Soul Searching: The Journey of Thomas Merton

by Jonathan Montaldo

Soul The Journey of Thomas Merton draws us into the geographical landscape of Thomas Merton’s life in America, a landscape that was intrinsic to his spiritual journey. Containing a considerable amount of rich material unused in the documentary by the same name, Soul Searching is alive with the narrative of those who either knew Merton well or passionately care about Father Daniel Berrigan, Rosemary Ruether, Martin Marty, Paul Elie, and many others. Their insights are linked to the places—from the Abbey of Gethsemani to the Redwoods Monastery in California, from New York City to Christ in the Desert Monastery in New Mexico—that both nurtured and shaped Merton. The picture that emerges, through both the narrative and vivid photography, is filled with provocative insights into the interior landscape of one of the spiritual giants of modern times. Bonus DVD of the PBS documentary by award-winning producer Morgan Atkinson is also included.

216 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2008

Reviews

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 out of five stars! Great in depth study of Merton through the eyes of scholars and his monastic contemporaries.

[Ginny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am thoroughly immersed in Thomas Merton books here lately. While this book is interesting, I wouldn't say that it seems to me the author had a hard time letting go of a film project about Merton so he published this title with many tidbits of information that didn't make it into the finished film project. This title is so far removed from the friends and collegues who actually knew Merton that it left something lacking. "Merton by Those Who Knew Him Best" by Wilkes is a better read.