Our Second Birth: Christian Reflections on Death and New Life

by Henri J.M. Nouwen

The inspirational readings of Our Second Birth throw light on the meaning of life, friendship, and the love of God, and are seen from the perspective of the life to come. Drawn largely from Sabbatical Journey , but newly packaged for devotional and gift markets, this volume is the newest addition to the attractive Crossroad Nouwen Library.

220 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2006

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

[Terence · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn't recommend this Nouwen book. He has written much better books, which are also theologically stronger.

He seems to have allowed mysticism and Buddhism to impact his theology.

[Liv · Rating 3 out of 5]

An honest look into Nouwen’s daily occupations during his sabbatical year. His insight into Scripture is moving.

[Sharon Diamond-myrsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a selection of several of his journal entries, and ends one month prior to Nouwen’s unexpected death. He documents his throughout the year as he travels around the world, visiting family and friends, and preparing for the next phase of his life and his career. Nouwen’s journal entries are introspective, and he frequently returns to the topics of the importance of friendship and community, life, death, and spirituality.

This is the first of Nouwen’s books that I have read, and I have found him to be inspiring. His approach to spirituality is simple and accessible. I loved his ability to find Christ in the imperfect and infirm. While many of his entries were simply details of an ordinary day, he was able to convey a sense of gratitude in those everyday occurrences.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for personal spiritual growth and reflection. Deals some with grief if you are mourning the loss of a loved one.