Thomas Merton's lectures to the novices 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 for young men studying to become Trappist monks--and for the perennial themes one finds in them, making them relevant for spiritual seekers today. This compact volume allows anyone to learn, like a novice, from one of the last 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.
Thomas Merton's lectures to the novices 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 for young men studying to become Trappist monks--and for the perennial themes one finds in them, making them relevant for spiritual seekers today. This compact volume allows anyone to learn, like a novice, from one of the last 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.
Contents
Foreword - Michael N. McGregor
Editor’s Prologue
Preface
Lecture 1: The Aim of This Course
Lecture 2: Mystical Theology in St. John’s Gospel
Lecture 3: Martyrs and Gnostics (Ignatius, Irenaeus, Clement, and
Origen)
Lecture 4: Divinization and Mysticism (The Cappadocian Fathers)
Lecture 5: Evagrius Ponticus
Lecture 6: Contemplation and the Cosmos (Maximus the Confessor)
Lecture 7: The Dionysian Tradition
Lecture 8: Western Mysticism: The Influence of St. Augustine
Lecture 9: St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Lecture 10: St. Bernard’s Sermons on the Song of Songs. .
Lecture 11: Fourteenth Century Mysticism: The Béguines, Eckhart,
Tauler
Lecture 12: Spanish Mysticism: St. Teresa of Avila and Others
Lecture 13: St. John of the Cross: Dark Nights and Spiritual
Crises
More Sources and Readings
Group Discussion Topics and Questions
Editor’s Notes
Index
Thomas Merton (1915-1968), Catholic convert, Cistercian monk and
hermit, poet, contemplative, social critic, and pioneer of
interreligious dialogue, was a seminal figure of twentieth-century
American Christianity.
Jon M. Sweeney is an independent scholar and one of religion’s most
respected writers. His many books include James Martin, SJ: In the
Company of Jesus, in the “People of God” series; The Pope Who Quit,
which was optioned by HBO; and The Pope’s Cat, a popular fiction
series for children. He edited A Course in Christian Mysticism by
Thomas Merton, published by Liturgical Press. Sweeney writes
regularly for America in the US, and The Tablet in the UK. He is
the publisher at Paraclete Press in Massachusetts, and lives in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with his wife and daughters.
"With both Merton's masterful lectures on Christian mysticism, and
the helpful guide questions at the end, this book presents not only
an intellectual exploration of the mystical texts but also a
profound spiritual engagement with contemplative prayer for those
who wish to drink deeply from the wells of this spiritual
tradition."Carmel Posa, SGS, Executive Director, New Norcia
Institute
"A Course in Christian Mysticism is an excellent source for those
who want to begin a systematic study of the great early masters of
the Christian mystical tradition. Merton offers us his keen
perception of these teachings with an eye to our contemporary
search for the Divine, that `mystery of our union with God.'
Merton's command of the sources is aided by Sweeney's skilled
editing, which makes Merton's lectures more accessible to readers.
I highly recommend this resource."Laura Swan, OSB, Associate editor
of Magistra
"This wonderful volume transports the reader across time and space
and permits us to become students of Thomas Merton alongside his
novitiate formandi. The genius of Merton's scholarly mind and
prayerful spirit are on full display as he takes us on a historical
and spiritual journey of discovery. A Course in Christian Mysticism
is not only a must-read text for fans of Merton, but also a great
introduction to the history of Christian mystical spirituality
through the centuries."Daniel P. Horan, OFM, Catholic Theological
Union
"A fresh, engaging, and accessible course on Christian mysticism
from a genuine Christian mystic—this book is a treasure. In his
impressive synthesis, Jon M. Sweeney has made some of Thomas
Merton's best lectures on some of the greatest Christian mystics
available to everyone."Joseph Raab, STL, PhD, Professor of
Religious Studies and Theology, Siena Heights University, Co-Editor
of The Merton Annual: Studies in Culture, Spirituality and Social
Concerns
"This is a wonderful book. Straight from Merton himself, it brings
us a thorough introduction to, and survey of, the range and depth
of Christian mysticism."The Merton Journal
"This text is an excellent resource not only to academics but also
for sincere aspirants seeking an accessible introduction to a
spiritual life." Reading Religion
"A welcome contribution to the summaries of the history of
Christian spirituality that exist. It is also a great testament to
Merton's erudition and to all that he brought to the novices and
juniors of his own community."The Downside Review
"Called to the mystical life?" Merton suggest that we all are. Not
sure where to start? This Course in Christian Mysticism will set
you on a solid foundation as you learn from one of the great
teachers of the last century."Tjurunga
"This delightful book offers a series of conferences given to the
young men in formation at Gethsemani between 1961 and 1964, during
the time that Thomas Merton was novice master. Intended as an
overview of the major figures whose experience and teaching outline
something of how to attain to union with God."
American Benedictine Review
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