Thomas Merton - by Paul R Dekar (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Thomas Merton: God's Messenger on the Road towards a New World highlights the contribution of the best-selling North American writer between the Second World War and 1968. The Cistercian monk called people to act justly, love kindness, and walk humbly. By his critique of technology, a major impediment for people to follow Jesus; by his writing on contemplative prayer; by his interfaith outreach; and through his witness against racism, war, and degradation of nature, Merton still matters. This book uses Micah 6:8 to organize Merton's focus on justice, lovingkindness, and humility, as well as his dialogue with Rachel Carson, Ernesto Cardinal, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thich Nhat Hahn, and others.

Review Quotes

"From his monastic outpost in rural Kentucky, Thomas Merton saw the world around him with stunning clarity. Whether gazing at a nuclear-armed B-52 flying overhead night after night or pondering the racism that infects so many of us, he had insights that help clear the eyes and minds of those fortunate enough to pick up one of his books. For anyone wishing to know Merton better, Paul Dekar is a perceptive guide."
--Jim Forest, author of Living with Wisdom: A Biography of Thomas Merton

"Paul Dekar offers us a timely and compelling book on the writings of Thomas Merton that illumines critical concerns for today on the environment, technology, racial justice, and interfaith relationships. He invites us to weave our inner and outer lives like Merton in practices of silence, solidarity, and nonviolence. As a lifelong peacemaker, Dekar inspires us to walk the road with the prophetic messenger Merton leading us toward a new world of radical love and justice."
--Nancy Hastings Sehested, pastor and writer, Asheville, North Carolina

"Dekar celebrates the profound influence of Thomas Merton on today's world with a fresh consideration of social change, prayerful contemplation, and personal witness. By touching on his own biographical connections to Merton, Paul invites us to examine anew the seminal moments that awakened Merton's prophetic genius, the persons of influence he encountered, and the possibility of being open to changing patterns that limit or obfuscate our awareness of the road to a new world. Prophetically, Paul invites us to defeat sardonic attitudes that cripple the world by touching the wounds of those with whom we live."
--Allan McMillan, retired pastor and author of several articles on Thomas Merton

"Before Micah's prophetic reminder to act justly, love mercy, walk humbly, he advised: 'Remember your journey' (6:5). Paul Dekar re-members his journey here via his many essays on the impact of Thomas Merton's journey on his own. In doing so, he reminds us of the intertwining life we all share but so often forget to share on this curvy road toward a more just, merciful, and humble future. Yes, let's remember the journey is shared."
--Gray Matthews, professor, University of Memphis

"I always look forward to the next publication of Paul Dekar's work. It always contains excellent scholarship while still being written with a great deal of heart. This new book by Dekar does not disappoint. Paul has found a new path on which to discuss why it is Merton continues to matter as we address the big issues of our day."
--William Apel, emeritus professor, Linfield University

About the Author

In retirement, Paul R. Dekar, Professor Emeritus of Evangelism and Mission, Memphis Theological Seminary, teaches, writes, and volunteers with various organizations including Dundas [Ontario] Community Services and the Canadian Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. He is a member of the Canadian Interfaith Reference Group. His recent publications include Dangerous People: The Fellowship of Reconciliation Building a Nonviolent World of Justice, Peace, and Freedom (2016); "In an Inescapable Network of Mutuality" Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Globalization of an Ethical Ideal (2013); and Thomas Merton, Twentieth Century Wisdom for Twenty-First Century Living (2011).