Henri Nouwen: Writings Selected with an Introduction

Modern Spirituality

by Henri J.M. Nouwen, Robert A. Jonas (Introduction)

Essential writings of the beloved spiritual writer plus a moving biographical essay by the editor, a friend and colleague. ""Touching, inspirational, thought-provoking.""--Senator Mark O. Hatfield

Genres: Spirituality

192 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1988

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

[Jeff Lochhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading excerpts from this book off-and-on for over a year in the mornings. Love me some Nouwen.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author was recommended by a pastor I respect. I tried really hard but could not get into most of the collection of readings. I did enjoy the biographical preface.

Having read this book at the same time as a Mother Theresa book, I noted a similarity between the philosophies of Nouwen and Mother Theresa. It seems to me that Mother Theresa is a doer of gread deeds who happened to write. Nouwen is a writer who happened do great deeds.

[RevRonR · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not read anything from Nouwen up to this book. It’s a compilation of the best of many of his writings, not all (like Wounded Healer). It was great to get this introduction to his thought and spirituality in this small volume. It took a while to finish but I encourage readers to read few pages a day and contemplate what you read. Speed reading will make the book far less meaningful and impactful. It is a book I could go back to for guidance in the future - it will stay on my shelf. Though I’m not Roman Catholic, this book is not overly RC. Yes, it does refer to the Eucharist on numerous occasions, but it’s never overwhelming and certainly directed in a way to profit readers spiritually. A very worthwhile read for those who wish to get a kick start on the writings of Henri Nouwen.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Side note: Don’t let the chapter called “an introduction” fool you. It’s sixty solid pages of introduction about Henri Nouwen, and it puts all of what follows into context. Don’t skip it.)

Henri Nouwen was a mystic, a dreamer, a Catholic priest, a man who spent the last years of his life working with special needs people. He was brilliant and real, questioning and thoughtful, deep and authentic.

This is a little sampler of his writings. It may intriguing you enough to seek out more of his work. I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens.

[Susan Eisenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The late Henri Nouwen was a priest, spiritual adviser and writer, and genuine Christian activist who spread the love of God wherever he went. This paperback offers an excellent sample of his theological writing, as well as a brilliant introduction by his colleague, Robert Jonas. I found this book to be inspiring and illuminating.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to be like Henri Nouwen when I grow up.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I get a good idea of Henri Nouwen and his spirituality.