Book SummaryThe Seven Storey Mountain, by Thomas Merton

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Seven Storey Mountain

The author's journey involved a profound exploration of faith and spirituality.

Merton's autobiography details his initial exposure to a range of spiritual concepts, yet without a genuine conviction, which ultimately led to his wholehearted acceptance of Catholicism. He narrates his early life, which lacked formal religious guidance, and his subsequent discovery of the profound spirituality and intellectual richness inherent in Catholicism.

Early encounters with religious practices lacked profound conviction.

Merton grew up in an environment that deeply valued genuineness and honesty, but during his early years, he encountered an absence of consistent spiritual guidance. His artist parents maintained a neutral stance on structured faith, allowing him to explore various spiritual avenues without imposing any rigorous beliefs.

He was baptized at a young age, yet this had little impact on his spiritual path.

Merton recounts the tale of his christening as an infant in Prades, France. Merton argues that although his spiritual practice was shaped by the Anglican convictions of his father, it failed to correct the misalignments in his inherent liberty or guide him away from a condition of spiritual ambiguity. The writer considers the significance of this occurrence within the teachings of the Catholic Church, but he recognizes that at this point in time, its influence on his life was negligible due to the absence of a nurturing religious fellowship or ongoing spiritual growth.

He first encountered Quakerism through his mother's influence.

In Flushing, New York, Merton became accustomed to the quiet contemplation and individual spiritual insights that were typical of the Quaker gatherings his mother frequently visited. During his solitary visit with his father to the Quaker meeting house, he found himself more intrigued by Dan Beard, a prominent figure in the Boy Scouts, than by any spiritual insights. He subsequently returned to Quakerism, but found himself dissatisfied by their plain and unremarkable teachings. The excerpt emphasizes Merton's initial yearning for a faith that would wholly engage both his intellect and spirit.

He found himself more attracted to the ceremonial elements and the symbolism of the Episcopalian church than to its theological teachings.

During his developmental years, Merton sometimes attended Episcopal services where his father was the organist. While the ceremonies captivated him with their elements, like the march of the clergy, the church windows' kaleidoscope of hues, the hymns' holy melodies, and the flickering candlelight, the services left him with a sense of fulfilling an obligation but without a deep understanding or connection to the foundational doctrines. This initial encounter underscores the allure of ceremonial splendor in the absence of a deep comprehension of spiritual tenets.

Uncertainty regarding his grandparents' denomination

During his stay with his grandparents, Merton observed their lackluster Protestant beliefs. Though they provided financial assistance to various religious organizations, their spiritual practices were vague and not well-defined, reflecting a belief system that aligned more with social norms than with a deeply personal conviction. His upbringing led him to view religion primarily as a societal creation rather than an essential route to divine connection.

Investigating the intricate interplay between the principles of Catholicism and their manifestation in artistic forms.

This section explores Merton’s intellectual journey toward Catholicism. He narrates his journey through Catholic thought, influenced by Etienne Gilson's writings, and describes how the holy symbols found in Catholic places of worship led him to develop a deep veneration for Christ and the fundamental principles of the Christian faith.

Discovering the profundity and intellectual rigor of Catholicism through Gilson's writings

Merton's path to spiritual enlightenment reached a pivotal moment with his discovery of Etienne Gilson's work, "The Spirit of Medieval Philosophy." Initially hesitant due to the book's promotion by the "Mission," his curiosity overcame his reservations, prompting him to explore its contents and ultimately reconsider his previously held beliefs about Catholicism. The book introduced the concept of "aseitas," which transformed his perception, moving from a vague, anthropomorphic view to a profoundly logical and self-sufficient nature of the Divine. This intellectual encounter sparked a profound respect for the unwavering beliefs and foundational principles inherent in Catholicism.

Gaining fresh insight into the concept of "aseitas" in relation to how it is understood within Catholic theology.

Gilson's exposition on "aseitas" deeply influenced Merton's understanding of the Divine's true nature. His comprehension deepened to acknowledge a divine presence that surpassed mere projections of human desires and emotions, representing "Pure Act," an existence...