The Theology of Weakness
Posted on 08. Oct, 2015, in Celibacy/Sexuality, Christian Values, Church Teachings, Gospel ValuesComments Off on The Theology of Weakness
Dr Riaan van der Merwe from South Africa recently gave an interactive presentation on “A Multimedia Engagement with the Spirituality of Vulnerable Embodiment of Henri Nouwen”. Henri Nouwen teaching on a spirituality of vulnerability has touched a cord with many people all over the world. He had his own inner struggles included trying to reconcile his depression and his sexuality with his Faith. He wrote many books, including, “The Return of the Prodigal Son”, which Hilary Clinton has cited as a source of inspiration.
After nearly two decades of teaching at academic institutions including the University of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School and Harvard Divinity School, Nouwen went on to work with mentally and physically handicapped people at the L’Arche Daybreak community in Richmond Hill Ontarios.
Dr. Adriaan F. (Riaan) van der Merwe is an accredited Pastoral Therapist / Spiritual Director, working with the Center for Christian Spirituality, mostly in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town, South Africa. He talks with Pat Coyle about the remarkable life of Fr. Henri Nouwen and how his work at the L’Arche community changed his perspective on life.
The event was organised by the Spirituality Institute for Research and Education (SpIRE). SpIRE seeks to engage spiritual, cultural, faith-based and heritage resources through education, research, and community services so as to positively contribute to challenges of meaning and purpose facing today’s society and so to raise awareness of spirituality as an applied academic discipline. Michael O’Sullivan, SJ is the Acting-Executive Director of SpIRe