Beneath the Mask of Holiness: Thomas Merton and the Forbidden Love Affair That Set Him Free

Beneath the Mask of Holiness: Thomas Merton and the Forbidden Love Affair That Set Him Free

by Mark Shaw (Author)

Synopsis

Thomas Merton is perhaps the most popular American religion writer of the last hundred years. Despite appearances to the contrary, in 1966 he was a troubled, lonely monk; until he met a nurse who he fell in love with. At the same time, he struggled with the challenge of whether to choose her over complete devotion to God. When he finally chose God, he emerged renewed: stronger and surer than he would have been without being tested by such a shattering conflict. While thousands are familiar with Merton and his writing, here for the first time is a private side of the famous monk. Based on journal entries, new information and sources such as fellow monks, this compelling work offers a fresh perspective on the revered figure.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 256
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Published: 25 Nov 2009

ISBN 10: 0230616534
ISBN 13: 9780230616530

Media Reviews

[This book] can only deepen and add weight to our respect for this scrupulous, devoted, and tormented man. --Ron Carlson, author of Five Skies

An accurate portrayal of Thomas Merton. He had a great need for love. --Dr. Rudy Bernard, Merton's fellow monk at Gethsemani

This book will provide people with a new view of the deeply human, but transcendent, love story of Thomas Merton--loving God and loving a woman. [It will be] a great contribution to the spiritual journey of thousands of people. --Dr. Lewis Rambo, Professor of Pastoral Psychology at San Francisco Theological Seminary, and conversion expert

This book permits us to find what is inspirational about Merton--his strength and determination to overcome, and at times accept, his human frailness and vulnerability all while battling for self-discovery and solace. --Patrick Hasburgh, author of Aspen Pulp

Author Bio
MARK SHAW is the author of fifteen books. He holds a Masters degree in theological studies and is a member of the International Thomas Merton Society. A former defence attorney and columnist for the Aspen Daily News, he has been a television legal analyst for ABC, CBS, and ESPN. He also operates a website dedicated to Merton's work and its relevance in today's society: http://mertonandfriends.wordpress.com. He lives in East Lansing, Michigan, USA.