Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: Praying the Psalms by Thomas Merton ISBN: 0-8146-0548-6 Publisher: Liturgical Press Pub. Date: December, 1956 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $3.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.25 (4 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: A clear, general intro to the Psalms, but slightly dated
Comment: I was hoping to find the same penetrating and illuminating insights to the Psalms as can be found in Merton's writings about social issues. It wasn't that kind of book, but, nevertheless, this introduction to the Psalms is a little gem.
The beginning starts off like a set of frequently asked questions about the Psalms-an old fashioned catechism of sorts. At worst, some parts read like theological pious platitudes. The book was written in 1955, and much of it has a pre-Vatican II veneer. Merton seems to address Roman Catholics only. When he mentions the church, he means the institutional church, and he stresses obedience. He doesn't overdo these things. I just noticed them.
Merton centers the Psalms on Christ and the church. He extracts teachings about the Psalms from Saint Augustine as well as Saint Ambrose. Defying the repressive stereotype of the pre-Vatican II Catholic Church, Merton addresses the issue of emotion, both in the Psalms and in the one who prays them. What I did find very insightful was the idea that controlled emotion, because it is controlled, is often experienced as more intense than otherwise. This idea is a good counterweight to the unhinged emotion of some members of the post-Vatican II, Charismatic movement.
In the second half of the book, Merton delves into individual as well as groups and categories of Psalms. The main thrust of the book is to prepare the devout to begin to cultivate the interior life. What I did find illuminating is Merton's explanation of why we should praise God. He claims that, in doing so, we can help sense and cultivate an appreciation for God's love for us. I think there is certain emotion logic to that statement. It would be immensely therapeutic for anyone. Lastly, Merton holds hold up Mary, the mother Jesus, as a model of the interior life, for us to emulate. And that is a nice counterweight to the masculine harshness of obedience.
Rating: 5
Summary: A Great Introduction to the Use of the Psalms
Comment: Merton's book on Praying using the Psalms is a great introduction into this fabulous book of the Bible. It's exmaples and eloquence speak volumes in the development of a Christian's prayer life. I consider this book a must have classic to be read on an annual basis.
Rating: 4
Summary: Merton's Joy in Psalm
Comment: As a Cistercian monk, a Trappist, Merton chants the Psalms on a daily basis. In having such frequent recourse to the Psalms, Merton provides his insight into the joy, passion, pleasure, and love that the Psalms reflect.
In a readable and pleasant dialogue, Merton conveys the "prayer of the Church", the psalms, to the laymen so that we too may experience the rich insight into God that they provide.
Aside from providing a great commentary on the Psalms, Merton delves into the mystery of God's relationship with his creation, man. Your spiritual life will be enhanced by reading Merton and the Psalms. This is, perhaps, not as captivating as Seven Storey Mountain, but it is worth the read.
 |
Title: Opening the Bible by Thomas Merton ISBN: 0814604080 Publisher: Liturgical Press Pub. Date: August, 2000 List Price(USD): $6.95 |
 |
Title: The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton ISBN: 0156010860 Publisher: Harvest Books Pub. Date: 04 October, 1999 List Price(USD): $16.00 |
 |
Title: Contemplative Prayer by Thomas Merton ISBN: 0385092199 Publisher: Image Books Pub. Date: 01 February, 1971 List Price(USD): $9.95 |
 |
Title: New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton ISBN: 081120099X Publisher: New Directions Publishing Pub. Date: November, 1974 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
 |
Title: Spiritual Direction and Meditation by Thomas Merton ISBN: 0814604129 Publisher: Liturgical Press Pub. Date: June, 1986 List Price(USD): $7.95 |
Thank you for visiting www.AnyBook4Less.com and enjoy your savings!
Copyright� 2001-2021 Send your comments
