Life of the Beloved Spiritual Living in a Secular World

Life of the Beloved Spiritual Living in a Secular World

This spiritual classic began as a simple request from one friend to another. Fred Bratman, a secular journalist and writer, asked friend and reowned author Heri Nouwen to write a book explaining the spiritual life in terms that he and his friends could understand, avoiding theology and technical language. "Speak to us about a vision larger than our changing perpectives and about a voice deeper than the clamorings of our mass media. Speak to us about something or someone greater than ourselves. Speak to us …about God."

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Living in the Secular World
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.

5 Stars Great Book, Interesting Read- Perfect for those needing support or encouragement!
I loved the tone in which this book was written- very upbeat, to the point and direct. I also really liked how it did not exclude anyone from God's love. This book is a great reminder that we're all loved very much by God, and we should all express our love and thanks for each other as much as possible. As a Christian it's sometimes easy to forget some of the simple things and these words of encouragement were fantastic to read. This book was recommended to me by a wonderful person and I have read it twice since getting it- my only complaint is it's a bit short!

5 Stars Very Encouraging
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.

5 Stars Food for the Mind
Henri Nouwen is a very good writer. His writings, and LIFE OF THE BELOVED is no exception, are very thought provoking. They are written as if he is in conversation with you. It is very profound yet in very readable language. I would recommend it to those looking for answers on "how to live in this secular world in the Spirit." It is very self affirming with the purpose of not only for self but how to self affirm others.

5 Stars Finding meaning in a confusing and often hostile world
Henri Nouwen wrote this book as a letter to a secular friend. The friend asked him to explain the nature of his spiritual strength in a way that non religious people can understand and embrace. Not an easy task, but Nouwen does as good a job as anything I've ever read. He's a very credible source, because although a highly spiritual and faith filled person, he has also been in the world, and seems to have been bloodied just like the rest of us.

Nouwen tries to convey our relationship to God and the nature of our souls by comparing us to the Eucharist – we are Taken, Blessed, Broken, and Given. A few excerpts -

"When the deepest currents of our life no longer have any influence on the waves at the surface, then our vitality will eventually ebb, and we will end up listless and bored even when we are busy."

"When we keep claiming the light, we will find ourselves becoming more and more radiant. What fascinates me so much is that every time we decide to be grateful it will be easier to see new things to be grateful for. Gratitude begets gratitude, just as love begets love."

"It is remarkable how easy it is to bless others, to speak good things to and about them, to call forth their beauty and truth, when you yourself are in touch with your own blessedness."

Nouwen challenges us to pause, to look into the depths of our souls. He says that we will find God there, and then we will see the world, with all its harshness, in the right perspective. There is a certain comfort in that, but Nouwen is far from holding up faith as a magic bullet comfort pill for our spiritual restlessness. We will still be broken, but we will see our brokenness in a new light.

This book does not "push" and particular set of beliefs, and ought to appeal to people regardless of their religion by virtue of its deep insights into our deepest selves.

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