Henri Nouwen: A Spirituality of Imperfection

by Wil Hernandez

As a spiritual icon, Henri Nouwen continues to exert a powerful influence on America’s religious landscape. In this important new book, Wil Hernandez reveals that in the dynamics of Nouwen’s spiritual formation and lived spirituality, integration and imperfection could coexist. By describing, analyzing, and synthesizing Nouwen’s writings, the author shows how Nouwen’s integrative pursuit of the spiritual life and its formation―one that weaves spirituality with psychology, ministry, and theology in a seamless fashion―is both fueled and tempered by his own experience of imperfection. HENRI A SPIRITUALITY OF IMPERFECTION vividly portrays a counterintuitive and countercultural “brand” of spirituality in which the journey to perfection is through the sobering realities of imperfection. †

Genres: Spirituality

155 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2006

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a foundational overview of the coinherent spirituality (of imperfection!), theology and psychology of Henri Nouwen. I think it is best read as an introductory work for people interested in finding out about the inspirational work of a "saint with wounds," rather than for people who have read him and are already familiar with him. This book is an accessible read and provides a tantalizing array of quotes and ideas from the life of Henri Nouwen.

[Elegbede Fisayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

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