From Communication to Communion: Thomas Merton’s Writing and the Desire to (Re)connect - ONE RESIDENTIAL PLACE REMAINING
Friday 13th to Sunday 15th October
From communication to communion: Thomas Merton’s writing and the desire to (re)connect
Led by Gary Hall
Over recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in Thomas Merton (1915-68), the American Trappist monk. A theologian, writer and mystic, he is also known for his poetry and his call to social action. For many, this complex and challenging man has opened up a new way of thinking about faith, humanity and the world. His early autobiography connected with post-war America in an extraordinary way and his writings continue to connect with readers and their worlds, opening up fresh and ancient ways of relating to one another, to deep Christian roots, to our truer selves, to the world as it is and as it can be. With attention to some of Merton's thinking about what connects and what separates us, Gary Hall (pictured) will help us explore how Merton sought to counter conflict, mistrust and dehumanization through relational ways of communicating. This course is suitable for all – whether you are familiar with Merton or new to his work.
Course overview:
Session 1: Hearing Merton and one another: opening questions and comments in light of selected readings from Merton
Session 2: The monk disrupts and rejuvenates our thinking about connection
Session 3. Merton’s fragments and incompleteness, and how we know each other
Session 4: Merton as place of intersection, and how we inhabit one another’s worlds
Session 5: Clues from Merton about relational communicating
OPEN LECTURE: Merton as theological companion in the midst of trouble at 5pm on Saturday 14th October (tickets available here)
How can we act so as to make a positive difference in the pressured worlds we inhabit? And how does faith inform our desire to make a difference?
Many people's lives answer these questions for us; but what kind of answers come through the life and work of a twentieth-century monk?
Thomas Merton can take us to the heart of these concerns and help us abide there as we go on discovering how to live the questions well.
Revd Dr Gary P. Hall is a Methodist minister and theological educator at the Queen's Foundation, Birmingham. A former editor of The Merton Journal, he has taught and presented on Merton in the UK, Germany, India, US and Canada. During downtime, Gary may be found at a gig or Villa Park, playing the blues or playing with his grandson. Or in the garden shed
BOOKING INFORMATION:
Residential rates (includes breakfast, two course lunch with tea or filter coffee on Sunday and Monday and a two course dinner with tea or filter coffee on Saturday and Sunday)
One delegate in a single ensuite: £400 (or £304 with a student, clergy or Society of Authors discount)
Two delegates in a twin or double: £620 (or £500 with discounts)
One delegate in a double or twin occupancy: £460 (or £360 with?discount)
One delegate and one non-delegate guest in a twin or double: £550 (or £450 with discount)
Please book on 01244 532 350
(Cover image photograph of Thomas Merton by Sibylle Akers. Used with permission of the Merton Legacy Trust and the Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University)