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ISBN 13: 978-1-931816-01-4
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A Confessional Portrayal of the Last Day in the Life of the Famous Catholic Monk and Writer

BEST SPIRITUAL BOOK AWARD for
2003-2004 from Northern California Publishers & Authors
(formerly Sacramento Publishers & Authors)

Paul Hourihan's powerful new voice challenges our most basic assumptions about religion and spirituality in this intense, unforgettable rendering―in semi-fictional form―of the last hours of Thomas Merton's life.

Why did the famous Catholic monk and acclaimed writer, die so mysteriously and suddenly?
In this radical reinterpretation of Merton's character, Hourihan provides a convincing explanation to this question, which a multitude of Catholics, and others, have asked themselves.  He probes the enigmatic event, which occurred in a cottage room outside of Bangkok in December 1968, with such insight that the significance of Merton's death is illuminated for the first time. 

He sees Merton as a tragically divided soul unable to resolve his conflicts within a Christian framework, who was driven for release―too late and unsuccessfully―into the world of Oriental mysticism. He also views him as a man who should not have become a monk in the first place, falling victim as he did to his own spiritual inadequacies, as well as to fame, and uncritical hero-worship from laity and clergy, both lacking knowledge of what constituted a true mystic. This fact-based confessional novel, written from an Eastern philosophy perspective, will appeal to ex-Catholics and others with a Christian background searching for guidance outside of their traditional faith.

Revealed in this spiritual book, is the unsuspected gap between the reality and the image of this 20th century Catholic icon, exposing the truth behind the façade. Consequently, it is not recommended for warm admirers of Thomas Merton, who want to maintain their cherished image of him.

Hourihan demythologizes Thomas Merton, a man sadly unsuited for the role his followers imposed on him. His basic conclusion is that Westerners lack grounding in a mystical orientation that would instruct them about the nature of spirituality. Hourihan, an American himself, reveals Western religious institutions as inadequate for understanding the mystical traditions of the world.

A Note of Caution

Rooted in the mysticism of the East, The Death of Thomas Merton is not intended to confuse or disturb the faith of anyone, but it is a novel likely to seem overly provocative to many, that may offend Westerners comfortable in their religious beliefs—especially warm admirers of Thomas Merton.

As religious faith is our most treasured possession, those who have it should guard it carefully. The present work is not for some.

No one should be ashamed of acting prudently in so crucial an area. We all know the experience of exposing our minds to books or films which, in retrospect, we would have done better to avoid. For certain individuals The Death of Thomas Merton may be such an experience.

The Preface should be examined to help in coming to a decision.