Thomas Merton: Twentieth-Century Wisdom for Twenty-First-Century Living: 9 (New Monastic Library: Resources for Radical Discipleship)

Thomas Merton was arguably the twentieth centurys most widely published and widely read spiritual writer. This book explores Mertons prophetic writings and experience as they offer guidance for spiritual seekers in their search to experience God to simplify their lives to live more humanly and to shape Christian community in the face of alienation consumerism noise and technology. The book includes parts of three previously unpublished conference contributions by Merton on technology. Paul Dekar presents us in this book with a manifesto for the future of the Christian community which he sees being renewed by intentional contemplative essentially lay communities that know how to connect classic monastic wisdom with the challenges of our addicted-conflicted culture. He tells us with real passion that we dont need to fight old battles but instead need to focus on Gods future. The chapter on Merton and technology is alone worth the price of the book. Warmly recommended especially to Christians discouraged with the institutional church. -Donald Grayston Past President International Thomas Merton Society Paul Dekars book is a thoughtful and comprehensive summary of Mertons concerns about our world--ranging from ecological consciousness war non violence and technology to new monasticism and a dialogue with other faiths. It is a timely book offering real guidance. Thomas Mertons diagnosis of the ills of our time is speaking powerfully still: achievement neurosis overspending overwork noise violence addiction to technology and an individualism that has lost sight of the common good. The way forward? Creating communities of love in which Gods presence and the depth of our humanity--which we consistently ignore--are experienced and where the balance between the inner and the outer life can be restored. -Sr. Miriam Community of the Transfiguration Paul R. Dekar is Professor Emeritus of Evangelism and Mission Memphis Theological Seminary member of a new monastic community in Australia and a prolific author including Community of the Transfiguration: Journey of a New Monastic Community (Eugene: Cascade 2008). After thirty-four years of full-time teaching he continues to teach write and work with communities of hope in Dundas Ontario Canada.