Love in a Fearful Land: A Guatemalan Story [Paperback]

Henri J. M. Nouwen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1985

This book is Henri Nouwen's account of his pilgrimage to Santiago Atitlan, a Mayan town deep in the highlands of Guatemala.  There an American priest, Father Stanley Rother of Oklahoma City, was murdered by a death squad.

In traveling to Rother's parish, Nouwen hoped to learn more about this modern martyr, about the faith that drew him there, and the love that held him there -- even though his life was at risk.

This richly illustrated edition of Love in a Fearful Land appeared on the 25th anniversary of Father Rother's death.  In commemorating his witness, it also celebrates the truth that we are all, Christians North and South, members of the same body of Christ.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

For more information about the life and work of Henri J.M. Nouwen please go to HenriNouwen.org . --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Inside Flap

Orbis Books endeavors to publish works that enlighten the mind, nourish the spirit, and challenge the conscience.  The publishing arm of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, Orbis seeks to explore the global dimensions of the Christian faith and mission, to invite dialogue with diverse cultures and religious traditions, and to serve the cause of reconciliation and peace. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 116 pages
• Publisher: Ave Maria Pr (August 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877932948
• ISBN-13: 978-0877932949
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,674,654 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Henri Nouwen was born in Holland in 1932 and ordained a Catholic priest in 1957. He obtained his doctorandus in psychology from Nijmegen University in the Netherlands and taught at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard. He experienced the monastic life with Trappist monks at the Abbey of the Genesee, lived among the poor in Latin America with the Maryknoll missioners, and was interested and active in numerous causes related to social justice. After a lifetime of seeking, Henri Nouwen finally found his home in Canada, as pastor of L'Arche Daybreak - where people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers live together in community.

Henri Nouwen wrote over 40 books on spirituality and the spiritual life that have sold millions of copies and been translated into dozens of languages. His vision of spirituality was broad and inclusive, and his compassion embraced all of humankind.

He died in 1996. His work and his spirit live on.

Henri Nouwen pronounced his name "Henry Now-en." For more information on his life and work, please visit www.henrinouwen.org .

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Not written well, May 26, 2011

By 

Christopher F. Waluk - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Love in a Fearful Land: A Guatemalan Story (Paperback)

I think the story of Father Stanley Francis Rother is a compelling one, but Henry Nouwen does not do it justice. I have heard good things about Nouwen's other writings, but this story is poorly researched. I learned more in the Epilogue than I did the rest of the book, and it left me wondering why Nouwen failed to investigate certain aspects of Father Stan's life. Rather than an honest, detailed look into his life, Nouwen paints a one dimensional character and chooses to ignore the human aspects of Father Stan's life. It had a cheesy Catholic feel to it, as if Henry was just writing propaganda to promote Father Stan to the sainthood.

I am glad I read the book, as it exposed me the life of a martyr, and I don't know another book that tells the story of Father Stan. But for a more general investigative book on some of the history of Guatemala's long war, I would recommend Silence On The Mountain by Daniel Wilkinson.