The Spiritual Genius of Thomas Merton

by Anthony T. Padovano, Jonathan Montaldo (Foreword)

Thomas Merton was a man of assertive yet elusive, committed to the stability of the monastic life but a wanderer at heart, a man who came to symbolize in a unique way his country and century. Still today, perhaps more than ever, he fascinates us with his spiritual genius and brilliant insights into the heart and soul of humankind. Merton’s life was a search on many levels and, as such, it offers readers guidance on their own spiritual quests.The Spiritual Genius of Thomas Merton is a blend of literary and theological appreciation that is critical in the best sense and always relevant. Through an analysis of Merton’s major journal and poetic writings, Padovano gives us an original and fresh look at Merton’s reconciliation between his inner nature and the life he chose to live. Merton reached out to an astonishing variety of people, indelibly affecting the character of his times, an effect that is present even today.First published in 1982 as The Human Thomas Merton, Symbol of a Century, Padovano's book has been critically acclaimed as “a wonderful glimpse of Merton” and “a skillful blend of literary analysis and biography.” Now updated for a new generation of readers, this new edition commemorates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Merton (January 31, 2015).

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2014

About the author

Rev. Dr. Anthony T. Padovano (1934–2024) was a theologian, author, professor, and reformer whose life bridged tradition and renewal within the Church. Ordained as a Roman Catholic priest, he later married Theresa Lackamp, his life partner of 49 years, with whom he raised four children and welcomed five grandchildren. He taught theology for 15 years at Darlington Seminary before becoming a founding faculty member at Ramapo College, where he served for 45 years and was named Distinguished Professor Emeritus. Two campus buildings bear his name. A prolific author of 29 books and numerous articles in multiple languages, he lectured globally and led CORPUS, an organization for priestly reform. He also served in Catholic, Protestant, and ecumenical communities. His collected papers are housed at Notre Dame University.

Reviews

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is just something about Merton that draws me in, and when I saw this well-researched and beautifully written book at a local Abbey, my purchase was inevitable. For Merton lovers there is no new information however there is a very helpful and clearly stated interpretation from this eminent Merton scholar which distinguishes it from other works.

[Karen Shilvock-Cinefro · Rating 4 out of 5]

The back sentence sums up Thomas Merton well. “ A man of contradictions: assertive and yet elusive, committed to the stability of the monastic life but a wanderer at heart , a man who came to symbolize in a unique way the country and the century that were his. “
The author Padovano is a scholarly expert on Merton. This book shows the many sides of Merton. It includes his words of inspiration along with his unconventional somewhat anti-monastic lifestyle.