Thomas Merton: His Life, Spirituality, and Social Consciousness (LF 673/873)
Prerequesites
None
Date
Friday, Jan. 16th – Sunday, Jan. 18th
Credit
2.0
Block
3
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce students to the life, spirituality and social awareness of the renowned Trappist monk, Thomas Merton. It will do so via three interlocking approaches. The first will focus on Merton’s life, noting the important people and events that were formative for his spirituality, and helped shape his ministry as spiritual director and author. The second focus will be on Merton’s spirituality, reviewing not only on how his life influenced his spiritual formation, but also on how his studies of other faiths also influenced him. The third focus will be on the development and growth of his spiritual consciousness and how these influenced his commitment to social issues, even as he lived the life of a cloistered contemplative monk.
Professor
William (Bill) Grimes
Contingent Faculty
Education
He holds multiple degrees including two associates, one in nursing and one in science; a B.S. in Science; B.H.S. in Health Science from the College of Health Sciences; a master’s in pastoral studies; and a Doctor of Ministry in health care ministry.
Bio
Bill Grimes was born in Chicago and attended parochial schools. Feeling called to the ministry he attended St. Meinrad High School Seminary in southern Indiana. While at St. Meinrad he realized that he had a vocation for the monastic life. He decided to enter Gethsemani Trappist Monastery in Kentucky and was fortunate to have Fr. Louis (Thomas) Merton as his novice master, mentor, teacher, spiritual director and friend. Today he is an ordained Deacon and his ministry is primarily providing health care in Eastern Kentucky to the uninsured people of this Appalachian Region. He is married and has nine children and over 60 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also a professor emeritus at University of Kentucky, College of Health Sciences. Bill has an AA in Nursing from Chicago City College, a BS in Biochemistry from University of Illinois, a BHS from University of Kentucky in Health Science, an MPS from Loyola in New Orleans and a D. Min from Graduate Theological Foundation.
Course Information
Course Goals & Learning Outcomes
- Intellectual: become acquainted with the life, thought, and writings of Thomas Merton; explore Merton’s vast and eclectic array of interests and writings; examine how Merton’s interactions and communications with those he met and with world religions helped shaped his worldview.
- Practical: develop a basic knowledge of Merton and institute practical ways in which to continue to study, learn, and grow from his teachings so that he can serve as a spiritual mentor; consider ways in which you can apply his teachings to your life and to that of your congregation/ parish setting/ context.
- Spiritual: consider ways in which you can grow personally and spiritually as you study how Merton developed spiritually, deepened his knowledge of God, and applied his spirituality to personal life issues.
Required Textbooks
Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation, New Directions Publishing Corporation, 1962
Thomas Merton, Seeds of Destruction, American Book-Stratford Press, Inc. 1964
Is there pre-course work?
What technology is required?
What will I need to bring to class?
Should I bring snacks?
What do I do if I can't join physically?
LTS does offer hybrid intensives options at the discretion of the Dean and course professor. Please contact the Dean’s Office prior to registering for courses to make your hybrid course request.
Other Intensives Course Offerings
Exegesis for the Church (IS 560)
IP Block: IP 550 & IP 551
Christian Political Ethics for Social Transformation (IB 678/878)
LM Block: LM 556 & LM 558
LC Block: LC 550, LC 552, and LC 554
IF Block: IF 556 & IF 558
