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Encountering 'the Other'
In this timely book, Jean Vanier provides a spiritual roadmap toward peace and understanding among people from different religious, ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds; with diverse gifts and disabilities. For Vanier the whole question of peacemaking is centered on trust. He points out that peace cannot be imposed by politicians or churches―to endure it must grow within each person. Therefore, Vanier urges that we come together to encounter, explore, and celebrate our differences. He shows that what we encounter we come to know and, thereby, understand. And―when we understand―healing and peace can truly follow. Our society can only be healed when each person in it is healed. And that healing comes not from avoidance or separation, but from encountering. The fundamental principle of peace is a belief that each person is important. For Vanier, "the glory of human beings is not…the power to control someone else; the glory of human beings is he ability to let what is deepest within us grow." †
64 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2006
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About the author
Jean Vanier
207 books165 followersJean Vanier was educated in England and Canada, entered the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, England in 1942. He went to sea in 1945 in the Royal Navy and in 1947 transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy. He resigned from the Royal Canadian Navy in 1950 while serving H.M.C.S. Magnificent. He then went to France to work in a students' community outside of Paris. He studied philosophy and theology and obtained a Doctorate from the Catholic Institute in Paris.
At various times in his life, Vanier has been a(n)
author-
traveler-
founder-
humanitarian-
peacemaker-
At various times in his life, Vanier has been a(n)
author-
traveler-
founder-
humanitarian-
peacemaker-
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 24, 2020
A gentle introduction
This is accessible introduction to the thoughts of Jean Vanier. The book but makes interesting points which would be useful to use for a daily retreat and as such could be used more than once.
Topics include: Disability, Inequality, Peace etc.
This is accessible introduction to the thoughts of Jean Vanier. The book but makes interesting points which would be useful to use for a daily retreat and as such could be used more than once.
Topics include: Disability, Inequality, Peace etc.
March 7, 2008
A small honest book filled with truth and wisdom about community, the Beatitudes and how difficult, important and imperative it is that we try to be authentic and intentional in out living and loving of one another.
November 19, 2008
a simple, good book on peacekeeping by developing relationships with the other.
July 12, 2013
Vanier's faith shines through this book, which is an adaptation of a lecture he delivered. His words invite reflection, conversation, and application.
January 21, 2014
I came to know the work of Jean Vanier almost by accident and ever since have been blessed en encouraged by everything he says or does!
January 1, 2008
My favorite of Jean Vanier's books and the one that I think best captures the spirit of L'Arche.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews