Merton, Thomas - Timeline Biography

01-31-1915 - 12-10-1968

Thomas Merton converted to Catholicism in 1938 and decided to join a Trappist (Cistercian) monastery near Louisville, Kentucky in 1941. There, he became a prolific and renowned writer beginning with his autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain (1948), which detailed his conversion from a "worldly" lifestyle. Although his superiors were suspicious of his devotion to writing, Merton continued his literary pursuits, producing more than 50 books and hundreds of articles. In the early 1960s, his writings emphasized social concerns for racial equality, economic justice, and pacifism. He was a strong supporter of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his nonviolent methods. Merton’s work also began to incorporate mysticism and Eastern philosophy, which opened up interfaith dialogue with Asian spiritual leaders like the Dalai Lama. This also aroused suspicion that he was veering too close to universalism.

Today, Merton’s work continues to impact those interested in spirituality and social justice, even among non-Catholics.

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