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I really like those words on courage. I posted on why I like Nouwen and Manning on my blog because another posted that he liked my blog but not them. I let your husband know that I added you guys to my links a little while ago.

Blessings,
Ben

Henri Nouwen was a homosexual though. It was discovered in his journals after he died.

George, having homosexual temptations has no relevance to his faithfulness or worthiness, or the value of what he's written.

Did Nouwen sin in his temptations? I don't know. Assuming he did (and that is an enormous assumption) do we consider the writings of King David to be something to be discarded because of his known sexual sin?

If there is anything in my life that is of value to another follower Christ, if there is any value in the insights that I share with others, that value is from the work of God alone in my heart and life. It is certainly not because my life is free from temptations and sin. The same is true for each and every one of us, Nouwen included. There is no temptation greater than the grace of God and there is no sin greater than the redemption offered in Christ.

In the words of Christ, "let him who is without sin cast the first stone": drop the rock!

Pardon me Darryl and especially Charlene. Maybe you should drop your own rock before you judge me for what I'm not thinking. Don't you think that in fairness it's worth knowing that someone who writes and speaks and calls himself an authority on spirituality (I heard him myself) struggled with habitual homosexual leanings all the while? For me it's hardly insignificant.

The trouble with me throwing stones is that sooner or later, one always falls on my own foot!

George, to be fair, I don't see anywhere in Charlene's post where her comments were directed at you in particular. My take on her comments were that they were addressing anyone who was, perhaps, entertaining the idea that Nouwen's struggles with his sexual orientation automatically meant that his insights were of no value.

I tend to agree with Charlene, by the way. His struggle with his homosexuality IS of absolutely no consequence, whether he gave into his temptation or not.

I know several Born-again, Spirit-filled Pastors who struggle daily with alcoholism, which is no better or worse than homosexuality. God still speaks to them and through them, which I can judge by comparing their words with The Word.

Hi George:

I think I respect him more for not giving into the temptation.

Everyone I know has lifelong struggles in some area or another. I follow a Savior who seemed to have a lifelong temptation to abandon God's calling on his life. It's not a sin to be tempted.

George,
It was not in my intent to judge you. Please forgive me for this offense.

In a greater spirit of humility am I wondering if you could explain your thoughts on Nouwen. I hear you to say that Nouwen should not be quoted because of his temptations. Is this accurate?

You're forgiven Charlene. I'm afraid if I concentrate on degrees of humility I'll become proud of my achievement.

No I'm not saying at all that Nouwen shouldn't be quoted or that he's unworthy. Because sexuality is an integral part of spirituality it's not surprising that historically the sexual orientation of theologians has demonstrably influenced their theology proper and their anthropology.

George:

I think you're right that one's sexuality affects one's spirituality. I think I operate from the understanding that everybody is sexually broken, but of course there are degrees.

I think I also assume that temptation can be a crucible in which one can be strengthened, so it can have a positive effect as well (as illustrated by Christ's temptation).

George,

I agree with you that sexual orientation would impact one's theology and anthropology. I believe that we are all fundamentally broken and this brokenness impacts our individual theology and anthropolgy. My own perspective has been refined, in cases radically changed, through my own brokenness. Reading Spurgeon provides me with a picture of another broken spiritual leader whose theology and anthropology were impacted by his brokenness and struggles.

I'm left the following questions:

1) Scripture teaches us that any message should be examined against scripture (for the very reason that we are all broken by sin). If we follow this guideline we focus on the truth or error of the message. In your opinion, does the quotation on courage reflect a questionable theology or anthropology?

2) I'm still trying to understand your view on Nouwen. It seems to me that you have some degree of respect for him but that, overall, you would steer clear of his writings because of his sexual struggles. Is this a fair summary?