Thomas Merton's Path to the Palace of Nowhere [Unabridged, Audiobook] [Audio CD]

James Finley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2004

Thomas Merton-Trappist monk, author, and student of Zen-remains one of the most important and beloved figures in the modern Christian contemplative movement. James Finley, who for six years lived, prayed, and studied with Merton at the Abbey of Gethsemani, shares the gifts passed on to him by his friend on Thomas Merton's Path to the Palace of Nowhere. Here is a participatory approach to Merton's most useful teachings, helping us "to disappear into God, to be submerged into his peace, to be lost in the secret of his face."

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

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About the Author

James Finley left home at the age of 18 for the Abbey of Gethsemani in Trappist, Kentucky, where Thomas Merton lived as a contemplative. He later earned degrees from the University of Akron, Saint John College, and the Fuller Theological Seminary. Today James Finley is a husband, father, writer, and psychotherapist in private practice. His books include Merton’s Palace of Nowhere and The Contemplative Heart.

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Sounds True, Incorporated; Unabridged edition (February 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591791456
• ISBN-13: 978-1591791454
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #940,817 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Books on CD > Religion & Spirituality > Inspiration

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 Stars - Provisionally, August 20, 2004

By 

R. Kirkham "jrkirkham" (Rushville, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thomas Merton's Path to the Palace of Nowhere (Audio CD)

IF YOU ARE among the growing number of Christians who feel drawn to the contemplative journey, this is a series you must listen to. It strips away the mystique and delivers a straight forward, helpful, guide to the contemplative journey. You should find the series to both informing and reassuring. I've listened to it twice and plan to review it on a regular basis. James Finley is one of today's best living authors on the subject of contemplation.

IF HOWEVER, you are a Christian just examining the contemplative life, this is not a good book for you. It is not rooted well in Scripture. It blurs Christian and Eastern meditation practices. The author's delivery is monotone and quiet, most likely putting you to sleep. The central texts come from the writings of Thomas Merton. Important statements are delivered with a casual authority that are not backed up by science nor Scripture, leaving the reader to wonder if they are, indeed correct, or just the opinions of Merton and Finley.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars important series, January 17, 2010

By 

L. Chatain (indianapolis, in United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Thomas Merton's Path to the Palace of Nowhere (Audio CD)

I listened to this series with a group of people interested in the contemplative journey within the Christian tradition. There were about eight of us, and everyone, without exception, loved it. James Finley is a guide to the essence of the Christian contemplative experience. His presentation style is quiet, intending to evoke the contemplative stance.

He speaks with the authority of someone who has been there, done that, not just read about it.