Nouwen on Scripture

I’ve learned that the term “Spiritual Formation” means different things to different people. Some reference it as personal spiritual development; others teach it as something that must be practiced body-wide in order to be truly effective. Further still, some speak of discipleship and spiritual formation as being one in the same…others separate the two into distinct categories. In the end, no matter what classification or nomenclature one chooses, spiritual development/formation/maturing is an unavoidable and essential feature of the true Christian walk.

With all of that in mind, I’m jumping into the recently published book “Spiritual Formation” by Henri Nouwen. Nouwen was a well known pastor, author, college professor and pastoral psychologist who authored over forty books. I say “was” because Nouwen died in 1996. “Spiritual Formation,” however, is a new book that has been compiled from the author’s notes, lectures and articles detailing the subject. It reads not as a compilation, though, with a fluidity which one would determine to have come from a singular author writing within a span of time and not a team of editors sifting through papers and audio tapes.

At the risk of generalizing, there seems to be two camps at work within the sphere of spiritual formation practice. Camp 1 sees s.f. as a process or program through which one must work. This process is built around a framework of practical steps that gives clear guidance for forward motion. Also, the framework is usually centered on Biblical knowledge. Camp 2 sees s.f. as a more mystical endeavor, a practice which finds its core in silence, solitude, meditation and other relevant disciplines. This camp does not throw the Bible out the window, but they do approach it in a different light. Nouwen falls into camp 2.

From “Spiritual Formation:”

“The Bible is primarily a book not of information but of formation, not merely a book to be analyzed, scrutinized, and discussed but a sacred book to nurture us, to unify our hearts and minds, and to serve as a constant source of contemplation. It is important to guard against the temptation to read the Bible programmatically as a book full of good stories and telling illustrations that can help us with instant advice, sermons, lectures, papers, and articles. As long as we deal with the Word of God as an instrument with which we can do many useful things, we don’t really read the Bible. The Bible does not speak to us as long as we want only to use it. But when we are willing to hear from the Word as a word for us, sacred scripture can disclose itself, and its message can penetrate in the center of our hearts” (Nouwen, Henri. Spiritual Formation. Pgs. xxiii-xxiv)

While I certainly see Scripture as the sword in the armor of God and as the Word which we are called to hide in our hearts, is it possible that many approach it incorrectly? Is it possible that the Bible isn’t meant to be read as a text book or a collection of memory verses, but instead approached as a living sacred organism?

This is where the discipline of meditation comes in. Meditation, and its accomplices silence and solitude, allows one the opportunity to not just read the Word of God, but to allow it to be an agent of change and shaping. Reading the Bible through in a year is a wonderful accomplishment, yet it is entirely possible for one to read the entire Word and at the same time not allow oneself to be changed. In our world of busyness, noise and clutter, the idea of retiring to a quiet place to think and meditate may seem absurd, but it may very well be a missing piece in your pursuit of Christ.

I’m challenging myself in the coming weeks/months to approach Scripture not as a source of quick spiritual sound bites, but as the living and inspired Word of God that it is. I challenge you to do the same. Seek out moments of silence and seclusion to reflect on what the Word says…and, more importantly, what it means. Listen also for the prompting of the Holy Spirit as you digest that meaning over time.