Living L’Arche

Description

‘This book is not only important for people in L’Arche but also for those who want to know more about it and all those who are searching for a new way to live in our broken and divided world.’

From the Foreword by Jean Vanier

In this remarkable book, the author shows how the craft of compassionate love is slowly learned from disabled persons living at the furthest margins of modern society.

‘Living L’Arche’ is the fruit of a two year scientific study of L’Arche communities, founded by Jean Vanier, in which disabled core members and caregiver assistants live together. The author (the first academic to have been given access to L’Arche) skilfully weaves together narrative, observation and analysis to show that compassionate love involves work, and risk, and commitment, but offers the possibility of transformation. With recognition of our own brokenness comes the realisation that we are made for relationships, places of safety where compassionate love enables us fully to know ourselves and God.

Kevin S. Reimer is Professor of Psychology at Azusa Pacific University, and ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Educated in the United States and Canada, he holds degrees in developmental psychology, biological sciences, theology and literature. His other books include ‘The Reciprocating Self’ (InterVarsity Press 2005) and’ A Peaceable Psychology’ (Brazos, 2009).