Thomas Merton for Our Time

Thomas Merton was one of the greatest spiritual writers and social critics of the twentieth century. His insights have inspired countless men and women, providing them with a powerful model of Christian living, dialogue, and intellectual exploration.

While many have encountered Merton through his bestselling spiritual autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain and books on contemplation, feware familiar with his powerful writings on the most vital contemporary issues. Now, this course introduces you to a new side of the Trappist monk. As you explore both famous and lesser-known writings, you will discover how Merton’s exploration of timely topics continues to speak to our contemporary Church and world.

After studying the foundations that informed Merton’s views, you will look at his thoughts on nonviolence and pacifism. You will also explore his prescient writings on racism and the Civil Rights Movement. In the final lecture, you will encounter his ideas about the role of the liturgy in the Christian life.

Through this course, you will come to view Thomas Merton as Pope Francis described him during his 2015 Apostolic Visit to the United States: “A thinker who challenged the certitudes of his time and opened new horizons for souls and for the Church. He was also a man of dialogue, a promoter of peace between peoples and religions.”

Let Thomas Merton help you discover your authentic self in our complex world.

Learn about downloadable programs.

*Photographgraph of Thomas Merton by Sibylle Akers. Used with permission of the Merton Legacy Trust and the Thomas Merton Center, Bellarmine University