Christian Spirituality and the Ministry

Christian Spirituality and the Ministry of Counseling

Religion is a much discussed issue in the present, and with Christianity being one of the most renowned religions it is not surprising that numerous books, articles, and movies have been produced on the topic. Henri J.M. Nouwen's book "Reaching Out" is a perfect example of how certain individuals go at providing the public with a more complex (and easy to comprehend) vision on religion. The book's ultimate goal is to convey a strategy that all Christians need in their struggle to become at peace with themselves and with the world.

From looking into Nouwen's point-of-view, I realized that there are three stages in the author's concept about one's journey to spirituality. The first stage that I would needs to overcome in order to experience progress is the one where I have to carefully analyze my life. By doing this, I am expected to become content with who I am, eventually ending up loving myself and learning how to effectively deal with my problems and desires.

The author is aware that most individuals would consider it easier to be hostile instead of dedicating their time to others. Concomitantly, he knows that hostility only works in destroying one's essence. My personal opinion consequent to reading the book is that violence is the result of fear, and if people were to refrain from expressing aggression, it is likely that they would have more chances to overcome their fears, thus letting strangers walk into their hearts without hesitation. The second spiritual movement is the one that goes from hostility to hospitality and instructs individuals on how to create a safe space where they would no longer feel fear.

The third movement is believed to be the most important of the three, as it deals with the problems that the individual encounters all across his attempt to attain enlightenment. It brings important information concerning how one can leave their trouble behind and embrace prayer instead of illusion.

Most religious books are presently considered to be boring because of the fact that they basically present the same information over and over again, without trying to capture their readers by providing them with essential knowledge relating to how they can live a spiritual happy life.

Nouwen wanted this book to be something different, and it is this apparently beneficial feature that works against it. As a Christian, I am unable to appreciate the author's intention of breaking away from tradition. This virtually implies that he is against traditional Christianity and almost anything that it stands for. The book is a challenging spiritual guide that triggers provoking thoughts in the reader, regardless of his or her standpoint on religion.