Merton was hailed as a prophet and censured for his outspoken social criticism. For nearly 27 years he was a monk of the Trappist order, where he became a spiritual writer, as well as an ant... Read allMerton was hailed as a prophet and censured for his outspoken social criticism. For nearly 27 years he was a monk of the Trappist order, where he became a spiritual writer, as well as an anti-war advocate and witness for peace.Merton was hailed as a prophet and censured for his outspoken social criticism. For nearly 27 years he was a monk of the Trappist order, where he became a spiritual writer, as well as an anti-war advocate and witness for peace.
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Looks like I'm the first person here. I think some more people will be checking this out soon, as it is soon to be released on DVD.
This is a good documentary about the life of the 20th century monk/author/social activist/mystic/poet/author Thomas Merton. Considering the current interest in "spirituality" and Eastern religious traditions, Merton would be of interest to many.
In a nutshell...
Merton attended Columbia University and was chums with some guys who were basically part of the pre-beat generation. Robert Lax is a pretty well-known poet, and one of Merton's best friends. They would spend summers at a cabin (I think it was Bob Lax's) and try to write the "great American novel."
Merton did funny cartoons for the Columbia humour mag, Jester. Rumour has it, he was a bit of a lady's man. I recall reading that he claimed to have learned some language in bed with a girl.
After a couple trips, one to Rome and one to Cuba, and in trying to come to terms with various events of his childhood, he became interested in Roman Catholicism. I think he was reading a book on medieval philosophy at the time, as well (by Gilson, maybe?).
Eventually, he investigated the Franciscans. Upon hearing of his misadventures, they said "no thanks." Big loss on their part.