The Way of the Heart: Desert Spirituality and Contemporary Ministry
by Henri J. M. Nouwen
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Book Summary Information
Author: Henri J. M. NouwenEdition: Paperback
Published: 1991-05-10
ISBN: 0060663308
Number of pages: 96
Publisher: HarperOne
Book Reviews of The Way of the Heart: Desert Spirituality and Contemporary Ministry
Book Review: Helpful with some reservation
Summary: 3 Stars
Paraphrasing the late M. Scott Peck, contemplation is not highly valued in our society. And I agree that we need to be able to come apart and quiet ourselves before God. As a somewhat talkative person, I am particularly interested in the discipline of silence.
But I'm afraid I wasn't pleased with the way the author handled the subject.
First of all, he questions the "sharing" aspect in our contemporary life-style. While I don't believe we need to share everything we think, I can also say that many times I have been greatly helped by someone who has "shared" his or her experience and/or insight with me. And I have helped people as well. If the author wants to make a point of being silent, that's fine. I'm still open to learning more about it -- but not at the expense of a good thing -- namely, sharing when it's appropriate. We need to remember that the book of Proverbs mentions many things about the power of well-spoken words. At the risk of using a big-time cliche, let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater.
I was also disappoined when on page 55 he used an example of the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh's artistic ability notwithstanding, his personal life at times bordered on insanity. His personal turmoil is a matter of public knowledge.
Not everyone is called to a life of monastic contemplation (two words which are not one and the same, by the way). And as for ascetic practices -- well, we need to remember something about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is true that during his time on earth, He would retire to quiet places to pray. But Jesus Christ did not practice an ascetic life.
I hope to find a treatment of silence that's more positive.
Summary of The Way of the Heart: Desert Spirituality and Contemporary Ministry
The modern classic that interweaves the solitude, silence, and prayer of the fourth- and fifth-century Egyptian Desert Fathers and Mothers with our contemporary search for an authentic spirituality
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