Contemplation: The Movements of the Soul

by Kevin Hart

What is contemplation? How is it distinct from meditation? Is contemplation essentially religious or mystical? What should one contemplate, and how? Are there different styles of contemplation, and why should one practice them? Ought we try to lead more contemplative lives?This book offers a philosophical introduction to the theory and practice of contemplation. Kevin Hart examines a variety of religious, aesthetic, and philosophical notions, shedding light on the singular qualities of contemplation. This book spans topics including the spiritual exercises of the ancient Greeks, overlooked aspects of Christian spirituality, and aesthetic contemplation of nature and art. Contemplation ranges from ancient thinkers such as Aristotle, Plato, and Plotinus to Aquinas and other medieval theologians as well as modern philosophers like Kant, Husserl, and Wittgenstein. Though focused on Christianity, it also considers contemplation in other religious traditions, among them Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, and Paganism.Concise and comprehensive, this book provides both religious and nonreligious readers with a foundational understanding of the history and nature of contemplation as well as the benefits of practicing it.

160 pages, Paperback

Published July 9, 2024

Reviews

[Robert Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contemplation, Kevin Hart
Contemplation, meditation, and developing a habit of reading and reflecting on scripture are some of the ways that we can grow in our faith and understanding. Prayer and meditation give us a certain level of depth in our understanding, with the work that is shared here we are given a framework to go deeper through contemplation, and an understanding of Lectio Divina as a practice. As the author states this “little book will turn on recovering elements of the Catholic and Orthodox heritage of contemplation. It is not necessary to have that as an understanding before reading the book. The author writes through a survey of Eastern and Western traditions that contribute to Spiritual exercise that can lead to our journey to and awareness of God.
Contemplation is work, the author notes that some move from meditation to contemplation, and because of the comfort that comes with meditation, fall back into meditating as it is comfortable. Passing from meditation to contemplation, the ligature is work that can be done individually or with the assistance of a Spiritual Director. Lectio Devina as a practice helps with bringing thinking, meditating, and contemplating into a coherent whole as a practice In reading we are encouraged to start this process simply and then grow in our commitment to approaching the health and fitness of our soul with the same intentional effort as our physical health. The book includes notes and recommendations for further reading. I appreciated the survey of Western traditions and the exploration of Medieval Spiritual practices that are not as prevalent today. To be published July 2024 by Columbia University Press.

[J Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemplation: The Movements of the Soul, by Kevin Hart, is part of the No Limits series. Of the five or six books I've read in the series, this is probably the only one I personally got less out of. That isn't a negative about the book so much as it is a statement about what it is compared to what I had hoped for.

I know that, especially in western society, contemplation is associated with religious thought. I had hoped this volume would be more expansive, more inclusive rather than paying lip service to non-religious practices. Hart does cover much of the pre-Christian ideas of contemplation, and does so fairly well, but always seems to bring it back to Christian practice as the default and the more closely perfect form and purpose.

I've studied Christian contemplative thought and found these aspects of the book to be quite good. The disappointment, for me, was in Hart's inability to truly treat alternative forms as equal and not as inferior. I don't believe that was his intent, and he probably feels he didn't do so. No doubt part of my reading is because I was hoping for something that isn't here, but whether intentional or not, the condescending tone is present.

For the above reasons I will heartily recommend this to readers interested primarily in religious contemplative practice but less enthusiastically to those wanting to see their own non-religious use represented. It is excellent at covering what is at the core of any act of contemplation, just be aware it will always be brought around to Christian use as a more ideal form and use.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Piet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Het boek is een soort inleiding in de theorie en de praktijk van contemplatie. Hart kent de praktijk uit eigen ervaring. Hij bekeerde zich ooit tot het Rooms-katholicisme. Sindsdien leidt hij een contemplatief leven. Dat is niet voorbehouden aan kloosterlingen. Hij weet het contemplatieve leven zelf te combineren met een hoogleraarschap.
De contemplatie is niet alleen maar een christelijke praktijk. Hart heeft ook aandacht voor de boeddhistische contemplatie. Sterker, contemplatie is niet alleen maar een religieuze praktijk. Er is ook zoiets als de esthetische of filosofische contemplatie. Hart besteedt er ruim aandacht aan.
Hart maakt onderscheidt tussen meditatie en contemplatie. Meditatie is vaak verbonden met hulpmiddelen (een tekst, een beeld) en zoekt naar de aanwezigheid van God. Contemplatie is verkeren met/bij God, bij voorkeur zonder intermediair.