Restless Is the Heart

Rating:
Summary: great devotional reading for contemplatives
Review: This book is a contemplation of the wholeness of desire.

I was introduced to this book in 1988 by a spiritual mentor/friend. Reading this book, in conjunction with weekly discussions with my friend, prompted in me a life-changing contemplation of Desire; of touch, both within and between; a contemplation which continued for several years, leading me also in the direction of reading the theology of Paul Tillich (The author of Restless is the Heart was the executor of the Paul Tillich literary estate).

A quote from the book that has stayed with me: To respect one's desire one cannot settle for pleasure.

As a teacher of ministers, the author has a unique perspective on the education of those (ministers) who end up in jobs of religious leadership, where they may go on to model for others (and likely lead others towards) there own touch with themselves and with others (or lack of it).

The author explores the struggles for touch within and between, which he has observed in students studying for the ministry; and the forces in church and society (principalities and powers) which can allow for the blessed moments of "yes", within and between; as well as the unfortunate dynamics leading people to deny this wholesome "yes" to themselves.

Rating:
Summary: great devotional reading for contemplatives
Review: This book is a contemplation of the wholeness of desire.

I was introduced to this book in 1988 by a spiritual mentor/friend. Reading this book, in conjunction with weekly discussions with my friend, prompted in me a life-changing contemplation of Desire; of touch, both within and between; a contemplation which continued for several years, leading me also in the direction of reading the theology of Paul Tillich (The author of Restless is the Heart was the executor of the Paul Tillich literary estate).

A quote from the book that has stayed with me: To respect one's desire one cannot settle for pleasure.

As a teacher of ministers, the author has a unique perspective on the education of those (ministers) who end up in jobs of religious leadership, where they may go on to model for others (and likely lead others towards) there own touch with themselves and with others (or lack of it).

The author explores the struggles for touch within and between, which he has observed in students studying for the ministry; and the forces in church and society (principalities and powers) which can allow for the blessed moments of "yes", within and between; as well as the unfortunate dynamics leading people to deny this wholesome "yes" to themselves.