Thomas Merton is often considered the most prominent Christian contemplative of the twentieth century, but he was also a political activist, social visionary, and literary figure whose writings combine the candor of Thoreau and the moral vision of Gandhi. Here is a remarkably accessible introduction to his work: a collection of a short, vivid excerpts arranged in four parts so as to parallel the journey of a seeking soul in the modern world.
• "Real and False Selves" distinguishes between our real selves, a deep religious mystery known entirely only to God, and the identities we take on in order to function in society.
• "The World We Live In" provides a spiritual context to modern life, moving from a stark rejection of its empty promises to a deep compassion for its tragic limitations.
• "Antidotes to Illusion" reflects on contemplative practices that can serve as the allies of our "real selves" in the battle against illusion: silence, solitude, meditation, prayer, charity, and faith.
• "Love in Action" explores the role of the contemplative in the modern age and the challenges and pitfalls of living a life of active love.
Merton's startling critique of a society driven by technology and rampant acquisition, the politics of "good versus evil," and the self-deluding complacency of the spiritual "lifestyle" demonstrate beyond doubt that his writings are as urgent today as they were in his lifetime.
| Introduction | ||
| Pt. 1 | Real and False Selves | 1 |
| Pt. 2 | The World we Live in | 25 |
| Unquiet City | 27 | |
| The Technological Imperative | 43 | |
| Events and Pseudo-Events | 49 | |
| Pt. 3 | Antidotes to Illusion | 57 |
| Truth | 59 | |
| Silence | 63 | |
| Solitude | 65 | |
| Prayer, Meditation, Contemplation | 75 | |
| Monasticism | 92 | |
| Faith | 98 | |
| Charity | 104 | |
| Humility | 106 | |
| Vocation | 113 | |
| God | 116 | |
| Pt. 4 | Love in Action | 127 |
| Toward a Theology of Love | 129 | |
| Nonviolence | 140 | |
| Sainthood | 152 | |
| Books and Tapes by and about Thomas Merton | 159 | |
| Sources and Abbreviations | 163 | |
| Acknowledgments | 165 |
Overview
Thomas Merton is often considered the most prominent Christian contemplative of the twentieth century, but he was also a political activist, social visionary, and literary figure whose writings combine the candor of Thoreau and the moral vision of Gandhi. Here is a remarkably accessible introduction to his work: a collection of a short, vivid excerpts arranged in four parts so as to parallel the journey of a seeking soul in the modern world.
• "Real and False Selves" distinguishes between ...