Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life - Softcover

Henri J. M. Nouwen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0385236824 ISBN 13: 9780385236829

Publisher: Image, 1986

Synopsis

With the clarity and depth characteristic of the classics, this spiritual bestseller lays out a perceptive and insightful plan for living a spiritual life and achieving the ultimate goal of that life -- union with God.

Nouwen views our spiritual "ascent" as evolving in three movements. The first, from loneliness to solitude, focuses on the spiritual life as it relates to the experience of our own selves. The second, from hostility to hospitality, deals with our spiritual life as a life for others. The final movement, from illusion to prayer, offers penetrating thoughts on the most mysterious relationship of all: our relationship to God. Throughout, Nouwen emphasizes that the more we understand (and not simply deny) our inner struggles, the more fully we will be able to embrace a prayerful and genuine life that is also open to others' needs.

Reaching Out is a rich book to be read, reread, pondered, and shared with others. "It does not offers answers or solutions," Nouwen cautions, "but is written in the conviction that the quest for an authentic Christian spirituality is worth the effort and the pain, since in the midst of this quest we can find signs offering hope, courage, and confidence."

About this title

From the Publisher:

With clarity and deep spiritual insight, this religious bestseller offers today's Christian a perceptive, systematic plan for living the spiritual life achieving union with God.

From the Back Cover:

Henri Nouwen, who died in 1996, was one of the most significant writers on spirituality of the late twentieth century. Reaching Out combines two of his most popular books in one volume. With a foreword of personal appreciation by the ever popular Father Gerard Hughes, this special edition will be treasured by the many admirers of Henri Nouwen. The main part of the book is Reaching Out which answers the question "What does it mean to live a life in the Spirit of Jesus Christ?" The second part is Glimpse Beyond the Mirror which is a very personal account of the author's spiritual life in the aftermath of a terrible accident.

About this edition

• Publisher: Image
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0385236824
• ISBN 13: 9780385236829
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 165