THE WOUNDED HEALER: Ministry in Contemporary Society

by Henri J.M. Nouwen ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 10, 1972

Nouwen's book might be described as a ""minister's handbook"" if it were possible to write such a book today. It does not, however, suggest techniques for handling various pastoral situations. Instead it promotes a basic approach for the minister at work in a dislocated world, an approach based upon recognition of the fact that not only the world and man, but the minister himself, are ""wounded"" and in search of healing. Far from disabling the minister, his own wound should provide the means -- the understanding and compassion, the faith and the hope -- for him, if not to heal the wound, then at least to assuage the pain. With its emphasis on the humanity common to minister and believer, the book takes on the character of an exhortation to love; or as Nouwen phrases it, to ""hospitality"" -- an openness and a willingness to give which enables the minister to make use of his own wounded condition as a source of healing to others. An interestingly affective work for use by clergymen, both Catholic and Protestant.

Pub Date: Nov. 10, 1972

ISBN: 0867168234

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1972

Categories: NONFICTION