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by Thomas Merton Thomas Merton was a contemplative Trappist monk at the Abby of Gesthemani in Kentucky. He also studied Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Taoism, Confucianism, and Hinduism. He wrote prolifically about our connection with others and how we could bring about peace in our lives and in the world. Merton also wrote articles about civil rights and the nuclear arms race. He had a popular following among young people in the 60s who were searching for answers and were willing to examine their lives. However, when Merton died in 1968, he was beginning to draw some criticism from the traditionalists from the Church. One leader even said that God had taken him before he came into error. Forty years later, Merton's works live on as newer generations of readers are finding his words in reissues of his famous books. In fact, there is a Merton Institute for Contemplative Living today which is an ecumenical body that lectures on his writings. Jonathan Montaldo, Associate Director of the Merton Institute for Contemplative Living, has pulled together a collection of Merton's writing into a small book called, Choosing to Love the World. Seven themes connect the work: The Inner Ground of Love, Living in Wisdom, Contemplative Listening, Dialoguing with Silence, The Inner Experience of Love, A Monastic Life of Prayer and Protest, and The Door to the Clear Light. Each section contains several single page excerpts that would be ideal used as daily devotions. Merton's wisdom still rings true today. He writes, "But it is true, nevertheless, that the faith in which I believe is also invoked by many who believe in war, believe in racial injustices, and believe in...tyranny. My life must, then, be a protest against these..." Even forty years later, Merton continues to teach us wisdom. Choosing to Love the World is an excellent volume of spiritual inspiration by one of America's most beloved mystics. Its small size encourages us to keep it handy to contemplate the truths within. Highly recommended. |
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Choosing to Love the World