false 175078 0156010860 9780156010863 958 168 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172432371m/175078.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/175078.The_Seven_Storey_Mountain 1711 Thomas Merton 4008 548 5 0 false Mon Mar 23 10:19:08 -0700 2009 Mon Mar 23 18:17:30 -0700 2009
In this memoir, Merton traces his spiritual journey with frank and revealing honesty that allows you to relate to the man while still admiring the 'old soul' within. Even though Merton is obviously a very learned and wise man, he never presents himself as anything greater or more important than just a man, a man like any other human being on this planet.

Merton eventually came to view humanity's ideal relationship with God as far too personal and immediate to account for church or priestly intercession, which explains (in part) his break with Catholicism. As Merton explores, studies and questions his faith and the spiritual condition of humanity writ large, even in times of greatest doubt he never gives up hope in himself or humanity.

I'd recommend this book for anyone who would like to believe that in terms of spirituality, there's something greater to which we can aspire than organized religion.]]>