Oldavid... have you read any of Thomas Merton's books?
To be honest; I don't remember. I've certainly never read the whole of one of his books.
My grandmother was a fan of Merton and she used to lend me some of her books from time to time and discuss the contents. She was rather attracted to the sentimental and subjective types (perhaps because she'd not completely shaken the influence of her father who was a mason) but I've never had much stomach for that.
Then there was a silly nun (delightful person though) who was right into Merton and de Chardin, with whom I had to remonstrate because she told my daughter's class of 5-6 year olds that "God was making Himself" (perfectly in conformity with de Chardin's ideas).
Then there was a priest, a wise and erudite theologian, that I knew shortly after the N.O. was introduced, who criticised Merton in unflattering terms and refused to have Merton's books in his library.
All this has made me very cautious of Merton and has caused me to advise caution to you.
