Contemplation
Intimacy in a Distant World
David F. Allen
Contemplation: Intimacy In A Distant World, ISBN 0-9753306-0-8 Written by renown psychiatrist and Christian psychotherapist, Dr. David F. Allen, this is the third book of his trilogy (the other two, In Search of the Heart and Shattering the Gods Within will be re-published in July, 2004) dealing with finding our true hearts, removing those life issues that hide it from us and others and then living from our true heart. This is presented from a Christian point of view with many references to scripture. Part One I discusses the relationship between contemplation, spirituality, and intimacy. Soullessness, anger as a brutal gift, the origin and function of the false self, the dynamics of contemplative prayer, and the concept of the true self are visited. Part Two revisits these themes in scripture: Abraham?s call to faith, the role of contemplation and rejection in the life of David, Mary Magdalene and her deep commitment to our Lord, and loving despite a shattered dream in the lives of Ruth and Naomi. The epilogue illustrates that although the pain of life may destroy intimacy, we can still follow God in love to experience a deeper compassion, to create intimacy in a distant world.