Aelred Graham

Thomas Merton, born in France in 1915, was an American Trappist monk, theologian, mystic, poet, and social activist. After a varied early life and education, including studies at Cambridge and Columbia Universities, he converted to Catholicism and eventually joined the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani in Kentucky in 1941. During his time as a monk, he became a prolific writer, authoring over 50 books and numerous essays on spirituality, social justice, and pacifism. His bestselling autobiography, 'The Seven Storey Mountain,' brought him widespread recognition.

Merton was a significant figure in promoting interfaith understanding, actively exploring Eastern religions and engaging in dialogue with spiritual leaders from Asia. His later life was marked by a growing concern for social issues, including pacifism and civil rights, and he identified as an anarchist from 1948 onwards. He was ordained a priest in 1949 and taught mystical theology to novices. Merton passed away in 1968, leaving behind a substantial body of work that continues to influence spiritual and philosophical thought.

Born in France in 1915 to Welsh parents, Thomas Merton experienced a peripatetic childhood, moving between France and the United States. His mother died of cancer when he was six. After attending boarding school in France, he pursued higher education in England at Clare College, Cambridge, studying French and Italian, though he found the experience unsatisfying. He later transferred to Columbia University in New York City, where he studied English literature and formed significant friendships with artists and writers. During his time at Columbia, Merton underwent a spiritual awakening, exploring various religious texts and eventually converting to Catholicism in 1938.

Following his conversion to Catholicism, Merton initially considered joining the Franciscan Order but was advised against it. He took a teaching position at St. Bonaventure University, an institution founded by Franciscans, where he deepened his spiritual practice and embraced a more disciplined lifestyle. He found guidance from Franciscan mentors and became involved with the secular Franciscan movement. In 1940, he made a final visit to St. Mary of the Angels Church before departing for the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani in Kentucky, where he would live out the remainder of his life.

Upon entering the Abbey of Gethsemani in 1941, Merton, who received the religious name M. Louis, initially viewed his writing as potentially conflicting with his monastic vocation. However, his superiors encouraged him to translate religious texts and write biographies. His first published works were poetry collections, which gained him some recognition. His autobiography, 'The Seven Storey Mountain,' published in 1948, became a bestseller and established him as a prominent voice in spiritual literature. He continued to write prolifically, producing works on contemplation, Cistercian life, and spirituality, while also grappling with his attraction to other monastic orders like the Carthusians.

As Merton's reputation grew, he became a significant advocate for interfaith understanding, actively studying and engaging with Eastern religions and their practitioners. He pioneered dialogue with prominent Asian spiritual figures, broadening his philosophical and mystical horizons. From 1948, he identified as an anarchist and became increasingly vocal on issues of social justice, pacifism, and non-violence, particularly during the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War. He was ordained a priest in 1949 and began teaching mystical theology, continuing to influence spiritual thought through his writings and his engagement with contemporary social and religious issues.