The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming by Henri J. M. Nouwen Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming
Book Review: An honest book on forgiveness and Christian Growth; by an even more honest writer
Summary: 5 Stars
I had my first opportunity to read this book in 1998. Since that time it has become my favorite give-away to friends seeking a deeper understanding of forgiveness and the maturation Christians are called to.
With each reading I gain a deeper insight into Nouwen's heart. His honesty as a writer was rare. He exposed his weakness and vulnerability. He was unique in the manner in which he spoke of the sin nature that he, and the rest of us possess; giving his reader hope in the Gospel for healing and peace.
It is easy for a reader to identify with the younger son in Luke 15. There is a release which comes from repentance that is so clearly seen in the returning prodigal. Identifying with the elder brother is quite another matter. None of us like very much recognizing ourselves in this role. It is much more comfortable to to bask in the father's forgivness as the younger son. There is something altogether unattractive about the judgment and condemnation the elder brother consigns to the one he refers to as "your son" when speaking to his father. Nouwen opens a window within each of us which sheds light on our own unforgiveness and need for true repentance.
Finally there is the altogether unfamiliar role each of us is called to as we grow in the faith; that of the father. Nouwen tells us that this is the role each of us is called to assume as we grow in the faith. It is one that comes only with a certain agony and many tears.
I told my pastor once that this short book could be digested in a couple of evenings. He took exception, saying that it was so complex that he needed to read some paragraphs four or fives time. His was the better comment. Most everyone I have given this book has been moved to a different place in their spiritual walk. Read this book, you won't be disappointed.
Book Review: An illuminating look at the parable from all angles
Summary: 5 Stars
There have probably been more sermons written about the parable of the prodigal son than any other passage in the Bible. This seemingly simple story is full of truth and meaning, and it seems that every such sermon I hear brings out something entirely new, fresh, and instructive. The best such sermon I've ever heard came only a year ago - by focusing on the elder son, the preacher gave me a completely new perspective on the parable. It was that sermon that convinced me to pick this book up when I came across it.
Nouwen's The Return of the Prodigal Son is basically a lengthy meditation on the famous parable in conjunction with Rembrandt's portrait of the same name. It is a very personal story, as Nouwen relates how the painting and its subject matter have inspired him and facilitated his focus on God over a number of years. One could say that Nouwen is in fact obsessed with Rembrandt's painting, but it's definitely the healthiest of obsessions. In times of struggle and self-doubt, Nouwen describes the strength and inspiration he has garnered from The Return of the Prodigal Son. The truly remarkable thing about his narrative is the level of raw honesty he confesses about his own weaknesses and temptations. Few men of the cloth would confess to the inner struggles Nouwen discusses at length, and that makes this book much more meaningful and instructive for Christians than most other books on the Christian bookshelf.
Nouwen relates how his focus on the painting shifted over the years. Originally, he was drawn to the image of the prodigal son himself, and he could see many ways in which he himself strayed from his true Father for worldly reasons. It's easy for anyone to relate to the prodigal son, but Nouwen transcends the common perceptions to examine the spiritual depths of such prodigality. He expresses in quite elegant terms just how difficult it is to allow ourselves to accept God's unconditional forgiveness. Like the prodigal son, we find ourselves retracing our steps back home, hoping to receive only a minor punishment for our transgressions. Our guilt and sins lie heavy on our hearts, and it is hard for us to understand the nature of God's unconditional love and forgiveness for us. Just permitting ourselves to accept complete forgiveness goes against our human nature, and Nouwen speaks eloquently on this point.
Later on in the author's life, someone suggested he had more in common with the elder brother than the prodigal son, and this opened up a whole new level of spiritual understanding for him. The elder son is often overlooked in the parable, but it is important to see that he has also strayed. Having lived a life of servitude and faithfulness, never giving in to the appetites that consumed his younger brother, he is upset to see his father heap love on the lowly brother who rejected the father and squandered his inheritance. The elder brother represented the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus' times, men who thought themselves fully invested in the service of God. Thinking they alone should be favored by God, they unknowingly rejected His unconditional love in their self-righteousness and resentful treatment of those they considered beneath them. Just as sinners will do well to look at the prodigal son, many a Christian should examine the elder son in a course of self-examination of their own life. God loves and forgives all of his children equally.
The final and primary emphasis of Nouwen's book, though, is the Father. Having seen aspects of both brothers in his own life, the author eventually came to realize that the real challenge of the parable is the need for the Christian to become more like the father. He expounds with great insight on the incomprehensible love that God has for all of His children. God loves us so much that he lets us choose whether or not to accept Him, even as He waits with open arms for each of his prodigal children to come home; He loves us so much that he sent his Son to die on the cross to save us from our sins. The key to becoming like the Father is compassion, and Nouwen closes the book by suggesting several ways in which we can try to develop the divine gift of compassion.
The Return of the Prodigal Son is a truly inspirational, instructive read that will help any and all Christian readers enhance their relationship with God.
Book Review: An indepth and evocative reflection on the story of the prodigal sons and the compassionate father
Summary: 4 Stars
This book lends itself to the spirit of Lent and serves well as a study resource for this season of healing and repentance. Here we have the genius of Rembrandt and Nouwen put together as they retell with their own lives the Return of the Prodigal Son, or better still, the Welcome of the Compassionate Father. It is a call to the 'inner sanctuary' where we hear God's gentle whisper 'you are my beloved son, on whom my favour rests.' Like the prodigal sons - younger and elder - we often 'leave home' to find our own way of proving our own worth. In doing so, we cut ourselves off from the Father, who requires no such posturing from us, and get entangled in the destructive web of addictions in the world.
God loves us no matter what and there's nothing we can do to make him love us more or love us less. This is the fundamental basis of our lives as children of God. This is so basic and yet we often miss it and allow it to be smothered by the loud and seductive voices of the world to push ahead of the others, to win adulations and applause and to prove that we are worth something in a way that others are'nt. Reading this book is a way back to the Father as we hear his voice calling repeatedly to us 'You are my beloved child - always! Would you come home? Would you join in the celebration?'
Yet, the reflection does not end with the sons. Nouwen was prompted by a friend who told him, 'whether you are the younger son or the elder son, you have to realize that you are callled to become the father.' This points us to a greater truth of the story: the central character is indeed the father who loves without asking to be loved in return and whose compassion is without limits.
Book Review: Another awsome book for prayer and reflection
Summary: 5 Stars
Tjis book was recommended by a Friend, I took a chance and will most likely pass the word.Book Review: Art and Spirituality Together: What a Superb Piece of Work!
Summary: 5 Stars
When I began to read this book, I could not put it down. It certainly had a major influence in my life. I have bought a large quantity of it for my friends. I highly recommend this book or any other book written by Henri J.M. Nouwen for anyone seeking a more spiritual life.