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“Even before the 1949 publication of Seeds of Contemplation, the working text that would become Seeds and then later revised to become New Seeds of Contemplation in 1961 held a distinctive place in Thomas Merton’s thought and work. Unlike many of his other published volumes, Merton held New Seeds in high esteem, recognizing the power of its contents, the authenticity of its guidance, and the wisdom it conveys. As Donald Grayston demonstrated through his scholarly work in the 1980s, Merton revised what would become Seeds and then New Seeds multiple times, leading Grayston to consider each iteration—both in typescript and then in published form—to be part of a singular whole. Since Grayston’s groundbreaking work nearly forty years ago, there has been little sustained study of New Seeds, despite its continued popularity and relevance for spiritual seekers today.

Since 2022, Daniel Horan has been engaged in a long-term project to pick up where Grayston left off, returning to the past iterations of the manuscript developed over more-than-a-decade that Merton worked on it, examining the contemporary relevance of this modern spiritual classic, and exploring what its future might hold for generations to come.

This presentation will explore the past, present, and future significance of New Seeds of Contemplation and invite those in attendance to see this spiritual masterpiece in new ways.”

�鶹��ý the Presenter:

Daniel P. Horan, PhD is Professor of Philosophy, Religious Studies and Theology at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. A columnist for the National Catholic Reporter, he is the author or editor of sixteen books, including Catholicity and Emerging Personhood: A Contemporary Theological Anthropology, A White Catholic’s Guide to Racism and Privilege, Engaging Thomas Merton: Spirituality, Justice, and Racism and Fear and Faith: Hope and Wholeness in a Fractured World. He is currently completing a book on Christology tentatively titled, Not Because of Sin: Reconsidering the Reason God Became Human. His academic research, writing, and teaching focuses on medieval and contemporary spirituality, medieval and modern philosophy, theological anthropology, Christology, antiracism and LGBTQ issues, and theologies of creation. Prof. Horan regularly lectures around the United States and abroad; and serves on several university, academic, and publication editorial boards, including the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality. He is recipient of numerous awards for his writing and service and is co-host of The Francis Effect Podcast. 

Co-presented with the Chicago Chapter - International Thomas Merton Society.