God is to be heard, not only on Sinai, not only in my own heart, but in the voice of the stranger…
Thomas Merton
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A Newly Living Truth
Topic: Interfaith Pathways
God speaks, and God is to be heard, not only on Sinai, not only in my own heart, but in the voice of the stranger… We must, then, see the truth in the stranger, and the truth we see must be a newly living truth, not just a projection of a dead conventional idea of our own—a projection of our own self upon the stranger.
Born on 31 January 1915, Thomas Merton was a significant spiritual thinker of the 20th century. Raised in a non-religious household, his spiritual journey eventually led him to the Roman Catholic Church, and later, into the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, more commonly known as the Trappists, at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky. Merton adopted a life of monastic contemplation, but his profound reflections on faith, spirituality, and society went on to have a widespread impact. As a writer, his diverse oeuvre included poetry, essays, and over 70 books, touching on a broad spectrum of spiritual traditions and social issues.
Merton's works often showcased his deep commitment to fostering understanding among different faiths. As a student of comparative religion, he sought to highlight the universal values and shared wisdom that transcended the boundaries of individual faith traditions. His exploration of Eastern religions and their intersections with Christian mysticism was particularly groundbreaking for its time. Merton's dialogues with leading Asian spiritual figures, such as the Dalai Lama, D.T. Suzuki, a prominent scholar of Zen Buddhism, and Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Vietnamese monk, further cemented his reputation as a pioneering figure in interfaith dialogue.
Unfortunately, Merton's life was tragically cut short when he died on 10 December 1968. Despite his untimely death, his influence continues to reverberate in contemporary religious and spiritual discourse. Through his writings and activism, Merton fostered a greater awareness of social justice issues within the church and inspired a more inclusive, holistic approach to spirituality. His legacy as a monastic scholar, a prolific writer, and a tireless advocate for interfaith understanding endures, solidifying his place as one of the most influential Catholic figures of the 20th century.
Selected Essays
Merton, Thomas, and Patrick F. O'Connell. Thomas Merton: Selected Essays. Orbis Books, 2013.
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Thomas Merton
Theme: Interfaith Dialogue
About This Thomas Merton Quote [Commentary]
Thomas Merton reminds us that God’s voice extends beyond Sinai and our hearts to include the stranger’s voice. This viewpoint urges us to recognize divine truth in unexpected encounters, challenging us to move beyond our preconceptions. By seeing “the truth in the stranger” as a “newly living truth,” Merton encourages us to embrace a broader, more vibrant engagement with the divine, refreshing our understanding and deepening our spiritual connections.
Merton’s reflections on compassion and the intrinsic connection among all beings serve as a foundation for interfaith dialogue. He emphasizes the need to acknowledge others’ autonomy and to love them for their own sake, not for what they are to us. This approach to love, requiring us to “transform” into the other to understand their perspective and realities, lays the groundwork for genuine interfaith interactions. It’s an invitation to a dialogue that respects differences and fosters a collective growth towards understanding.
Furthermore, Merton highlights our co-creative role with God in shaping our lives and identities, emphasizing active participation in this divine collaboration. This perspective enriches interfaith dialogue, showing us the varied ways God communicates through human experiences. Merton insists on the mutual sharing of truths, where the Universal Christ’s presence is revealed in communal gatherings. This vision for interfaith dialogue advocates for openness, humility, and a transformative exchange, where truth and love emerge from the meeting of diverse paths.
Patrick O’Connell
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