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These seem, 18 years after publication, to be well accepted interpretations. Both forms are open to interpretation, with is part of the appeal of parable and painting, but some of Nouwen's conclusions seem very out of the realm of both sources. Though a Nouwen classic, and one that many find life changing, I was left cold by what seemed to be a forcing of ideas into the parable of the prodigal and Rembrandt's painting. What is not common is Nouwen's assertion that both sons are examples of Jesus. As with most readers of the parable, Nouwen sees parts of himself in both the prodigal son and in the elder son. Nouwen then expresses a desire to be more like the father. Stretches like this left me questioning. Nouwen does have wonderful insight on how we miss so much joy around us and the struggle of forgiveness.
Purchased as part of a Bible Study subject; we are not all the way through the book but it has brought out many opinions and conversation. Good.
The challenge is to become like our Father as Nouwen suggests. This book was enlightening and life changing. It's a wonderful, and I believe, accurate picture of Who our heavenly Father is: I think that God is often and very unfortunately inaccurately/insufficiently portrayed by our churches and elsewhere. (I tried it at my workplace). thank you so very much for making this book available at an affordable cost.Elizabeth Kaiser
My pastor mentioned this book briefly one day, and that same weekend, I found the book randomly in the book store. Very beautiful, insightful, and wise. This is one of my favorite books, and it really provided me insights into the painting itself, the author and his struggles, as well as myself - seeing parts of each character in the infamous parable in myself. It taught me a lot simply by stating the obvious and articulating what I was feeling. I felt like I was seeing myself for the first time after reading it. Highly recommended.
I personally believe this is a great book. It helps you see the parable of "The Prodigal Son" from a different perspective and helps you realize that you can not only identify yourself with the prodigal son, but with the other two prominent figures in the story. Also, the book will help you see that it doesn't matter how far away from home or how many struggles you have in life, you are not so far away from your heavenly father. He will always be willing to reach for his son and bring him home.
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