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Henri Nouwen is an excellent author and he tells a beautiful story about how he saw the original painting of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt and how it meditating on the meaning behind the painting changed his spiritual life. Using the gospel story of the prodigal son from the Bible, Nouwen takes the reader on a spiritual journey through the eyes of each figure in the painting and teaches us all what each of the figures in the painting (the prodigal son, his elder brother, and the forgiving Father) can show us about God and his unfathomable mercy towards us, His beloved children!
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I like this book because it delves into aspects of God's love that the standard Prodigal Son homily at Mass doesn't tend to investigate. This book is a story about its author, the artist of the painting, and about God's merciful love. Noeuwen invites the reader to picture himself not only as the prodigal son, but as the older son disdaining the repentant sinner, and as the merciful father in his fullness of love, which is all brilliant. There are a couple of uncomfortable parts when it comes to theology. I must say that Noeuwen seems somewhat fuzzy on God's gender now and then, although he does rightly say that God has both maternal and paternal qualities. His section on Christ AS the prodigal son is not entirely kosher if you ask me. In keeping with his reputation, he doesn't fully delve into the fullness of the Catholic faith; I felt like I had to read certain parts through a filter. On the other hand, many Protestant readers would be fully comfortable with his book. This book was disappointing for me because it didn't really help me to reach any conclusions in my life. It's encouraging to read of somebody else's struggles with not having an appropriate love of ourselves, but one gets the feeling that the author hasn't solved this problem either, so I'd say he's not quite able to help the reader with that.Read full review
Wonderful viewpoints of all the characters in the bible story of the Prodigal Son, allowing me to really see myself in all of them. The author gives many personal stories to bring me into his world, and the use of the famous painting is the glue that holds everything together. I do not hear this gospel proclaimed anymore without coming back to reread portions of the book.
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Nouwen shares with an uncanny transparency that inspires many. He is insightful and eloquent, yet easily readable. He challenges us to put ourselves in all the shoes of those depicted in Rembrandt's painting. The implications are especially profound as one learns to identify with the three main characters in this parable. Some might think that he reads into Rembrandt's intentions too much, but I still found his insights revelatory. This book is so reassuring. It is encouraging. It makes theology relational. There is little explicitly Catholic theology here, so this book is accessible for all. The only thing I would have liked added would have been more specific implications for church leaders, especially in light of the priestly application of the father in the painting/story (as Nouwen included with 'Intimacy'). No matter which character you identify with, the Father still bids you, "Come home!"Read full review
It's a great review of how a Rembrandt painting impacted the author's spiritual journey and all of the meaning he extracted from this painting. There are good lessons in here and some surprises too. Recommend.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned