Thomas Merton

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Ianjo99

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Having read “The Seven Storey Mountain”, I was wondering if Thomas Merton’s theology and method of prayer too strongly reflect Eastern Philosophy? I know that sometimes Trappist Monks are accused of this, so I was curious as to whether I might get a skewed view of prayer from his other books or whether they are perfectly compliant with Catholicism?

Thanks for any help!

~ Ian
 
Why don’t you read a couple of them and decide for yourself whether they conform wiht Catholic Doctrine?
 
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BillP:
Why don’t you read a couple of them and decide for yourself whether they conform wiht Catholic Doctrine?
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Because I would like to spend my money on books that do, and my intent was to see if someone had already read or heard about Thomas Merton. Also, it is sometimes rather hard to discern what does and does not comply with the Catholicism.

And before you tell me to get other books I am sure comply: I like his style of writing, and would like to buy some more of his works, and this would be the only impediment to me doing so.
 
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Ianjo99:
I was wondering if Thomas Merton’s theology and method of prayer too strongly reflect Eastern Philosophy?
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That is an understatement. I stay away from his writings as much as possible now. However, I know someone who really likes him and shares his writings with me, so I am sometimes forced into it.

hurst
 
All I was trying to say was that all you are going to get on this website is someone elses OPINION of whether or not Merton is faithful to the Magisterium.

In fact, even a work with a “Nihil Obstat” or an “Imprimatur” is only the opinion of a Dioceasan Censor and Bishop (respectively). I suppose the Pope could issue an “Imprimatur” which would be definitive but haven’t seen too many of those.

I guess I’m trying to say that in the final analysis, its up to you to decide whether Merton is “okay”.
 
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BillP:
All I was trying to say was that all you are going to get on this website is someone elses OPINION of whether or not Merton is faithful to the Magisterium.

In fact, even a work with a “Nihil Obstat” or an “Imprimatur” is only the opinion of a Dioceasan Censor and Bishop (respectively). I suppose the Pope could issue an “Imprimatur” which would be definitive but haven’t seen too many of those.

I guess I’m trying to say that in the final analysis, its up to you to decide whether Merton is “okay”.
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I realize that all I would get is a variety of opinions, but normally I would take the general consensus of what people were saying into account.

Also, I was thinking maybe people could tell me just how much of a derivative it was of Eastern Philosophy.

I wasn’t hoping for a definitive “yes” or “no”. Sorry if my initial post sounded like I was.

Thanks Hurst, I did notice some oddities when reading his autobiography, so I’ll probably look elsewhere for spiritual readings.
 
I read a few of Merton’s books. I loved them. I found nothing wrong with the spirituality of his writings.

Go to the library and take a few out. I just finished reading “Contemplative Prayer” and it was really good. A short book and good read. I’m working on “The New Man” now. It seems fine.

Library is your best bet. It couldn’t hurt to read at least one of his works. His poetry is beautiful.
 
I, too, read and enjoy Merton. Have been for years. I’m almost finished with the 6 (or 7?) vol. set of his journals that were only published 25 years after his death (though parts had been published in “Sign of Jonas”). To me, he was a very human monk who had temptations and questions just like we all do, and who was doing his best to live God’s will. I recommend him highly. One interesting note: in the journals, toward his later years (as he matured in his spiritual life), he expresses dismay about some of his earlier writings - mainly anywhere where he sounded self-righteous or all-knowing - he became more humble I guess you could say.
 
hurst said:
That is an understatement. I stay away from his writings as much as possible now. However, I know someone who really likes him and shares his writings with me, so I am sometimes forced into it.

hurst
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I wrote a few questions in a thread on the spirituality page titled “concerning Thomas Merton”. And I was having trouble trying to figure out where he stood in the eyes of the Church as well. Sence there is so much confusion about him and the fact that he just doesn’t sit right in the hearts of some very faithful people is enough for me to stay away. We have many more options to read from, like SAINTS who are definately in union with the Church…the Church Triumphant! 🙂

~Peace!
 
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