This set of captivating talks brings you face to face with an intimate side of Thomas Merton—the monk, poet, scholar of literature, and social activist who rocked the 20th century. 

As with so many of the talks that Merton gave to his novice monks at the Abbey of Gethsemani, these talks put the progression of his thinking—from cloistered monastic life to issues of social justice and interreligious understanding—on view. 

Throughout Thomas Merton on the Christian Life, Merton stresses the spiritual necessity of transcending cultural differences. Other topics of interest include: the concept of spiritual poverty; cultural ideas of poverty; otherworldliness; and the contemplative life (as distinct from the religious life). 

Join Merton’s original audience 50 years into the future and be moved by his vision of active faith. 

This set includes an afterword by Anthony Ciorra.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection.