Thomas Merton (1915–1968) was a Trappist monk, Catholic priest, and prolific writer who became one of the most influential Catholic mystics of the 20th century. Known for his contemplative spirituality, Merton wrote extensively on topics such as prayer, mysticism, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. His writings combined traditional Catholic thought with an openness to Eastern religions, particularly Buddhism, and introduced many Western Christians to contemplative practices. However, his mysticism and syncretistic approach to spirituality differ significantly from confessional Christianity in several key areas.
Key Beliefs and How They Differ from Confessional Christianity
1. Contemplative Prayer and Mysticism:
- Thomas Merton's View: Merton was a strong advocate of contemplative prayer, a form of deep meditation and silent prayer aimed at experiencing the presence of God beyond words and concepts. He believed that through contemplative practices, individuals could attain a direct, mystical experience of union with God. Merton’s approach often blended elements from Eastern religions, particularly Zen Buddhism, with Christian contemplative traditions, leading him to explore a more universal understanding of mystical experiences.
- Confessional Christianity: Traditional Christianity teaches that prayer is a means of communicating with God through Scripture, characterized by adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication (Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 6:9-13). Prayer should be rooted in the truths of God's Word, not in subjective experiences or altered states of consciousness. Reformed theology rejects mystical practices that blend Christianity with Eastern spirituality, affirming that God is known through His revealed Word and not through self-emptying techniques or attempts to experience His presence apart from Scripture.
2. Views on Interfaith Dialogue and Syncretism:
- Thomas Merton's View: Merton was deeply interested in interfaith dialogue and engaged with Eastern religions, particularly Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism. He saw common ground between Christian and Eastern mystical traditions and believed that all religions share a common quest for the divine. Merton often wrote about the value of learning from other religious traditions and sought to integrate elements of their practices into his contemplative spirituality.
- Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity teaches that salvation is found exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). The Bible is the only infallible source of truth about God and that Christians should not look to other religions for spiritual insight. Christian theology asserts that while Christians should engage in respectful dialogue with those of other faiths, they must maintain the uniqueness of the gospel and reject any form of syncretism that compromises the truth of Christ's exclusive claims.
3. Understanding of Salvation and Union with God:
- Thomas Merton's View: Merton's writings often emphasize the idea of union with God as the ultimate goal of the spiritual life, viewing this union in a way that resonates with Eastern notions of dissolving the self into the divine. He spoke of salvation not merely as an event but as an ongoing process of self-discovery, enlightenment, and mystical experience, which leads to a deeper realization of one’s true identity in God.
- Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity teaches that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Believers are united with Christ through faith, and this union leads to a transformed life marked by sanctification. While believers grow in their relationship with God, their union with Him is grounded in the finished work of Christ ALONE and not in mystical experiences or self-realization.
4. Approach to Theology and the Role of Reason:
- Thomas Merton's View: Merton often wrote about the limitations of reason in understanding God, advocating for a form of spirituality that transcends intellectual knowledge and embraces mystery, silence, and contemplation. His approach was heavily influenced by the medieval mystics and Eastern thought, which emphasized experiencing God beyond rational comprehension. Merton’s writings encourage an embrace of paradox and mystery, often downplaying doctrinal precision in favor of experiential spirituality.
- Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity teaches that while God is ultimately beyond human comprehension, He has revealed Himself clearly and rationally in Scripture (Isaiah 55:8-9; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Doctrine and theology are essential for understanding God’s truth, and believers are called to love God with both their hearts and minds (Matthew 22:37). While mystery is an aspect of faith, it should never lead to a rejection of reason or doctrinal clarity.
5. Social Justice and Engagement with the World:
- Thomas Merton's View: Merton was deeply committed to social justice and often wrote about issues such as racial equality, peace, and economic justice. His contemplative spirituality led him to see the importance of engaging with the world’s problems and working for societal transformation. He believed that the contemplative life was not an escape from the world but a way to engage it more deeply with love, compassion, and a commitment to justice.
- Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity affirms the importance of social justice and caring for the marginalized (Micah 6:8; James 1:27), but it maintains that the central mission of the church is the proclamation of the gospel and the making of disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Acts of justice and mercy should flow out of a commitment to biblical truth and be grounded in the gospel’s transformative power. While Christians united to Christ will inevitably engage in acts of compassion and justice, their primary calling is to glorify God and advance His kingdom through faithful witness to Christ. Merely providing food that perishes while withholding the source of eternal life is the opposite of loving.
Summary of Differences
Thomas Merton’s contemplative spirituality and openness to interfaith dialogue emphasize mysticism, experiential knowledge, and a syncretistic approach to faith, often blending Christian practices with elements from Eastern religions. His emphasis on contemplation, union with God, and the mystical experience contrasts with the traditional doctrinal emphasis of confessional Christianity.
In contrast, confessional Christianity upholds the authority of Scripture, the centrality of Christ’s atoning work, and the call to faithful discipleship rooted in biblical truth. It teaches that the Christian life is marked by a relationship with God through Christ, guided by His Word, and not through mystical experiences or interfaith practices. Although some vague Christian language us used, Merton’s writings are not Christian by any definition.