Synopses & Reviews
In the Introduction to this book, author Linus Mundy notes the reason Thomas Merton still matters to us today: We see ourselves and our deepest yearnings and wonderings in the topics he wrote and talked and obsessed about.”
Simply Merton offers a selection of quotes from the works of Thomas Merton—mostly his journals, but also selections from several other works—with commentary by Mundy on each theme. These quotes focus on key spiritual themes that appear time and again in Mertons writing, themes that are as important to us now as they were back then. Love, peace, work, relationships, becoming ones true self—these themes and more shaped the arc of Mertons thinking as he sought to draw closer to the heart of the living God.
Although a semi-cloistered monk and hermit in later life, Mertons was not an ivory tower existence but one that resonated with the width and breadth of human emotion and experience. He was driven to write, and as such created a legacy that has guided millions of people throughout the years along the path of a deep and fruitful faith life.
Review
Linus Mundy does a masterful job of sifting through a spiritual master's journals and giving us wisdom to live by. Even if you've read Merton before you will appreciate and benefit from the profound insights in this gem of a book. Highly recommended.
—Michael Leach, author of Why Stay Catholic? Unexpected Answers to a Life-Changing Question
Review
Simply Merton is like a conversation with a good friend about a shared passion for seeking God through the written word. This book relates not only Mertons lifelong discernment by examining the recurring themes from his journals, the author also invites his readers to join him in delving into the same themes along the path of discerning Gods presence in all our lives. Like so many other readers and seekers whose lives Merton touched, Linus Mundy identifies on many levels with this Trappist monk. With him, we discover that Mertons search is ours. His destiny awaits us all—quite simply.
—Br. Francis de Sales Wagner, O.S.B., Saint Meinrad Archabbey
Review
Simply Merton has made me think more than any book I have read in ten years. Linus Mundy presents Merton in a clear, reader-friendly way, but nothing that is Merton will leave you with simple answers. Mundy shows Merton opening fifteen doors that lead into the vast space of God. As each chapter ends, you realize you have just found a new beginning. Then you know how Merton felt.
—Father David M. Knight, author of Nuts and Bolts of Daily Spirituality: Practical Steps to Draw Closer to God
Synopsis
"Merton gives us the idea that it is OK to travel the long path...to be confused, quirky, a doubter.... He leads us to believe that maybe we are better than we think we are--if we want to be better."
--from the introduction
In his search for God, Thomas Merton wrote on timeless themes and questions we still wrestle with today. Simplicity, nonviolence, honesty, mystery, and even death and eternity--these topics and more permeated Merton's writings. This book distills the wisdom of Merton's dozens of books and voluminous journals into the enduring themes most relevant to readers today.
Synopsis
Merton gives us the idea that it is OK to travel the long path
to be confused, quirky, a doubter
. He leads us to believe that maybe we are better than we think we areif we want to be better.”
—from the introduction
In his search for God, Thomas Merton wrote on timeless themes and questions we still wrestle with today. Simplicity, nonviolence, honesty, mystery, and even death and eternity—these topics and more permeated Mertons writings. This book distills the wisdom of Mertons dozens of books and voluminous journals into the enduring themes most relevant to readers today.
About the Author
Linus Mundy created the CareNotes line of booklets, and has written many of the titles in that series as well as in the Elf-Help Books series. He was the director of publications for Abbey Press, and prior to that, director of marketing for St. Anthony Messenger Press. He is also the author of A Retreat with Desert Masters: Thirsting for the Reign of God; A Man's Guide to Prayer: New Ideas, Prayers and Meditations from Many Traditions; and A Retreat with Benedict and Bernard: Seeking God Alone—Together.