Thomas Merton (1915-1968), Catholic convert, Cistercian monk and hermit, poet, contemplative, social critic, and pioneer of interreligious dialogue, was a seminal figure of twentieth-century American Christianity.Jon M. Sweeney is an independent scholar and one of religion’s most respected writers. His many books include James Martin, SJ: In the Company of Jesus, in the “People of God” series; The Pope Who Quit, which was optioned by HBO; and The Pope’s Cat, a popular fiction series for children. He edited A Course in Christian Mysticism by Thomas Merton, published by Liturgical Press. Sweeney writes regularly for America in the US, and The Tablet in the UK. He is the publisher at Paraclete Press in Massachusetts, and lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with his wife and daughters.Michael N. McGregor is an author, journalist, editor, teacher, and writing consultant based in Portland, Oregon. A professor of English and Creative Writing at Portland State University, he holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University in New York and a BA in Journalism from the University of Oregon. McGregor is on the board of directors for the International Thomas Merton Society and author of Pure Act: The Uncommon Life of Robert Lax, Fordham University Press, 2015.

• ContentsForeword    viiMichael N. McGregorEditor’s Prologue    xiPreface    xixLecture 1:  The Aim of This Course   1Lecture 2:  Mystical Theology in St. John’s Gospel   12Lecture 3:  Martyrs and Gnostics (Ignatius, Irenaeus, Clement, and Origen)   21Lecture 4:  Divinization and Mysticism (The Cappadocian Fathers)   40Lecture 5:  Evagrius Ponticus   57Lecture 6:  Contemplation and the Cosmos (Maximus the Confessor)   71Lecture 7:  The Dionysian Tradition   79Lecture 8:  Western Mysticism: The Influence of St. Augustine   88Lecture 9:  St. Bernard of Clairvaux   99Lecture 10:  St. Bernard’s Sermons on the Song of Songs   118Lecture 11:  Fourteenth Century Mysticism: The Béguines, Eckhart, Tauler   141Lecture 12:  Spanish Mysticism: St. Teresa of Avila and Others   161Lecture 13:  St. John of the Cross: Dark Nights and Spiritual Crises   184More Sources and Readings   209Group Discussion Topics and Questions   220Editor’s Notes   229Index   231

"With both Merton's masterful lectures on Christian mysticism, and the helpful guide questions at the end, this book presents not only an intellectual exploration of the mystical texts but also a profound spiritual engagement with contemplative prayer for those who wish to drink deeply from the wells of this spiritual tradition."Carmel Posa, SGS, Executive Director, New Norcia Institute