The Sign of Jonas
by Thomas Merton
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Book Summary Information
Author: Thomas MertonEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2002-11-18
ISBN: 015602800X
Number of pages: 384
Publisher: Mariner Books
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780156028004
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of The Sign of Jonas
Book Review: A Glimpse Into The Life of Merton As Monk And Writer
Summary: 5 Stars
THE SIGN OF JONAS is a collection of journal entries written by Thomas Merton between 1946 and 1952. The purpose of the book was to introduce readers to the daily life of a monk, though the gifted Merton was hardly a typical monk of his day or any other. Readers will get a glimpse into this spiritual seeker and see the ups and downs of the life of someone who was truly in search of union with God. Since readers of this text are encountering Merton nearly forty years after his death, we read it with hindsight and can see the complexities that are Merton. We have many spiritual nuggets, his daily struggles and his restlessness and the conflicts both within himself and with monastic life. We also see someone who was trying to persevere in the spiritual life which may be one reason why Merton appeals to so many and his life captures so much interest. Perhaps what I enjoy most I enjoy most about THE SIGN OF JONAS would be the references to his writings and the publication of THE SEVEN STOREY MOUNTAIN. We hear him speak in some entries about edits that have been made by the publisher, references to portions that were edited by the monastery itself (often referred to as censored, but since he was writing it for the benefit of the order, the order did have the right to do some editing) and his love/hate relationship with the book that made him a well know figure.
In order to best appreciate this book, I would read it after THE SEVEN STOREY MOUNTAIN. It would also be a good idea to be familiar with the expectations of religious life as well the rigors of the life of a Trappist prior to the reforms of Vatican II. Without a basic knowledge of Merton's life, as well as the circumstances of his life would probably make THE SIGN OF JONAS somewhat confusing. For Merton lovers, this book has so much to offer. I usually like to read it slowly: an entry or two at a time and try to understand what was happening in Merton's life at the time. For me this approach makes his spiritual struggles not all that different from the struggles of the rest of us. Using this approach Merton goes from being a spiritual giant to a fellow traveler which is probably what he would have preferred.
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