Among the numerous sets of conferences that Thomas Merton presented to young prospective monks during his decade (1955-1965) as novice master at the Cistercian Abbey of Gethsemani is a wide-ranging introduction to biblical studies, made available for the first time in the present volume. Drawing on church tradition, teaching of recent papal documents, and scholarly resources of the time, he reveals the central importance of the Scriptures for the spiritual growth of his listeners. The extensive introduction situates material of these conferences in the context of Merton's evolving engagement with the Bible from his own days as a student monk through the mature reflections from his final years on the biblical renewal in the wake of the Second Vatican Council. For Merton, at the heart of any meaningful reading of the Scriptures, not only for monks but for all Christians, is the invitation to respond not just intellectually but with the whole self, to recognize the gospel as "good news," as a saving, liberating, consoling, challenging word, reflecting his fundamental belief that "the Holy Spirit enlightens us, in our reading, to see how our own lives are part of these great mysteries--how we are one with Jesus in them."
Industry Reviews
“As a monk, Thomas Merton was totally immersed in sacred Scripture and, in this book, we encounter some of the earliest fruits of Merton’s own prayer, lectio, and study as he began teaching Scripture in the years immediately after his ordination. A Monastic Introduction to Sacred Scripture is a foretaste of the rich banquet that would flow from Merton’s pen in the ensuing years.”
—Paul M. Pearson, Thomas Merton Center
“This book brilliantly elucidates the centrality of sacred Scripture in Merton’s monastic life and reveals his successful efforts to integrate modern exegetical methods with the ancient tradition of monastic biblical hermeneutics. O’Connell’s profoundly learned introduction and illuminating editorial notations situate Merton’s lectures within the broader frame of theological renewal unfolding before and throughout the Second Vatican Council. This work is an indispensable contribution to the field of Merton studies.”
—Joseph Q. Raab, Siena Heights University, co-editor of The Merton Annual
“The history of monastic biblical interpretation ‘must not be studied from the outside,’ insists Thomas Merton, but demands ‘a deepened and experiential study, from within.’ This critical volume demonstrates Merton’s encounter with the Bible ‘from within’ prior to Vatican II, while underscoring just how transformed his reading of the Scriptures would be by his engagement with Jewish and Protestant voices during the 1960s. Editor Patrick O’Connell tracks that dramatic evolution to the great benefit of readers.”
—Christopher Pramuk, Regis University
“Patrick O’Connell’s rendering of these conferences is authoritative, elegantly facilitated by his detailed knowledge of Merton’s entire corpus. His scholarship teases out Merton’s emphasis on a contemplative reading of the Bible, the importance of lectio divina as well as critical study, in our response to the word of God. O’Connell’s project of presenting this monastic spiritual influencer’s wide-ranging teaching notes inspires my wonder, praise, and gratitude.”
—Jonathan Montaldo, editor of Entering the Silence (The Journals of Thomas Merton, vol. 2)
“Merton readers owe renowned Merton scholar Patrick F. O’Connell a debt of gratitude for making available these conferences which Merton gave to his students in the 1950s. O’Connell’s skillful editing and meticulous annotation make this volume an invaluable resource. His substantive and insightful introduction to the volume is a must-read—at once shedding light on how Merton’s approach to Scripture study evolved and illuminating Merton’s own ever deepening experience of the centrality of God’s word in his own life.”
—Christine M. Bochen, Nazareth College, co-author of The Thomas Merton Encyclopedia
