An Introduction To Christian Mysticism (Initiation into the Monastic Tradition, vol. 3)

by Thomas Merton

Publishers:

Liturgical Press; Cistercian Publications

, 2008

Overview

In these conferences dating to 1961, Thomas Merton provides for his audience of young monks an overview of major themes and figures in the Christian mystical tradition as an integral part of their religious inheritance and a crucial part of their spiritual formation. From Fathers of the Church such as St Athanasius and St Gregory of Nyssa, through such important medieval theologians as St Bonaventure, Hadewijch and Meister Eckhart, to the great Spanish Carmelites St Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross, Merton traces such key topics as the integration of theology and spirituality; the importance of “natural contemplation”—recognizing the divine presence in creation; the centrality of apophatic or “dark” contemplation; and the role of spiritual direction in forming mature and balanced contemplatives.

Key Features

• Provides for his audience of young monks an overview of major themes and figures in the Christian mystical tradition
• Merton traces such key topics as the integration of theology and spirituality from various points in history
• Recognizes the divine presence in creation; the centrality of apophatic or “dark” contemplation; and the role of spiritual direction in forming mature and balanced contemplatives.

Praise for the Print Edition

This volume brings with it an intimate sense of being of guided by Merton and fed from sources of life and grace.

CR: Quarterly Review of the Community of the Resurrection

For those interested in teaching mysticism and spirituality, this work provides a historical overview of sources available before and during the time of Merton, as grounded in his incisive understanding of the subject.

The American Benedictine Review

Product Details

• Title: An Introduction to Christian Mysticism: Initiation into the Monastic Tradition, Volume 3
• Author: Thomas Merton
• Series: Monastic Wisdom Series
• Volume: 3
• Publishers: Liturgical Press, Cistercian Publications
• Print Publication Date: 2008
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Pages: 416
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subject: Mysticism
• ISBNs: 9780879070137, 0879070137
• Resource ID: LLS:NNTRDCTNMYSTCSM
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T20:27:56Z

About Thomas Merton

Thomas Merton, O.C.S.O. (January 31, 1915 – December 10, 1968) was a 20th century Anglo-American Catholic writer. A Trappist monk of the Abbey of Gethsemani, Kentucky, he was a poet, social activist and student of comparative religion. In 1949, he was ordained to the priesthood and given the name Father Louis.