The Seven Storey Mountain

1. Spiritual awakening begins with recognizing the emptiness of materialism

The love of pleasure is destined by its very nature to defeat itself and end in frustration.

Emptiness of materialism. Merton's journey begins with a profound realization that the pursuit of worldly pleasures and success ultimately leads to a sense of emptiness and frustration. This awakening is often triggered by:

• Disillusionment with the promises of consumer culture
• Recognition of the fleeting nature of material satisfaction
• A growing sense of spiritual hunger that cannot be filled by worldly pursuits

The author's experiences in academia, social circles, and his pursuit of literary success all contribute to this realization, pushing him towards a search for deeper meaning and purpose in life.

2. The journey to faith is often marked by intellectual and emotional struggles

I had never had an adequate notion of what Christians meant by God.

Intellectual and emotional turmoil. Merton's path to faith is not a smooth one, but rather a journey filled with doubts, questions, and internal conflicts. This struggle is characterized by:

• Grappling with philosophical and theological concepts
• Confronting personal biases and misconceptions about religion
• Reconciling intellectual understanding with emotional and spiritual needs

The author's background in literature and philosophy both helps and hinders his journey, as he seeks to understand faith through an intellectual lens while also experiencing emotional and spiritual stirrings.

3. Conversion is a process of gradual transformation, not an instant change

Perhaps if I had only had some conscious need of God, some realization of my own insufficiency, my own helplessness to achieve any good by my own strength, I would have been able to come to a knowledge of Him.

Gradual transformation. Merton's conversion is not a sudden event but a gradual process of transformation that unfolds over time. This process involves:

• Accumulating experiences and insights that slowly shift one's perspective
• Encountering key individuals and ideas that challenge existing beliefs
• Moments of clarity and insight interspersed with periods of doubt and confusion

The author's journey from atheism to Catholicism is marked by a series of encounters, readings, and personal reflections that slowly reshape his understanding of faith and spirituality.

4. The Catholic Church offers a rich tradition of intellectual and spiritual depth

I discovered not only that no idea of ours, let alone any image, could adequately represent God, but also that we should not allow ourselves to be satisfied with any such knowledge of Him.

Rich Catholic tradition. Merton finds in Catholicism a depth of intellectual and spiritual tradition that appeals to his scholarly inclinations. This tradition is characterized by:

• A long history of philosophical and theological inquiry
• A rich liturgical and sacramental life
• A diverse array of spiritual writings and practices

The author is particularly drawn to the works of Catholic thinkers and mystics, finding in them a bridge between his intellectual pursuits and his growing spiritual hunger.

5. True conversion requires more than just intellectual assent

I had never prayed in the churches I had visited.

Beyond intellectual assent. Merton realizes that true conversion involves more than just agreeing with religious ideas; it requires a fundamental change in one's way of living and thinking. This realization involves:

• Recognizing the limitations of purely intellectual approaches to faith
• Embracing the need for personal prayer and spiritual practices
• Allowing faith to transform one's daily life and decisions

The author struggles with moving beyond his intellectual understanding of Catholicism to a lived experience of faith, recognizing the need for personal commitment and spiritual discipline.

6. The sacraments and prayer are essential for spiritual growth

I left the altar rail and went back to the pew where the others were kneeling like four shadows, four unrealities, and I hid my face in my hands.

Importance of sacraments and prayer. Merton discovers the transformative power of Catholic sacraments and prayer life. This discovery includes:

• The profound impact of the Eucharist on his spiritual life
• The role of confession in personal growth and self-reflection
• The importance of regular prayer in maintaining a connection with God

The author's experiences with the sacraments, particularly his first communion, mark significant milestones in his spiritual journey and deepen his commitment to the Catholic faith.

7. Embracing a life of faith demands ongoing commitment and self-reflection

I had come, like the Jews, through the Red Sea of Baptism. I was entering into a desert—a terribly easy and convenient desert, with all the trials tempered to my weakness—where I would have a chance to give God great glory by simply trusting and obeying Him.

Ongoing commitment. Merton learns that conversion is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a lifelong process of growth and commitment. This ongoing journey involves:

• Continuous self-examination and spiritual reflection
• Navigating the challenges of living out one's faith in a secular world
• Deepening one's understanding and practice of faith over time

The author struggles with maintaining his spiritual fervor after his initial conversion, realizing the need for ongoing effort and dedication in his faith journey.

8. The pursuit of worldly success can hinder spiritual development

I was becoming a Communist.

Worldly distractions. Merton recognizes that his pursuit of literary success and academic achievements often conflicts with his spiritual growth. This tension is evident in:

• The temptation to prioritize career advancement over spiritual development
• The challenge of balancing intellectual pursuits with spiritual practices
• The need to reorient one's ambitions in light of faith

The author grapples with reconciling his literary aspirations and his growing sense of spiritual vocation, ultimately leading him to consider a more radical commitment to faith.

9. Spiritual guidance and community support are crucial for sustaining faith

I should have begun at once, in the first place, to go to Communion every day.

Importance of guidance and community. Merton realizes the vital role of spiritual direction and community support in nurturing faith. This realization includes:

• The need for experienced spiritual guides to navigate the challenges of faith
• The importance of a supportive faith community for encouragement and accountability
• The value of Catholic traditions and practices in providing structure for spiritual growth

The author regrets not seeking more guidance and support in the early stages of his conversion, recognizing how this could have helped him avoid many spiritual pitfalls.

10. The journey of faith ultimately leads to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world

What a revelation it was, to discover so many ordinary people in a place together, more conscious of God than of one another.

Deeper understanding. Merton's journey of faith leads him to a profound transformation in how he views himself, others, and the world around him. This transformation includes:

• A growing sense of interconnectedness with all of humanity
• A deeper appreciation for the sacred in everyday life
• A reorientation of personal values and priorities

The author's evolving perspective culminates in his decision to enter monastic life, seeking a more radical commitment to his newfound faith and a deeper exploration of its mysteries.

Last updated: November 3, 2024