Notes On Genesis And Exodus

Thomas Merton presented numerous sets ofconferences during his decade (1955-1965) as novice master at the CistercianAbbey of Gethsemani. The two courses included in this volume - a thoroughexamination of the book of Genesis that began in mid-1956 and concluded on theFeast of Pentecost in 1957, and a series of classes on the book of Exodus from1957 and 1958 - are here presented for the first time in a critical editionaccompanied by extensive annotation and a comprehensive introduction. These coursescomprise the only major surviving teaching notes on particular books ofScripture dating from the years when Merton was in charge of the novitiate.They provide direct access to his views on the intellectual and spiritualcontexts in which they should be understood. As biblical scholar PaulineViviano writes in her preface, ''this edition of Thomas Merton''s class notesbrings us into the workings of a great spiritual leader''s mind as he reflectsupon Scripture. . . . all who are on aspiritual journey can gain from his insights and the lessons he draws.''