Comtemplation in a World in Action

When Merton wrote “Contemplation in a World of Action”, he considered the purpose of his writing was to try to examine the basic question of meaning. (1) Merton attempted to achieve a certain degree of spiritual harmony and balance in his own life, a social conscience, and a solitary with a need for society, a traditionalist with a radical penchant for change. For him contemplation was the fundamental reality of life. It is how we are truly human, what is real and alive. (2)

According to Merton, everyone is called to live a faithful life, a life in the world with god in it. Man should attempt to be aware of, and understand God’s closeness. Understanding with special passion to increase and perfect our love for him. (2) If we are made in the image of God, thus we are compelled to live our lives

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Contemplation in a World of Action and the Dilemma of Modern Spirituality. The New Man, Farrar, Straus & Cudahy, New York, 1961. as he intends for us, and to share in the enlightenment that his love for us is absolute. (1)

Merton writes, “He who attempts to act and do things for others or for the world without deepening his own self-understanding, freedom, integrity and capacity to love, will not have anything to give to others”. Of course, modern man is consumed more with the quantity of life, rather than the quality of it. Merton advised that in trying to achieve holy

pleasure through drugs is an attempt only. One must understand the fundamental intent of life in Christ and consider the complete consequence of its wealth. The use of psychedelic drugs only mimics the integration of love without producing it. (3)

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**Bibliography**

Works Cited

1. “The False Self”, is condemned to failure, because it is without “The Inner Self”, that is having God in and through us.

Merton was concerned with the radical changes of modern society man. Thomas Merton, Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1998.

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