The Essential Henri Nouwen

by Henri J.M. Nouwen

“We always have a choice to live
the moment as a cause of resentment or as a cause for joy.”—Henri Nouwen (1932–1996)

The insights of Henri Nouwen have
shown millions of people how to choose joy in any moment—even moments full of
pain and brokenness.  Few spiritual writers
have ever spoken so powerfully and directly to the heart as he did, in part because he compassionately bared his
own soul and struggles to his readers, but also because he deeply understood
that God can be discovered in every aspect of ourselves, even—almost
especially—in the parts we find difficult to acknowledge.

This
anthology of Nouwen’s teaching covers all his major themes—God, love, life,
death, psychology, woundedness, healing,
and social action—and is drawn from among his more than forty books. It’s the
perfect, compact introduction to this brilliant and humble Catholic priest whom
Christianity Today called “one of the
world’s great spiritual writers.”

Genres: Christian, Spirituality, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Theology, Faith, Religion

ebook

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest, theologian, psychologist, professor, and spiritual writer whose work profoundly shaped contemporary Christian spirituality. Born in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, in 1932, Nouwen pursued religious studies and was ordained a priest in 1957. His intellectual curiosity led him to study psychology at the Catholic University of Nijmegen and later at the Menninger Clinic in Kansas, where he explored the connection between faith and mental health. Throughout his life, Nouwen remained committed to integrating pastoral care, psychology, and spiritual theology in a way that addressed the emotional and existential needs of believers.
Nouwen held teaching positions at prestigious institutions including the University of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School, and Harvard Divinity School. He authored over three dozen books and hundreds of articles, with notable works such as The Wounded Healer, The Return of the Prodigal Son, Life of the Beloved, and The Inner Voice of Love. His writing, often rooted in personal vulnerability and spiritual struggle, resonated with readers across denominations. Nouwen openly explored themes of loneliness, identity, intimacy, and the human desire for love and belonging, making his voice especially relatable and influential.
Though he was a gifted academic and popular speaker, Nouwen found his deepest calling later in life through his involvement with L’Arche, a network of communities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After a transformative stay at the original L’Arche community in France, Nouwen accepted an invitation to become the pastor of L’Arche Daybreak in Richmond Hill, Ontario. There he developed a close bond with Adam Arnett, a core member with severe disabilities, which inspired the book Adam: God’s Beloved. At Daybreak, Nouwen discovered a deep spiritual home and a community that helped him embrace his humanity in profound ways.
Throughout his life, Nouwen wrestled with issues of identity, including his sexuality and his longing for connection, though he remained faithful to his vows. His openness about depression and inner conflict gave depth to his pastoral message, and his ability to turn personal struggle into shared spiritual insight made him one of the most beloved spiritual writers of the 20th century.
Henri Nouwen died in 1996 of a sudden heart attack, but his legacy endures through his writings, the Henri Nouwen Society, and the continued global reach of his message of belovedness, vulnerability, and compassionate community. His books remain bestsellers, widely read in seminaries, churches, and among individuals seeking a more intimate walk with God.

Reviews

[Katy Whitney-noes]

"Drinking the cup of life makes our own everything we are living. It is saying, "This is my life," but also, "I want this to be my life." Drinking the cup of life is fully appropriating and internalizing our own unique existence, with all its sorrows and joys."

"There is a temptation of pride [among social activists]. Everyone who wants to change society is in danger of putting himself above it and being more conscious of the weakness of others than of the weakness in his own soul. The reformer, who is convinced that things have become different, is out to convert the world but is tempted at the same time to think that he himself does not need conversion."

[Brad Dell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Henri is one of my go-to peace-givers. He excels in translating the cries and sighs of my heart to word. Reading him is like therapy, if not literally.

Much of his writing works best in its fuller context, but this book does choose lengthier quotes than many other “spiritual master essential excerpts,” so I think this was recognized by the editor. I found great value in the introductions — the editor gives sufficient background to Henri’s broader beliefs and how they’ve shaped his ideas in each excerpt section.

All in all, a solid collection with strong editing.

[Jeff Bleijerveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book to be read one day at a time.

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read small segments of this book over the past few years. Some of them were very meaningful to me and others I could not relate to.

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

For 14. A book by an author with the same initials as you

[David K. Glidden · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational pocket companion

[Rachel | All the RAD Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just LOVE Nouwen. LOVE him. I picked up this little book a long time ago when I first heard of him and wanted an overview of his writings (I've since read quite a few of his books). It's broken up by topic, with quotes and excerpts pulled from all of his books, so it's a great place to start if you haven't read Nouwen or just want to read based on specific ideas or topics!

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like his thinking. This book is a compilation of different bits of different books. I think I'd do better to read each book. It seems like it would flow a bit better. I know this is my personal reading style so it's not necessarily a fault of the book.

[Kathleen Basi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to read slowly, to savor a page or two at a time. The insights he has to share are so powerful, you'd be doing yourself a disservice not to stop and meditate on them. Life-changing. Without a doubt.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The timing of reading this book couldn't be more perfect. This is my first Nouwen read and won't be my last. So much good stuff in here I could have highlighted everything. Important read that both Jesus followers and non-Christians will appreciate. So. So. Good.

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

With very interesting details of Henry's life, this was a great sample of his work, it made me read many more titles!

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very profound teacher with lots to offer in this book.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful writings in a neatly organized format; makes a great teaser for his complete books!