Henri Nouwen’s Adam, God’s Beloved

Continuing the conversation of human worth raised in her Neurodiversity Forum, Wonderfully Wired, Rev. Jen will be offering a book discussion on Adam, God’s beloved, Henri Nouwen’s spiritual memoir, recounting his time at the L’Arche Daybreak Community in Toronto. Adam, a profoundly disabled man under Nouwen’s care, became Nouwen’s friend, teacher, and guide, leading him to a profound understanding of the Gospel. Nouwen structures this narrative around Adam’s life, drawing parallels between the nonverbal man’s hidden life, public life, passion, “resurrection," and the story of Jesus. Through Adam’s total dependence and peaceful presence, Nouwen learned to embrace his own vulnerability and brokenness. The book serves as a final testament to the idea that all human creatures, despite their limitations, are beloved of God, and that true holiness is found in receiving love rather than producing achievements.