Thomas Merton's contribution to the theology of hope, a contextual, diachronic and analytical-synthetic study

grantor: University of St. Michael's CollegeThe purpose of this dissertation is to explore the contribution of Thomas Merton (1915–1968) to the theology of hope. At the beginning of his monastic career (1941–1951), Merton had already discovered and engaged the many facets of hope. From 1952 to 1959 his writings embody an explicit concern with hope in the context of social and political issues. In the final period of his life (1960–1968), hope became axial to his thought. While Merton never wrote a full and formal treatise on the subject, his works invite a construction of a broad-based theology of hope. Only a few scholars have taken note of this important factor. A primary contention of this dissertation then is that Merton's reflections on hope are a key facet, if not the ground, of his theological legacy dating to the third quarter of the twentieth century. The dissertation is divided into five chapters. Chapter I provides a summary of the theology of hope from 1959 to the present by its three major academic exponents, Wolfhart Pannenberg, Jürgen Moltmann, and Johann Baptist Metz. Although Merton's theology of hope does not impact or reflect the concerns of these academics, a survey of these works provides a basis for comparing Merton's approach to and gestalt of hope, especially since his writings on hope for the most part precede theirs. This comparative perspective provides a basic setting for the Merton contribution. Chapter II offers a diachronic investigation of Merton's views on hope, carefully following the publication sequence of his works. Chapter III studies the Merton correlations of hope with spirituality, the Messianic kingdom, historical disengagement, and pessimism and evil. Chapter IV constructs a synthesis of the Trappist's hope from a theological, philosophical, psychological, and socio-political standpoint. Chapter V, in conclusion, evaluates Merton's overall understanding of hope. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Ph.D