Book Review: Lifesigns: Intimacy, Fecundity, and Ecstasy in Christian Perspective, by Henri Nouwen
Much of Lifesigns was written while author Henri Nouwen was staying at l'Arche, a loving and compassion-filled home for the handicapped. It is, therefore, not surprising that he connects that environment to this discourse.
Nouwen asserts that we show signs of life when we properly understand and pursue intimacy, fecundity (fruitfulness), and ecstasy (joy) — both towards God and towards others.
These results, however, are hampered by fear. Intimacy is limited by keeping people at a distance or holding them too close; the realization of fecundity is impeded by sterility (non-action) or anxious productivity; and ecstasy is obstructed by clinging to dull routine or persisting in a paralyzing rootlessness.
It is love that moves us away from these six fears and towards the three lifesigns. It is from that vantage that we can move forward, applying the lessons of the life signs to our world in practical and tangible ways.
[Read more reviews of books with a spiritual focus.]
Nouwen asserts that we show signs of life when we properly understand and pursue intimacy, fecundity (fruitfulness), and ecstasy (joy) — both towards God and towards others.
These results, however, are hampered by fear. Intimacy is limited by keeping people at a distance or holding them too close; the realization of fecundity is impeded by sterility (non-action) or anxious productivity; and ecstasy is obstructed by clinging to dull routine or persisting in a paralyzing rootlessness.
It is love that moves us away from these six fears and towards the three lifesigns. It is from that vantage that we can move forward, applying the lessons of the life signs to our world in practical and tangible ways.
[Read more reviews of books with a spiritual focus.]
Posted by Peter DeHaan at 10/24/2008 6:56 PM 
Categories: Book Reviews
Tags: love book review Lifesigns-Intimacy Fecundity and Ecstasy author Peter DeHaan the Bible blog Peter DeHaan Peter DeHaan blog postmodern biblical spirituality Bible meditations Bible information
Categories: Book Reviews
Tags: love book review Lifesigns-Intimacy Fecundity and Ecstasy author Peter DeHaan the Bible blog Peter DeHaan Peter DeHaan blog postmodern biblical spirituality Bible meditations Bible information
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