A Course in Christian Mysticism

by Thomas Merton, Jon M. Sweeney (Editor), Michael N. McGregor (Foreword)

Thomas Merton's lectures to the young monastics at the Abbey of Gethsemani provide a good look at Merton the scholar. A Course in Christian Mysticism gathers together, for the first time, the best of these talks into a spiritual, historical, and theological survey of Christian mysticism--from St. John's gospel to St. John of the Cross. Sixteen centuries are covered over thirteen lectures. A general introduction sets the scene for when and how the talks were prepared and for the perennial themes one finds in them, making them relevant for spiritual seekers today. This compact volume allows anyone to learn from one of the twentieth century's greatest Catholic spiritual teachers. The study materials at the back of the book, including additional primary source readings and thoughtful questions for reflection and discussion, make this an essential text for any student of Christian mysticism.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Mysticism, Christianity, Faith

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Thomas Merton, religious name M. Louis, was an American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist and scholar of comparative religion. In December 1941 he entered the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemani and in May 1949 he was ordained to priesthood. He was a member of the convent of the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, near Bardstown, Kentucky, living there from 1941 to his death.
Merton wrote more than 50 books in a period of 27 years, mostly on spirituality, social justice and a quiet pacifism, as well as scores of essays and reviews. Among Merton's most enduring works is his bestselling autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain (1948). His account of his spiritual journey inspired scores of World War II veterans, students, and teenagers to explore offerings of monasteries across the US. It is on National Review's list of the 100 best nonfiction books of the century.
Merton became a keen proponent of interfaith understanding, exploring Eastern religions through his study of mystic practice. His interfaith conversation, which preserved both Protestant and Catholic theological positions, helped to build mutual respect via their shared experiences at a period of heightened hostility. He is particularly known for having pioneered dialogue with prominent Asian spiritual figures, including the Dalai Lama XIV; Japanese writer D.T. Suzuki; Thai Buddhist monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, and Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh. He traveled extensively in the course of meeting with them and attending international conferences on religion. In addition, he wrote books on Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, and how Christianity is related to them. This was highly unusual at the time in the United States, particularly within the religious orders.

Reviews

[Reagan Vernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rich history of Christian mysticism from the apostles through John of the Cross. This is not to say that the apostles were mystics, but that certain scriptures acted as the seeds of mysticism in church history, developed over the centuries. In this, Merton places mysticism within Christian orthodoxy. The chapter on Bernard is both favorable and exceptionally written. I wish Merton would have had more to say about the relationship between neoplatonism and Christianity, as he notes how many of the mystics were influenced by neoplatonism, but given that the book was compiled from his lectures, I can't fault him for it. Regardless, this is a great work on a branch of the Christian tradition often held in suspicion and/or ignorance. Many modern Christians (especially Pentecostals) might benefit from a study of Christian mysticism.

[Jared Kassebaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this collection of lectures by Merton to his students outlining the key historic ideas of Christian Mysticism and tracing its roots to the earliest of Church Fathers was helpful in understanding its historical importance. Seeing a thread of teachers prioritizing living in the active enjoyment of the presence of God gave me hope in the universal Church's future and its ability to persist even in times of cultural acquisition of the faith. The most impactful lectures to me were on the early Greek fathers, namely Gregory of Nyssa and John of Chrysostom etc, and their ideas of unknowing and the incomprehensibility of God. Their teachings show humility in a light different than the facade of deferment of fame that is so common today. To pursue a Christian faith to the teachers found in these lectures is to pursue God himself, not a system of beliefs or a system of getting to the afterlife. Highly recommend.

[Michael Warden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scholarly Survey of Christian Mysticism

Here Merton shows his intellectual prowess as both a researcher and teacher. These lectures cover the history of the Christian mystical tradition from its nascent beginnings, and highlight the major theological pillars that emerged from it over time.

Academic in time and sometimes dry, it is nonetheless a treasure trove of knowledge and insight from one of the best Christian minds of the 20th Century. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Summer Bohannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Christian mysticism was something I had heard of but never explored, I found this book to be a solid introduction to the topic. I still find the idea something hard to explain (and perhaps that's the way it's supposed to be!). However, some of the general themes seemed to revolve around:
-What does it mean to be in union with God?
-What does it mean to be a member of the body of Christ? How is this expressed in the mystical nature of the Lord's Supper?
-What is Christian mysticism as expressed in prayer?
Merton works through the history of the church to present the tradition of mysticism, and, indeed, has opened my eyes to an area of the Christian experience that I have sorely neglected.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great overview of different monastic traditions and mystical teachings. They come from lectures Merton gave. i appreciated his summaries of many of the saints and orders. i especially liked the summary on St. John of the Cross, which was more manageable and understandable even than Merton's "The Ascent to Truth."

[Chels S · Rating 1 out of 5]

Man does not know what he's talking about.