The Fullness of Free Time A Theological Account of Leisure and Recreation in the Moral Life by Conor M.Kelly

 The Fullness

of Free Time A Theological Account of Leisure and Recreation in the Moral Life by Conor M.Kelly published by Georgetown University is a beautiful, erudite account of what it means free time i our existence seeing it speculatively with a catholic theological persepctive.

There are two ways of thinking free time: leisure, more addressed to the finalization, preparation of the the other life that we will live once dead, and recreation, an activity devoted more to the person and his/her own definition of the self.

Starting from this point, Kelly then takes in consideration solidarity, seeing it as the direct answer to individualism; staying connected with people close to us,means to make the difference and not being blind; not only; solidarity is also exttemely crucial because as writes Kelly  converts not only personal agents but also social structures. It means that solidarity changes places and people bettering the world. Kelly complains regarding the individuality strongly developed in the United States, opening the world at a different vision of the existence, more inclusive.

Then, Kelly starts to speak of leisure in a new chapter, and how can be applied in a daily life. It can be the best passport for establishing good relationiship with ourselves and the other ones, because although it appears simple, too often we have seen that it is not; not only: seeing leisure in motion means also seeing the potential of every person blooming.

This leisure must include God, but also time for himself. Them, in a chapter, Kelly analyzes more closely activities spent recreationally by us: watching television, but also sport and the use of social medias, including maybe the biggest leisure and recreational free time more beauty in the world: travelling. As the author adds, also in this case it would be better if the trip would mean inclusivity with partner, children, and the people surrounding us.

This book doesn't just want to inspire people, but also keeping all catholics more conscious of their value in the society and how they should use it.

Inspiring book, with a beautiful relaxing cover that let us imagine a world less upside down than not the one we are seeing these months.

I thank Georgetown University for the physical copy of the book.

Anna Maria Polidori