Thomas Merton on Poetry

Can a faithful Catholic benefit from understanding Sufism? Merton thought so. Now you can discover why. In the twentieth century, Thomas Merton, one of Christianity’s great mystics, encountered the ancient Eastern mystical tradition known as Sufism. The result was an outpouring of mystical insight and spiritual wisdom. In these talks, you will discover what first electrified Merton. The Sufi mystics have given us one of the world’s most read poets, Rumi, the beautiful mystical dance of whirling dervishes, interreligious insight, and new forms of contemplation. A visionary who sought to synthesize the best of Eastern and Western spiritualities, Thomas Merton’s profound interest in the Sufi mystics is more relevant today than ever. Merton explores the contemplative wisdom of Sufism to enhance our Christian understanding of mysticism and spiritual practice. In one of his talks to the novices at Gethsemani, he said, “The Sufis are seeking to know God and have ways of seeking to know God, and this should have some success with us...We should be closer to the Sufis.” In these talks, you will watch the development of Merton’s spirituality as he moved towards a greater understanding of interreligious dialogue. Merton believed that the Sufis had much to teach us about prayer, mysticism, and contemplation. Merton will bring you to new and exciting places as he reflects on Sufism and the mystical life. What Merton taught in the mid-twentieth century is prophetic for spiritual seekers in the contemporary world. ***Photographs of Thomas Merton by Sybille Akers and John Howard Griffin. Used with Permission of the Merton Legacy Trust and the Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University.

Explore the Fourth Gospel with one of Catholicism's leading biblical scholars. From the time of its first appearance, the Gospel of John has gripped the imagination and the hearts of Christians. Composed towards the latter part of the first century, the so-called "Spiritual Gospel" presents a compelling and distinctive portrait of Jesus and His mission. Now you can explore this powerful portrayal of Jesus with Rev. Donald Senior, one of the world's top biblical scholars, as your personal teacher. You will explore the remarkable philosophical and theological understanding John kindled. Inspiring and beautifully written, the Gospel of John will move you to encounter the Word of God anew. John the Evangelist paints a powerful portrait of Jesus Christ. Distinctive from the synoptic gospels in both style and substance, John reflects a unique type of Jewish literature and contains perhaps the most developed theology in the New Testament. As you move through its powerful Christological themes, you will truly see Jesus as the incarnate Word of God. Throughout the millennia, mystics and ordinary Christian disciples have been drawn to this gospel. It expresses, in powerful words and symbols, the heart of Christian faith: that in Jesus the eternal Word of God has become incarnate. In contemplating the person of Jesus, the Risen Christ, the disciple encounters the human face of God. Encounter the Word of God in the Gospel of John today.