Out of the Night: The Spiritual Journey of Vietnam Veterans [Paperback]

William P. Mahedy (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Stress Care Pr (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884189008
• ISBN-13: 978-1884189005
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,658,546 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Powerful Work of Spirituality, June 4, 2000

By 

Anthony Egan (Cambridge, MA [ but a South African citizen]) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Out of the Night: The Spiritual Journey of Vietnam Veterans (Paperback)

I describe this as a work of spirituality fully aware that it is much more than this. Mahedy's use of veterans' narrative - including his own story - is far from the kind of pious sentimentality or escapism that too often can be found in a book labeled as spirituality.

As one trained in history, politics and theology, I was impressed by the masterful way in which Mahedy addresses the theological implications of combat, particularly in what became a highly unpopular war. He rightly points out how the experience of combat relativizes much Christian moral teaching as well as calls into question our notion of God. Where was God in Vietnam? is a question that can - and should - be asked in other war situations.

The 'cure' that Mahedy describes - sharing the experience with fellow veterans, trying to make sense of what happened - is one that has relevance to many situations of conflict. Without getting too technical, Mahedy's book presents the reader with a good outline of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and suggests ways of working with it. He also describes the path of personal and psycho-spiritual reintegration.

When I first read this book (1990)I was struck by its historical content. I was coming out of a similar context to the USA in the 1960-1970s, South African resistance to militarization under apartheid. It helped me see the human side of those who had fought in what I have come to see as a 'civil war', whom I had 'written off' as defenders of apartheid.

Ten years later, currently studying for an MDiv in the USA, I re-read the book to supplement a seminar on pastoral care - the topic of the week was PTSD - and was deeply moved by its value for ministers caring for PTSD sufferers.

All in all this is an excellent work. Its one of a handful of books I've read that I've fervently wished were longer!