The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming
Manufacturer: Image Books / Doubleday Publishing Group
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Product Details
ISBN13: 9780385473071
Condition: New
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Seeing a reproduction of Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted Henri Nouwen on a long spiritual adventure. Here he shares the deeply personal meditation that led him to discover the place within where God has chosen to dwell.
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming is a spiritual adventure story. A chance encounter with a poster depicting a detail of Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son set in motion a chain of events that enabled Nouwen to redefine and claim his vocation late in his life. In this book, which interweaves elements of art history, memoir, Midrash, and self-help, Nouwen brings the parable to life with empathic analyses of each character. Nouwen's absorption in the story (and the painting) is so complete that the father's challenge to love the son, and the son's challenge to receive that love, become Nouwen's own. And Nouwen's writing is so clear and his tone is so appealingly frank and humble that readers--no matter how far from home--will find hope for themselves in the prodigal peace Nouwen ultimately achieves. --Michael Joseph Gross
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming
Customer Reviews / The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming
One of the best books on forgiveness and relationships I have ever read. I could identify with the son, the father, and the brother. Nouwen shows the need to forgive as well as the need to receive forgiveness.
This author is very insightful in showing the painting of the familiar story as an allegory of each of our Christian lives. Now I can see myself as each seperate character, as well as the obvious basic truth teaching what God is like.
Very insightful thoughts from the author on one of the most important parables in the Gospels. While the author starts with telling us how his interpretation of Rembrandt's painting increased his insights into what Jesus was telling us and on struggles in his life, you will end up focusing more on your own journey with Christ and how each of us actually plays each of the 3 main characters in the parable at different times in our lives. My men's group has been using this as a basis of discussion for 3 months, and it's opened us up to new ways of thinking about the parable, ourselves and our mission in life.
Nouwen is one of the best and most accessible writers in modern Christianity. His work is ecumenical in nature, though some believe he reflects to much his own particular denominational family. This book as a meditation on Rembrandt's painting of the same name, is one of his very best. He will lead you to a place of thanksgiving for the love of a Father that is always faithful. His focus is on the father, the central figure of the story. He also leads us to identify with both sons, the prodigal and the self-righteous. As an aside, this book compares favorably with Timothy Kellar's book, "The Prodigal God." Finally, Nouwen demonstrates the true value of art, and why we need to value it, as well as make it a part of our individual lives. Henri will be missed, but this work will live on way beyond his earthly ministry, and I for one, am blessed.
This story was quite an in depth look at the painting inspired by the Biblical story of the Prodigal Son. Mr. Nouwen definitely does not focus solely on the prodigal, but in turn on the older brother, as well as the father, where our focus seldom rests when we read the story in scripture. Yet everything he says fits so deftly with what I've learned, or want to learn yet, about the love of our heavenly Father for us. He makes many valid points, and helps us to better understand what a relationship with our Father needs to contain. I am very glad I read this book, and plan to read it repeatedly!
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming
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