Customer Reviews: Read 41 more reviews...
 Very Encouraging December 19, 2008
This book was written to explain the essence of the spiritual life to Nouwen's secular, journalist friend. Nouwen doubts the intended effect was realized, but the book has encouraged many Christians' journeys. In search of "the most intimate truth about all human beings," Nouwen concludes that "you are the beloved" is the best formulation. The subsequent chapters break down the major ways in which our beloved state should be understood and practical tips on internalizing the truth. This book is a real treasure that challenges us to change the way that we view ourselves. Rather than believing we're unacceptable and unlovable, Nouwen is quick to say that we are beloved of God from before the world was created. Our fundamental identity is that of being blessed and not cursed as we often come to believe. This identity is so important that Nouwen asserts it should permeate every moment of our existence. He explains it best:
"When our deepest truth is that we are the Beloved and when our greatest joy and peace come from fully claiming that truth, it follows that this has to become visible and tangible in the ways we eat and drink, talk and love, play and work."
This book should not only be read. The underlying truths desperately need to be internalized by countless people who know God but fail to operate under the blessings freely offered.
Living in the Secular World September 12, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Life of the Beloved is an apologia written by Henri Nouwen to his secular friends. This is an up-to-date version of other books that have appeared for many years, and it is very relevant to life in the twenty first century. Although, as Nouwen admits, this book will probably not convert secularists to people living in the Spirit, but it does give an excellent summary of Nouwen's other writings and a great overview of what in means to live in the Kingdom of God - to be one of God's beloved. It is an uplifting and reaffirming book.
Meeting my needs September 8, 2008
This book not only met the needs of my spiritual journey but gave me much food for thought. It is very positive (which I really needed) and then sent a zinger at the end that is very thought provoking. As a minister myself, it helped me so much I will re-read it over and over again and recommend it to many others.
 A gentle, watered-down Christianity August 22, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Nouwen offers a relativistic approach to faith: He believes that the Christian God is real, but does not want to persuade his secular friends that they need God. He admits in the epilogue that his book failed at communicating with his secular friend, to whom the book was written for; he preaches to the choir of believers. As a believer living in secular NYC, I was unconvinced by his warm & fuzzy message because he makes Christianity look as good as any other life affirming theory. To give you a taste, he says things like "When I know that I am chosen, I know that I have been seen as a special person."
A quick read that deserves to be re-read over and over February 27, 2008
This book is truly life-changing. I read this book after borrowing it from the library. I rarely buy books that I have already read, but this one is an exception. It is so full of wisdom that I want to carry it with me and read it often. Nouwen's writing is extremely clear and accessible, he is speaking to the reader as a good friend. And yet, his message could not be more profound. He leads us to a transformation of life that frees us from our deepest obstacles to joy in our lives. There is nothing more liberating than learning to become God's "Beloved", and thus becoming who we were made to be.
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