The Contemplative Life

by Joel S. Goldsmith

The Contemplative Life is a guide for those who are seeking a way to be “in the world but not of it.” In this book, Goldsmith explains how to bridge the gap between the compelling activities of daily living and the absolute silence of our inner Being, where we are one with God. He brings fresh insight to the practice of contemplation and meditation and explains how to make the mind an instrument for the free flowing of the Spirit.In The Contemplative Life, Goldsmith explains the life of contemplation and its mystical spiritual unfoldment and spiritual oneness. He explains how to become aware of the presence of God within and how we can come into the fullness of the scriptural promise that when we take no thought and seek God first, all things will be added unto us. In revealing how the practice of contemplation leads to actual inner experience of truth, Goldsmith covers topics such as conscious awareness, daily preparation for spiritual living, contemplative meditation, the secret of supply, and being a beholder of God’s grace.After The Contemplative Life was published, Joel said that it became his “Infinite Way Bible,” and said that Chapter 8 in the book, “Contemplation Develops the Beholder” is one of the most important chapters in all of the Infinite Way writings.[ The Contemplative Life is the collection of the 1961 Infinite Way Letters.]

Genres: Spirituality

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1960

Reviews

[Brian Wilcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goldsmith, here, as elsewhere, views the Christian Scriptures metaphysically. One can see where he is influenced by his earlier association with Christian Science and, also, a healing experience of his father and Goldsmith himself. Likewise, he interprets that Scripture as applying universal principles, and not in opposition to those same principles as taught in other contexts, religious or otherwise.

Scholars and many students of Christian Scripture would have strong disagreement with what they would see as a rather loose, free interpretation of the Holy Bible. At times, it does seem Goldsmith reads his metaphysics into Scripture, rather than it arising from Scripture, and, at other times, his teaching appears easily in agreement with Scripture. And, the same reading into could be said of much biblical work, as the reader, priest, preacher, teacher, or scholar always is faced with the likelihood of reading into from the system of thought governing his or her worldview. This does not mean apparently separate interpretations are wrong, that one must be right, as language is not a static thing, but is multivalent ~ having the potential to render varied, equal or unequal, meanings.

i have returned to reading Goldsmith over the years, for I appreciate how he reads the Scripture and interprets Christ in a spiritual-inward manner, rather than a historical-rationalistic manner. My three rating is largely due to the repetition in this book. Of the several works I have read from the author, this was the most repetitious. This serves a purpose for students, however, for returning to the same themes is a method of teaching. I find Goldsmith more instructional than inspirational, or devotional. I appreciate how he reminds me, also, of much I had learned from myth and Jungian scholarship, in seeing the universal embodied in the acculturated of religion and scriptures.

I would highly recommend a reading of Goldsmith for persons of Christian faith who feel unable to relate with the rational way Scripture is often read, and for persons who have a love of the Christian way and, yet, feel alienated from it due to disagreement with its interpretation and use. Goldsmith is a good source for those who have become antagonistic to Christian faith or religion generally, due to their disagreements with how it is interpreted and employed in a dogmatic, exclusive manner.

[Tom H. Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feeling gods presence is the way

Joel is a very prolific writer. I started on his books and YouTube videos several years ago. As I have grown that have made more sense. He explains things in a way that is more understandable than most others that I have read. This book is a very complete set of doctrines on how to become one with God.

[Mary]

everyone should read this. it should be an elective in schools

[Sylvia Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and just finished it about a month ago, I was so sad.. When I read his books I get lost and it is if he is reading from the depths of my soul. Great book..