Life and Holiness

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Summary: Should be called "How to be holy without beicoming a nun!"
Review: A few years back, I picked up my mother's copy of Merton's "Seeds of Contemplation." Although I knew of many people who enjoyed Merton's writings, it seemed "over my head" to say the least! Recently, I picked up this book of Mertons' (mostly bacause it was one of his books that wasn't intimidatingly huge ) and after reading a few chapters, I was surprised to find it was simple to understand (even for a 22 yr old!) and yet very challenging to my faith.

Although Merton may be labeled as a "Catholic writer", his writings deal with real-life issues ANY Christian can learn from - if you want to GROW in your spiritual relationship with God, READ THIS BOOK! It will **challenge** you and refreshen your faith! The chapers are small enough (2-3 pgs) to read a little each day....

Most of all, I enjoyed this book because it addresses a common question I often ask: How can I be holy for God in my "normal," everyday life (i.e. without becoming a nun!) .... Merton answers this question to my satisfaction, to say the least!

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Summary: Living True Faith
Review: If you've read Seven Storey Mountain, you know that Merton has a gift for communicating the Christian faith in a passionate and easy to read style.

In this book, Merton expresses the idea that faith and obedience are both necessary to a complete life in Christ. Neither can be discarded. As such, Merton expresses that saving faith is not simply believing in certain truths, but in living these ideals and expressing them to others in love.

Merton's concern is to call all to holiness. This book does just that. Pick it up and read it, but most importantly think about it.

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Summary: It's a cliche, but this book changed my life.
Review: This tiny book is the best introduction to Merton's writings. Merton, a Trappist monk, discusses Catholic spirituality in a deeply powerful way, and completely avoids the use of theological jargon. But even though he avoids jargon, he still conveys powerful theological ideas: theological seminary ideas like the Incarnation of Christ, justification, and priesthood ordinations all become living realities in his writings. It's easy to read but by no means light reading. He had a unique gift.

Though written from a Catholic perspective, this book is for ordinary Christians of all faiths. It discusses not just the life of prayer, but also the active life. He talks about how Christians can genuinely make their work and their political participation part of their sacred sphere. We'll surely be reading his work for another century; and we'll need it.