not tu...more
Henri Nouwen wrote this book for a friend, and the friend, in his honesty, found that the book did not tu...more
"Life is a God-given opportunity to become who we are, to affirm our own true spiritual nature, claim our truth, appropriat and intergrate the reality of our being, but most of all, to say "yes" to the One who calls us the Beloved."
Nouwen wrote this book in response to longtime friend, Fred Bratman, request for "a word of hope to people who no longer came to churches or synagogues."
Nouwen explains spiritual life as:
I. Being the Beloved
...more
Nouwen wrote this book in response to longtime friend, Fred Bratman, request for "a word of hope to people who no longer came to churches or synagogues."
Nouwen explains spiritual life as:
I. Being the Beloved
...more
Let me begin saying that if you are a religious person, you might really like this book. I initially decided to read the book because my dear friend, who is very religious, recommended it to me. I thought it would give me better insight to her world and perhaps broaden my own.
The book is advertised as "spiritual living in a secular world." I am a very spiritual person who believes strongly in God, but religious institutions and doctrines repel me.
The book was w...more
The book is advertised as "spiritual living in a secular world." I am a very spiritual person who believes strongly in God, but religious institutions and doctrines repel me.
The book was w...more
According to a friend I read this book with, it is very similar to Letters To A Young Poet, except with a Christ-centered perspective. It was meant to be written for a friend of Nouwen's (the author) who did not have the same faith as Nouwen and was entrenched in the secular world. He wanted to communicate that in a world so fast-paced and self-serving, when we know God's love we are able to claim our identity as "The Beloved". This allows us to not be as affected by the criticism of t...more
Written by a priest to a Jewish friend to explain the spiritual in everyday terms and thoughts that a secular person would understand.
I don't believe he accomplished his goal and his friend attests to that. However I did pick up a few thoughts that are worthy.
~When we persist in looking at the shadow side, we will eventually end up in the dark.
~Every time we decide to be grateful it will be easier to see new things to be grateful for.
~You have to choose where it is ...more
I don't believe he accomplished his goal and his friend attests to that. However I did pick up a few thoughts that are worthy.
~When we persist in looking at the shadow side, we will eventually end up in the dark.
~Every time we decide to be grateful it will be easier to see new things to be grateful for.
~You have to choose where it is ...more
Attempting to offer a spirituality that would be accessible to his non-Christian friends, Nouwen pens this personal letter fleshing out the theme of being, becoming, and living as the “beloved” of God. Nouwen identifies four movements (following the movements of the Eucharist) toward becoming who we truly are, the Beloved of God: taken, blessed, broken, and given. Although I am usually edified by Nouwen’s perspective, this work provides little. Rather, it offers an Oprah approach to the spiri...more
Though Nouwen originally sets out to make this text a guide, of sorts, to secular city slickers, his success is far from his target audience. He admittedly writes the text with a lot of presuppositions in mind, and though a failure of its initial thesis, he still succeeds in bringing hope and uplift to Christians who may struggle with the idea that they are indeed the Beloved of God. He hammers the point home, in a variety of humility that I think is difficult for a lot of Christian writers to g...more
I think this book is a precious one. It is my church's summer book for discussion this year. I have read it twice already and I know I will read it again.
But, first, I'd like to talk about the bad stuff in my opinion. This is the only book by Henri Nouwen that I have read, but I am not sure I would actually have liked Mr. or Fr. Nouwen if I'd met him in person. I am not a fan of the confessional style which this book exhibits. I do understand why it is confessional: It was mea...more
But, first, I'd like to talk about the bad stuff in my opinion. This is the only book by Henri Nouwen that I have read, but I am not sure I would actually have liked Mr. or Fr. Nouwen if I'd met him in person. I am not a fan of the confessional style which this book exhibits. I do understand why it is confessional: It was mea...more
This short book was by a Catholic.. It was really good, and deeply spiritual, and grounded in Christianity without being religious. The language was tough though. I think it's almost as good at Mere Christianity.
The gist is that to live life as a spiritual person you have to live as someone who is beloved, and that to do that you have to be taken, blessed, broken, and sent. The author was living with the disabled and writing to his dear non-Christian friend, so his words drip with co...more
The gist is that to live life as a spiritual person you have to live as someone who is beloved, and that to do that you have to be taken, blessed, broken, and sent. The author was living with the disabled and writing to his dear non-Christian friend, so his words drip with co...more
This is the first book I have read by Henri Nouwen, and I thought it was just wonderful. Nouwen responds in a very moving way to his friends question; and although Nouwen's response to Fred did not do much for his question (though it did touch him) because they are worldviews apart, the book ended up encouraging many Christians who told Nouwen to publish it, and the book also gave Nouwen some really important things to think about in his own spiritual life. Henri's thesis is essentially not to ...more
I sat down to read this book and finished it in one sitting, which I recommend because you digest it as a whole (and then maybe go over it again for slower reflection).
The author wrote this book for a dear friend, who was not a believer, as an explanation for the life of the spiritual without using theological terms or jargon. His writing it straight forward and powerful in its simplicity.
We are "The Beloved" of God and the author gives humble ways to embrace b...more
The author wrote this book for a dear friend, who was not a believer, as an explanation for the life of the spiritual without using theological terms or jargon. His writing it straight forward and powerful in its simplicity.
We are "The Beloved" of God and the author gives humble ways to embrace b...more
It's really very easy: God loves YOU.
Writing for a non-believing friend, Nouwen discusses how to live as the beloved in a world where we are fed lies about our identity at every turn.
I like Bethany McKinney's review on Amazon:
Life of the Beloved is among the final books published by Nouwen, and in that way is kind of a culmination of much of his life and thought and is thought by many to be his "flagship" work. Truly, it doesn't get much better than this. Reading t...more
Writing for a non-believing friend, Nouwen discusses how to live as the beloved in a world where we are fed lies about our identity at every turn.
I like Bethany McKinney's review on Amazon:
Life of the Beloved is among the final books published by Nouwen, and in that way is kind of a culmination of much of his life and thought and is thought by many to be his "flagship" work. Truly, it doesn't get much better than this. Reading t...more
Reminded me of Mr. Horan...I liked it.
"When we think about our being given to each other, what comes immediately to mind are our unique talents: those abilities to do special things especially well. You and I have spoke about this quite often. "What is our unique talent?" we asked. However, when focusing on talents, we tend to forget that our real gift is not so much what we can do, but who we are. The real question is not "What can we offer each other?" ...more
"When we think about our being given to each other, what comes immediately to mind are our unique talents: those abilities to do special things especially well. You and I have spoke about this quite often. "What is our unique talent?" we asked. However, when focusing on talents, we tend to forget that our real gift is not so much what we can do, but who we are. The real question is not "What can we offer each other?" ...more
This was nice. He spoke truth.
But I agree with the conclusion that Nouwen's secular friends weren't convinced by his arguments. He's preachin' to the choir with this one. A person needs to be willing to risk his own disbelief in order to experience what Nouwen is saying. There really is no other way to faith. Take it or leave it. Not many people would argue that Jesus was a great teacher. The challenge is living as He lived. You can talk as much as you like, but are you living?
But I agree with the conclusion that Nouwen's secular friends weren't convinced by his arguments. He's preachin' to the choir with this one. A person needs to be willing to risk his own disbelief in order to experience what Nouwen is saying. There really is no other way to faith. Take it or leave it. Not many people would argue that Jesus was a great teacher. The challenge is living as He lived. You can talk as much as you like, but are you living?
Oh Henri...I just love your writing. I'm a big HN fan, so I probably won't have detailed critique of his writing b/c it all offers so much in many different ways. The origins of this book have an interesting story and I think the perspective is relevant for many out there, especially those craving a deeper spiritual life, but who dislike or are unfamiliar with some of the mainstream pathways (ie, organized religion). Haven't finished this yet either, but I'm sold. Will update if that changes.
Initially, I tried not to underline anything to keep my copy clean. But after the first chapter I couldn't resist any longer, and ended up underlining practically the rest of the book. It's so good. So simple. He wrote it in response to a friend's request, "Say something about the Spirit that my secular friends and I can hear." Basically, talk to me in words and concepts that I can understand, without being a devoted member of the church. Teach me!
Looking forward to r...more
Looking forward to r...more
Take-aways:
1. I am God's Beloved and to realize this Belovedness, I must allow myself to be "taken", "blessed", "broken" and "given".
2. I am not an accident but a divine Choice.
3. "The unfathomable mystery of God is that God is a Lover who wants to be loved. The one who created us is waiting for our response to the love that gave our being. God not only says:"You are my Beloved." God also asks: "D...more
1. I am God's Beloved and to realize this Belovedness, I must allow myself to be "taken", "blessed", "broken" and "given".
2. I am not an accident but a divine Choice.
3. "The unfathomable mystery of God is that God is a Lover who wants to be loved. The one who created us is waiting for our response to the love that gave our being. God not only says:"You are my Beloved." God also asks: "D...more
This is the third Nouwen book I've read this year and like the others this one is great. Written for a secular friend, and in general geared towards secular, non-believing people, I do believe this book would be helpful for outsiders to the Christian faith. I think it does speak words that many outsiders would resonate with. As a Christian, I found myself encouraged by being reminded of my being the beloved, of being chosen (taken), blessed, broken and given. While not my favorite Nouwen, a...more
A book written in response to a friend's request, "You have something to say, . . . but you keep saying it to people who least need to hear it... What about us young, ambitious, secular men and women wondering what life is all about after all? Can you speak to us with the same conviction as you speak to those who share your tradition, your language and your vision? I would say yes, Fr. Nouwen was able to speak to these friends.
This book was suggested by a client who became a great friend. I will also remember this friend and the wonderfully rewarding work we did together.
Love this book! ..."the real 'work' of prayer is to become silent and listen to the voice that says good things about me." & "it is not easy to enter into the silence and ...discover there the small, intimate voice saying: 'You are my Beloved Child, on you my favor rests.'"
Love this book! ..."the real 'work' of prayer is to become silent and listen to the voice that says good things about me." & "it is not easy to enter into the silence and ...discover there the small, intimate voice saying: 'You are my Beloved Child, on you my favor rests.'"
Ah...I love this book. I had read a lot of excerpts from it, but never the whole book until now. It helped me to see Nouwen's whole train of thought. I appreciate how he wrote it as an encouragement to a friend who was seeking a relationship with God; it is written with such warmth. I know I will return to this book again and again. It is a sweet reminder of God's great love for us and what a sweet place He is to be.
This book has been life-changing for me. I truly think I will probably reread it every year. It's one where I want to savor every phrase, every sentence, every paragraph. One that can't be devoured, but taken in slowly and mulled over. I still feel that I'm even just on the tip of the iceberg with becoming the Beloved of God. This book spoke deep into my soul, speaking Truth for which I was desperate.
Oh, this book was so fabulous and really touched my heart. The author, Henry Nouwen, was asked to write a book about spirituality by a friend who's Jewish. This friend wanted to read about God in way that people who live secular lives could understand. As a result, this book explores what it means to be chosen by God and how to live that way in a world in which everything opposes that reality. The book is a reminder of this: we are chosen by God, he loves us infinitely, we lived changed live...more
Carrie
added it
Helpful reminders to love others because He loved me first! Sometimes I need explicit reminders that God has known me and loved me, and will continue to know and love me more than I can imagine. For anyone who is feeling sad, lonely, or just needs some inspiration and uplifting words, Nouwen is a good friend to hear from.
I enjoyed this book because it was a reminder of the four aspects of the life of the Beloved: choosen, blessed, broken, and given. These help to identify the movements of the spirit in our lives. We are called to live our lives with a deep inner joy and peace. "Eternal life is the full revelation of what we have been and have lived all along."
read this on my flight from PHX to Philly today.. very much enjoyed it. Nouwen puts into words many of my deepest thoughts and at the end of this book, even perfectly hits on my fascination with the gift of dying well. ok. that might sound weird. but its really a good thought-provoking short book.
I was hoping for more meat, less filling. Maybe I'm looking for a lost cause. I like more straightforward talk about god and less frou-frou. I still haven't found a book that I can connect with about this subject. I'm a generic Deist. I (want to) believe in a loving god, everything else is details.
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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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“Aren't you, like me, hoping that some person, thing, or event will come along to give you that final feeling of inner well-being you desire? Don't you often hope: 'May this book, idea, course, trip, job, country or relationship fulfill my deepest desire.' But as long as you are waiting for that mysterious moment you will go on running helter-skelter, always anxious and restless, always lustful and angry, never fully satisfied. You know that this is the compulsiveness that keeps us going and busy, but at the same time makes us wonder whether we are getting anywhere in the long run. This is the way to spiritual exhaustion and burn-out. This is the way to spiritual death.”
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32 people liked it
“the real "work" of prayer is to become silent and listen to the voice that says good things about me.
To gently push aside and silence the many voices that question my goodness and to trust that I will hear the voice of blessing-- that demands real effort. ”
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21 people liked it
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To gently push aside and silence the many voices that question my goodness and to trust that I will hear the voice of blessing-- that demands real effort. ”
