The Lay Contemplative: Testimonies, Perspectives, Resources

Although interest in contemplative life has increased among laypeople, few resources have enabled them to pursue selected aspects of lay contemplation (such as monastic prayer and worship disciplines) while living and working in the secular world. This resource book, endowed by several Lilly grants over a five-year period, aims to fill that void. The reflective, living testimonies shared by lay contemplatives are perhaps too personal for all readers to connect with, though diverse groups of people share their stories. The second section, which offers guidelines for growing theologically, philosophically and in practical faith, offers more depth as a road map for the contemplative journey. The third section is excellent in its profiling of the centers researched, which include retreat sites, ashrams, monasteries and hermitages offered to laypeople. The research was conducted by the Association of Contemplative Sisters, who started out Roman Catholic and are now branching out ecumenically. That is in itself probably the principal strength and weakness of this book, which does a fine job of covering various Roman Catholic possibilities but skimps on non-Catholic forms (though a small group of centers represent Quaker, Buddhist and other traditions). Nonetheless, this is an important, long-overdue, supportive resource for those interested in adopting a contemplative lifestyle. (Feb.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.