The Thomistic Institute The Contemplative Life | Father James Brent, O.P.
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Aug 28, 2023 
Fr. James Brent, O.P. discusses the purpose of the contemplative life and its relationship to knowing God. They emphasize the importance of integrating relationality and rationality in the Church. The chapter also explores the process of developing inner freedom and becoming more contemplative, as well as the subjective nature of religious experiences.
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Purpose: Knowing God
- St. Thomas Aquinas: "The purpose of life is to know God." is the foundational orientation for Christian living.
- This claim reframes all other life-purposes as secondary and centers intellectual and spiritual pursuit on God.
Relational vs Rational Is A False Split
- A false dichotomy divides many Catholics into relational versus rational camps, each excluding the other.
- Catholic thought calls instead for integration: both heart-engaged devotion and rigorous reason belong to Christian life.
Intentionally Integrate Mind And Heart
- Deliberately pursue integration of relational and rational dimensions in your life and ministry.
- Intentionally form intellect and heart together instead of assuming they will integrate spontaneously.