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An introduction to the ideas of the mystic and scholar Thomas Merton, his critique of modern society and his spiritual solution for Christian community.
Thomas Merton was arguably the twentieth century's most widely published and widely read spiritual writer. This book explores Merton's prophetic writings and experience as they offer guidance for those seeking to experience God, to simplify their lives, to live more humanly, and to shape Christian community in the face of alienation, consumerism, noise, and technology. The book includes parts of three previously unpublished conference contributions by Merton on technology.
Exploring Merton's thoughts on monastic renewal, prayer, radical simplicity, ecology, technology, war, peace and interfaith dialogue, Dekar reminds us why Merton was so influential and why he continues to be so.
Thomas Merton was arguably the twentieth century's most widely published and widely read spiritual writer. This book explores Merton's prophetic writings and experience as they offer guidance for those seeking to experience God, to simplify their lives, to live more humanly, and to shape Christian community in the face of alienation, consumerism, noise, and technology. The book includes parts of three previously unpublished conference contributions by Merton on technology.
Exploring Merton's thoughts on monastic renewal, prayer, radical simplicity, ecology, technology, war, peace and interfaith dialogue, Dekar reminds us why Merton was so influential and why he continues to be so.
Price: $36.95
Pages: 260
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Inc.
Imprint: Lutterworth Press
Publication Date:
26 April 2012
Trim Size: 9.02 X 6.02 in
ISBN: 9780718892593
Format: Paperback
Paul Dekar presents us in this book with a manifesto for the future of the Christian community, which he sees being renewed by intentional, contemplative, essentially lay communities that know how to connect classic monastic wisdom with the challenges of our addicted-conflicted culture. He tells us with real passion that we don't need to fight old battles, but instead need to focus on God's future. The chapter on Merton and technology is alone worth the price of the book. Warmly recommended, especially to Christians discouraged with the institutional church.
— Donald Grayston, Past President, International Thomas Merton Society
Paul Dekar's book is a thoughtful and comprehensive summary of Merton's concerns about our world -- ranging from ecological consciousness, war, non violence, and technology to new monasticism and a dialogue with other faiths. It is a timely book offering real guidance. Thomas Merton's diagnosis of the ills of our time is speaking powerfully still: 'achievement neurosis', overspending, overwork, noise, violence, addiction to technology, and an individualism that has lost sight of the common good. The way forward? Creating 'communities of love' in which God's presence and the depth of our humanity -- which we consistently ignore -- are experienced, and where the balance between the inner and the outer life can be restored.
— Sr Miriam, Community of the Transfiguration
[Paul Dekar's] book is heavier in every way, in its prose style, its didactic approach to problem solving, and its serious grappling with the issues of 21st-century living. ... It is very thorough, and contains much that is useful to the Merton enthusiast. Some of the quotations are bound to be unfamiliar to some readers, and everyone is likely to unearth some treasure, since Merton could write well, and use memorable words and phrases.
— Esther de Waal, author of Seeking Life,
For those who may not have encountered Merton this book is a worthy introduction; for those who know something of his work, this book provides a useful refresher course which exemplifies the timelessness of Merton's wisdom and its application to the churches and to the wider world in our present age.
— Kevin Tingay
— Donald Grayston, Past President, International Thomas Merton Society
Paul Dekar's book is a thoughtful and comprehensive summary of Merton's concerns about our world -- ranging from ecological consciousness, war, non violence, and technology to new monasticism and a dialogue with other faiths. It is a timely book offering real guidance. Thomas Merton's diagnosis of the ills of our time is speaking powerfully still: 'achievement neurosis', overspending, overwork, noise, violence, addiction to technology, and an individualism that has lost sight of the common good. The way forward? Creating 'communities of love' in which God's presence and the depth of our humanity -- which we consistently ignore -- are experienced, and where the balance between the inner and the outer life can be restored.
— Sr Miriam, Community of the Transfiguration
[Paul Dekar's] book is heavier in every way, in its prose style, its didactic approach to problem solving, and its serious grappling with the issues of 21st-century living. ... It is very thorough, and contains much that is useful to the Merton enthusiast. Some of the quotations are bound to be unfamiliar to some readers, and everyone is likely to unearth some treasure, since Merton could write well, and use memorable words and phrases.
— Esther de Waal, author of Seeking Life,
For those who may not have encountered Merton this book is a worthy introduction; for those who know something of his work, this book provides a useful refresher course which exemplifies the timelessness of Merton's wisdom and its application to the churches and to the wider world in our present age.
— Kevin Tingay
Foreword by Paul M. Pearson
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
1. Stirrings of a New Monasticism
2. Introducing Thomas Merton
3. Thomas Merton on Monastic Renewal
4. Thomas Merton on Simplification of Life
5. Thomas Merton, Guide to the Right Use of Technology
6. Thomas Merton on Care of Earth
7. The Root of War Is Fear
8. Twentieth-Century Wisdom for Twenty-First-Century Communities
9. Building Communities of Love
Appendix 1: Conference on The Christian in a Technological World by Thomas Merton
Appendix 2: Conference on Marxism and Technology by Thomas Merton
Bibliography
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
1. Stirrings of a New Monasticism
2. Introducing Thomas Merton
3. Thomas Merton on Monastic Renewal
4. Thomas Merton on Simplification of Life
5. Thomas Merton, Guide to the Right Use of Technology
6. Thomas Merton on Care of Earth
7. The Root of War Is Fear
8. Twentieth-Century Wisdom for Twenty-First-Century Communities
9. Building Communities of Love
Appendix 1: Conference on The Christian in a Technological World by Thomas Merton
Appendix 2: Conference on Marxism and Technology by Thomas Merton
Bibliography