A fresh exploration of Merton's life and thought, focussing on his role as a Christian activist. Written by an author who combines a contemplative life with political action, this is an inspirational book that will encourage readers to work towards a more just world.

Mario Aguilar

Cover page

About the author

Title page

Imprint

Dedication

Preface

Introduction: Merton the contemplative activist

1 A contemplative teacher

2 A contemplative writer

3 Writer and activist

4 Hermit and activist

5 Merton and Latin America

6 Merton’s final trip to Asia

Conclusion: Merton’s lessons for today

Notes

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A fresh exploration of Merton's life and thought, focussing on his role as a Christian activist. An inspirational book that will encourage readers to work towards a more just world, written by an author who combines a contemplative life with political action.

A fresh exploration of Merton's life and thought, focussing on his role as a Christian activist. An inspirational book that will encourage readers to work towards a more just world, written by an author who combines a contemplative life with political action. Professor Mario I. Aguilar is Director of the Centre for the Study of Religion and Politics at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, having served previously as Dean of the Faculty of Divinity.

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This book is a welcome addition to the many books about this remarkable, intensely spiritual man. Aguilar emphasises the complexity of Merton’s character - he was a contemplative Trappist monk by vocation and an energetic political activist in his prolific writings and lectures. While yearning for the solitude and silence of the hermit’s cell, he was at the same time impelled to engage with the outside world. This reaching out to others stemmed directly from his contemplation of God and His love of humanity in all its diversity. Aguilar deals with three main areas of Merton’s participation in world affairs: firstly, his connection with “the theology of the poor” in South America; secondly, his stand against the nuclear arms race and the war in Vietnam; thirdly his interest in other world religions, especially those of the East. In summing up, Aguilar stresses Merton’s contribution to contemporary thought, both religious and secular, in terms of moral and social values.

Thomas Merton

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Thomas Merton

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A fresh exploration of Merton's life and thought, focussing on his role as a Christian activist. Written by an author who combines a contemplative life with political action, this is an inspirational book that will encourage readers to work towards a more just world.

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