Thomas Merton: An Introduction to His Life, Teachings, and Practices
Ebook
Overview
An introduction to the spiritual legacy of Thomas Merton
Thomas Merton was a Trappist monk and one of the most influential spiritual figures of the 20th century. His writing on contemplation, monastic life, mysticism, poetry, and social issues have influenced generations and his legacy of interfaith understanding and social justice endures to this day. Thomas Merton: An Introduction to His Life, Teachings, and Practices offers an exploration of Merton as a monk, as a writer, and as a human being. Author Jon M. Sweeney delves into Merton’s life and ideas with an appreciation for his work and a deep understanding of the spiritual depth that it contains.
Thomas Merton offers a unique view of the popular and sometimes controversial monk, braiding together his thoughts and practices with the reality of his life to create a full portrait of a pivotal figure. The Merton revealed in its pages is a source of inspiration and insight for those wrestling with questions of faith and spirituality.
At its core, the book is about the search for wholeness—a search Merton undertook himself throughout his lifetime and one readers can also embark on as they draw inspiration and guidance from his life.
- Title: Thomas Merton: An Introduction to His Life, Teachings, and Practices
- Author: Jon M. Sweeney
- Publisher: St. Martin's Essentials
- Print Publication Date: 2021
- Logos Release Date: 2025
- Pages: 149
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781250250490, 9781250250483, 125025048X, 1250250498
- Resource ID: LLS:9781250250490
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2025-12-02T06:00:18Z
Jon M. Sweeney is an independent scholar and one of religion's most respected writers. He is an author of popular history, spirituality, biography, poetry, fiction for young readers, and memoir. He is married to Michal Woll, has four children, and lives in Milwaukee.
Jon has been interviewed on CBS News, WGN-TV, Fox News, and CBS Saturday Morning, and by publications online ranging from CNN to Romper. He’s a practicing Catholic who also prays regularly with his wife, a congregational rabbi. He loves the church, the synagogue, and other aspects of organized religion. Sweeney is also co-director, with Rabbi Woll, of The Lux Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies at Sacred Heart Seminary.
His popular history The Pope Who Quit: A True Medieval Tale of Mystery, Death, and Salvation was optioned by HBO. He's the author of forty other books, including The Complete Francis of Assisi; Nicholas Black Elk: Medicine Man, Catechist, Saint; and St. Francis of Assisi, with a foreword by Richard Rohr.
Jon became the editor of Living City Magazine in April 2023.