Poverty, Spirituality, and The Church: The Relevance Of Henri J.M. Nouwen's Thought for The Indonesian Context
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Abstract
This study examines the thought of Henri J. M. Nouwen on poverty, compassion, and spiritual transformation, and its relevance to the church’s response to systemic poverty in Indonesia. For Nouwen, poverty is not merely a material condition but a spiritual locus that reveals human vulnerability and calls forth solidarity, humility, and love. Transformation occurs through “movements” between existential polarities such as loneliness and solitude, fear and love which shape both spiritual maturity and social sensitivity. Using a qualitative descriptive approach based on primary works of Nouwen and relevant academic literature, this study finds that his spirituality provides an ethical and spiritual foundation for ecclesial solidarity with the poor. However, in the context of structural inequality in Indonesia, spiritual transformation must be embodied in concrete action: community empowerment, constructive public engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. Thus, the church is called not only to be a spiritual community, but also a responsible agent of social transformation.
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United Nations Development Programme