Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit [Hardcover]

Henri J. M. Nouwen (Author), Michael J. Christensen (Author), Rebecca J. Laird (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 29, 2010

“Henri Nouwen was one of the great spiritual masters of the modern age. His beloved writings have helped millions understand that no matter where we are, God can meet us there. Read this brand-new compilation of his writings and conferences, and let Henri Nouwen accompany you—with his trademark wisdom, acuity, common sense, erudition and, most of all, compassion—and help you encounter God more fully in your daily life.” — James Martin, SJ, author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything

Led by the writing of beloved, bestselling author Henri Nouwen (With Open Hands, Reaching Out, The Wounded Healer, Making All Things New), the authors of Spiritual Direction, return with the second work in this popular spirituality series on how to live out the five classical stages of spiritual development.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“The rich lode of material in this book will appeal to individuals on a spiritual journey as well as to those who want to share their experiences of descending from the mind to the heart where all true wisdom resides.” (Spirituality and Practice)

About the Author

Henri J. M. Nouwen (1932-1996) is the author of Reaching Out, The Wounded Healer, Making All Things New, The Return of the Prodigal Son, and many other bestsellers. He taught at the universities of Harvard, Yale, and Notre Dame before becoming the senior pastor of L'Arche Daybreak in Toronto, Canada, a community where men and women with intellectual disabilities and their assistants create a home for one another.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne (June 29, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061686123
• ISBN-13: 978-0061686122
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #156,468 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 .

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#67 in Books > Religion & Spirituality

#67 in Books > Religion & Spirituality

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Spiritual Formation" by Henri Nouwen November 7, 2010

By Andrew Demoline

Format:Kindle Edition

Henri Nouwen is one of those spiritual giants who are humble and small in stature and yet still manage to stand astride the landscape. I have read and enjoyed many of his books, and plan on rereading most of them over time. This particular book is a collection of previously published material arranged and republished by Christensen and Laird.

It is an outline of some of the major movements in spiritual formation, and the different stages of that formation. So, it is divided into three parts: Early, Midlife, and Mature movements. In each section, Nouwen urges the reader to move away from a negative spiritual stance (like illusion) and towards a positive one (like prayer). Along the way, the reader finds interesting parables and stories, as well as insights from mystics past, and, of course, much scriptural teaching.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is, however, not a book that I can read and fully appreciate all at once. Let me explain. I have read the entire book, but much of it is full of teaching that I simply cannot follow yet; I am not there yet. I noticed this particularly in the third section of the book, on mature movements. I appreciate what he is saying, but it is beyond me right now. This is no criticism, it is just unusual. This book is meant to be read over a lifetime. That said, I enjoyed it a lot. Nouwen's insights into the human heart are, as usual, profound and moving. His wisdom in walking the path of Christ is very appreciated.

Two sections I greatly appreciated were his thoughts on transforming time from chronos to kairos and his thoughts on Community. For time, he talks about changing it from bare sequencing, to time in which God is with us, sacred moments that we can fill with spiritual formation.... For community, Nouwen argues that community is not a place of safety and familiarity, but a place of forgiveness and celebration. Those are just two examples from a book full of goodness.

Conclusions: 5 Stars. Recommended. Though every chapter will not speak to where you are now, something will, making this book more than worthwhile. Read more ›

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent Nouwen resource January 30, 2011

By Keith C. Kirchartz

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Spiritual Formation is one of three compilations of the thoughts and writings of beloved spiritual master Henri J. M. Nouwen. This is one of two volumes, with a third on the way, compiled by Michael Christiansen and Rebecca Laird of Drew University in New Jersey from Nouwen's 40 books. In this volume, they identify seven of the 26 or so "movements of the Spirit" identified by Nouwen, with spiritual exercises at the close of each chapter, as well as color plates of the artwork referenced in the practice of the exercises in visio divina. I would recommend that the reader also purchase "Spiritual Direction" Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith by the same authors as a companion volume. I just attended a four day seminar on this material with Christiansen and Laird, and can testify that it is good stuff from personable and knowledgeable Nouwen scholars.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Guide for Mentors September 26, 2010

By Jerry Hollis

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have been reading Henri Nouwen since the 1960's and have found inspiration and wisdom in most of his works. I believe that Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Direction are two of the most helpful and practical guides I have found for those of us who find ourselves in a mentoring role. Not only is there counsel for developing others in their spiritual walk, but much is provided for the mentor to reflect on his or her own spiritual life. I can't wait for the third volume in this series!

5.0 out of 5 stars thought provoking June 11, 2013

By B. Florence

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I'm just starting to read some of Nouwen's work, and I am deeply impressed; he hits the nail on the head in so many ways

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiritual March 30, 2013

By Thea

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Actually, one of the best books that I have read.... The author is new to me.....sometimes, the perfect book comes along at the perfect time, this was the case here..... Everything that I had been pondering was addressed....Love those little miracles...

5.0 out of 5 stars Henri Nouwen - a great favourite March 24, 2013

By Elaine Keane

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Have read so many of Henri's books - this one does not disappoint. Would recommend it to anyone any time!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic March 21, 2013

By scottishl lassie

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Wonderful addition to any library'
. Practical advice and excellent help in developing a deeper spiritual life.
Henri at his best. A must have.

5.0 out of 5 stars Love His Books January 12, 2013

By josephine

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love his insight to the development of our spirituality. He is very easy to read and understand. Has helped me grow spiritually and get a great understanding of communicating with the Lord.