Befriending Death

By Michelle O'Rourke

Book Overview

What is the meaning of death? How can we see it not just as an inevitable fate but as an act of fulfillment? Can our death be fruitful, a profoundly human gift to those we love? These are some of the questions that Henri Nouwen addressed in his later writings. In the years since his own sudden death in 1996, Nouwens influence as a spiritual mentor and companion has continued to grow. His writings on prayer, ministry, and the spiritual life have affected countless people of all faiths. But in this work, and largely through his own words, Michelle ORourke concentrates on his reflections on death and dying--a theme that stands out as one of the unifying threads in all his books, and one that may turn out to be among his most important contributions.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570758409
• ISBN13: 9781570758409
• Release Date: January 2023
• Publisher: Orbis Books
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Death Be Not Feared

As one who has written and lectured widely on the life and legacy of Henri Nouwen, I am pleased to recommend this compendium that treats Nouwen's approach to the spirituality of death and dying. O'Rourke is a registered nurse and pastoral minister who brings a wealth of talent and experience to her writing task. The introduction, five chapters and conclusion present the mature spiritual thought of one of the most widely-read spiritual writers of the past half century, perennially popular among mainline Protestants, Evangelicals and Roman Catholics alike. The book is available in an inexpensive trade paperback edition, nicely laid out, with extensive bibliography and endnotes. I learned a lot from it, and you will, too! Strongly recommended for Nouwen fans, pastoral ministers, grief counselors, medical professionals, funeral directors, the sick and dying and their families, companions and care-givers. Gerald S. Twomey Editor, REMEMBERING HENRI: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HENRI NOUWEN (Orbis, 2006) Author, "Henri Nouwen at the Genesee" CISTERCIAN STUDIES QUARTERLY (Summer, 2007) Author, "'Friend, You Have Been Used': Thomas Merton's Influence Upon Henri Nouwen" CISTERCIAN STUDIES QUARTERLY (Fall, 2007; Winter, 2008)