Next week, a group of Murray State faculty members will host a panel discussion on the American Catholic writer and mystic Thomas Merton. Hear William Mulligan, Cynthia Gayman and Matthew Robertson give a preview of the program on Sounds Good.
Mulligan says MSU’s religious studies program doesn’t get much attention, something this event is looking to help alleviate. He says Merton had deep roots in Kentucky, serving as a monk near Bardstown for some time.
Merton also made a name for himself as an author. Gayman says she first read his work in her early twenties, and immediately found herself drawn to him. She even converted to Catholicism at 25.
Much of Merton’s early work has ties to his secular life – He lived as a bachelor with all the amenities that brings. His struggle to maintain his monastic vows are referenced often.
Robertson says while he’s still somewhat new to Merton’s life, he has taken an interest and is excited for the panel.
The event is scheduled for Tuesday from 3:30-5:30 P.M. at MSU. Before the panel, there’ll be a screening of a documentary on Merton’s life. Mulligan says it’s a non-denominational discussion.
