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Hidden Ground of Love: The Letters of Thomas Merton on Religious Experience and Social Concerns

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What is so amazing about this volume is that it covers only part of Thomas Merton's letters. These are on Religious Experience and Social Concerns. Merton was truly all things to all people, but through it all, he is still completely himself. His unique voice is evident in all his correspondence where he is by turns serious and funny, kind and generous. Some of these letters read like essays. Some are anecdotal. All are entertaining.

His correspondents included Dorothy Day and Daniel Berrigan, Erich Fromm and Aldous Huxley, two Popes, Ethel Kennedy, Coretta King - the list is staggering. He wrote to Christians and Jews, Buddhists and Hindus and Sufis, social activits and theologians, men and women. He wrote about contemplation and pacifism, literature and psychology. He had friends in all walks of life, and he was beloved by all.

This is a book to browse in and/or study, highly recommended to all admirers and students of Merton's thought and life.

pamhan99@aol.com

In these letters Merton displays his spiritual wisdom, humanism, and humor in all its depth and breadth. His insights are more relevant than ever. Even if you don't completely agree with everything he says, you have to love and respect him. We have no one of his stature living in the U.S. today, I'm afraid. Thank God we still have his words.