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Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
Can you find genuine safety in a religious space that doesn’t accept things like sexual expression? Can an LGBTQIA+ person be a Christian? Cassidy Hall explores these questions and other similar ones in her riveting philosophical memoir. In Queering Contemplation, Cassidy shares her perspective of being queer and its connection to her view of spirituality. It contains conversations involving those who narrate their stories as immigrants, people of color, queer, and disabled. We follow the author's brilliant anecdotes and tales about her path of enlightenment, from her first panic attack at work in 2011 to her first conference with the International Thomas Merton Society at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. Whether she's experiencing the peace and beauty of monasteries or speaking to amazing open-minded individuals, Cassidy's book conveys deep messages and insights that are worth contemplating and sharing with others.
Queering Contemplation is the type of book that compels you to constantly pause and reflect on its words since it's filled with many thought-provoking ideas from multiple people. I especially loved Assata de la Cruz's perspective on embracing boredom and rejecting the constant busyness epidemic in today's world. Cassidy Hall's lyrical words complement the book's spiritual topics excellently. I found myself joyfully revisiting her many poetic words, including her description of the inward monastery as "the place within ourselves of our deepest welcome, our clearest belonging." The book has an interesting collection of themes: diversity, religion, mysticism, silence, self-love, self-awareness, and more. Finally, Queering Contemplation is a must-read for all queer people seeking to become more spiritual and to embrace Christianity. I look forward to multiple rereads after enjoying engaging stories from awe-inspiring characters and their views.
