Theses and Dissertations about Thomas Merton

Research on the life and writings of Thomas Merton has been undertaken all over the world on a wide variety of levels.
This page lists, to the best of my knowledge, all theses and dissertations completed on Thomas Merton. It is divided into two parts. The first part contains works specifically about him and this is followed by a smaller section of works which make substantial reference to him.

If you know of any works that have been omitted please send or e-mail me that information and I will bring this list up-to-date.

Works followed by an asterisk * are held in the collections of the Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University and may be consulted there. For further information see the Merton Center web pages.

The Center is always keen to acquire dissertations about Thomas Merton that they do not currently hold, if you are able to assist in supplying such items please contact Paul M Pearson at the Merton Center.


Theses and Dissertations specifically about Thomas Merton

Author Index

[A-B] [C-E] [F-G] [H-J] [K-L] [M-O] [P-R] [S-T] [U-Z]


A - B

  • Abair, Cynthia Sue. "Contemplation and Community: Paradoxical Themes in Thomas Merton's Prose." master's (California State University, Dominguez Hills, California, 1997). *
  • Adams, Daniel J. "Contemplation and Action in the Spirituality of Thomas Merton." doctoral (Aquinas Institute of Philosophy and Theology, Dubuque, Iowa, 1973). *
  • Adams, Frances. "A Journey Toward the Feminine: An Introduction to the Feminine Archetype in the Dreams and Selected Works of Thomas Merton." senior thesis (Bellarmine University, Louisville, Kentucky, 2001). *
  • Adams, Robert Patrick. "The Notion of Authority in the Thought of Thomas Merton with Special Emphasis on Racism and War." doctoral (St. Mary's Seminary & University, Emmitsburg, Maryland, 1989). *
  • Akey, John. �Liturgical Imagery in the Poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins, Thomas Merton, and Robert Lowell.� master�s (University of Vermont, Vermont, 1950). *
  • Albarran, Louis T. "Thomas Merton and the Mask of Dylan: How Thomas Merton Passed Over into Bob Dylan's Art." master's (University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio, 2005). *

  • Albin, Colin Leslie. "Dialogue with Asian Religions: Exploring 'A Way' with Thomas Merton." master's (University of Lancaster, Lancaster, England, 1997). *
  • Almeida, Joseph. �Content and Methodology of �Prayer� According to the Thought of Thomas Merton.� doctoral (Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy, 1991).
  • Altany, Alan. "The Transformation of the Idea of the Sacred in the Poetry of Thomas Merton." doctoral (University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, 1987). *
  • Amogu, Christian Ifeanyi. �Prayer and Asceticism in the Search for the Authentic Self in Thomas Merton.� doctoral (Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy, 1996).
  • Amrhein, Patricia. "Social Action Informed by Prayer: Insights Into the Lives and Writings of Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton as a Foundation for a Contemplative Retreat Experience." doctoral (Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC., 2005).
  • Anderson, Deborah L. "Thomas Merton and the Spiritual Formation of Peacemakers." master's (Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, 1991). *
  • Anderson, James William. "The Meaning of Emptiness in Thomas Merton's Contemplative Thought." master's (University of Florida, Florida, 1979). *
  • Anderson, Walter Patterson. "Incongruence between Self-Concept and Experience: The Case of Thomas Merton." doctoral (University of Virginia, Virginia, 1998). *
  • Araujo, Luiz Gonzaga Sampaio de. "K�nosis e Compaix�o: Perspectivas de Di�logo Inter- Religioso Entre Cristianismo e Budismo a Partir das Contribui��es de Thomas Merton e Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki." master's (Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil, 1999). *
  • Arcilla Solero, Jose. "El Sentido del Silencio en Thomas Merton." doctoral (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain, 1979). *
  • Arter, Margaret Helen. "The Ends and Means of the Life of Thomas Merton: From Mysticism to Humanism." master's (Claremont School of Theology, California, 2004). *

  • Bacic, Robert. "Thomas Merton's Understanding of Solitude." master's (University of Kansas, Kansas, 1987). *
  • Bailey, Raymond Hamby. "The Evolution of the Mystical Thought of Thomas Merton." doctoral (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, 1973). *
  • Baird, Mary Julian. "The Treatment of the Mother of God in the Writings of Thomas Merton." master's (St. Bonaventure's University, Olean, New York, 1956). *
  • Baker, James Thomas. "Thomas Merton: the Spiritual and Social Philosophy of Union." doctoral (Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, 1968). *
  • Barrett, Roland Clyde. "Figures for an Apocalypse: An Oratorio for Chorus and Wind Ensemble." doctoral (University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma, 2000). *
  • Bartkowski, Bill. �Definition and Contradiction: The Thought and Poetry of Thomas Merton.� master�s (North Dakota State University, North Dakota, 1979). *

  • Bauman, B. "Thomasa Mertona � Studium Psycho-biograficzne W Swietle Teorii Dezintegraci Pozytywnej Kazimierza Dabrowskiego." master's (Pedagogical College, Bydgoszcz, Poland, 1994).
  • Beglo, Barton. "Violence and the Worshipping Community with Particular Reference to Daniel Berrigan and Thomas Merton." master's (McGil University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 1979). *
  • Bellerman, James David Ayer. "The Challenge of Engagement: Centrality and Expansion in the Theology of Thomas Merton." bachelor's (Reed College, Portland, Oregon, 1997). *
  • Bennett, Meredith. "Themes and Imagery in the Spiritual Poems of Thomas Merton: 1944-1949." magisterial (University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 1978). *
  • Bertelli, Get�lio Ant�nio. "M�stica E Compaix�o: A Teologia Do Seguimento De Jesus Em Thomas Merton." doctoral (Pontif�cia Universidade Cat�lica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2005). *
  • Berthelot, Joseph Alfred. "Thomas Merton: A Study." master's (University of Texas at El Paso, Texas, 1955). *
  • Blackwell, Thomas. "How did Thomas Merton Understand the Contemplative Life as Leading to a Life of Active Engagement with the World?" bachelors (Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, 2005). *

  • Bowden, Lisa. "Passion and Paradox: Sacramental Metaphor in Thomas Merton." bachelor's (Millsaps College, Jackson, Mississippi, 1987).
  • Bowen, Mary Rose. �Symbolism of Sun and Light in Thomas Merton's Poetry.� master's (Catholic University of America, Washington, DC., 1957). *

  • Bowman, Bonnie Lila. "Flowers of Contemplation: The Later Poetry of Thomas Merton." doctoral (University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 1979). *
  • Brady, Geraldine. "Thomas Merton: Development and Prayer." master's (Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut, 1975). *
  • Briere, Jacques. "Thomas Merton: Cheminement et Attitudes Monastiques." master's (Universite de Lyon, Lyon, France, 1974). *
  • Brighouse, Diana. "A Cataphatic Theology with an Apophatic Approach: A Critique of the Spirituality of Thomas Merton." master's (King Alfred's University College, Winchester, University of Southampton, 1997). *
  • Broad, David. "'Dark Lightening': Thomas Merton and the Paradox of Solitude." master's (Heythrop College, University of London, London, England, 1997).
  • Brown, Hunter Lawlor. "Thomas Merton on Prayer in the Lay State." master's (University of St. Michael's College, Toronto, Canada, 1974). *
  • Brown, Hunter Lawlor. "Some Implications of Thomas Merton's Thought for Theology of the Laity." doctoral (University of St. Michael's College, Toronto, Canada, 1979). *
  • Bruckner, Jim. "Dag Hammarskjold and Tom Merton: The Search for Faith in a Desert." master's (North Park Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois, 1982).
  • Brul�, Dominique. "Les Exp�riences Spirituelles de Thomas Merton Dans Son Autobiographie et Son Journal (1939-1941)." masters (Universit� Paul Verlaine, Metz, France, 2009). *
  • Bubel, Katherine. "Recovering Sophia: The Judeo-Christian Wisdom Figure and the Sophiological Aesthetics of Gerard Manley Hopkins and Thomas Merton." master's (Trinity Western University, Langley, British Columbia, Canada, 2009). *
  • Bueler, Gabrielle. "Thomas Merton's Spiritual Anthropology of the 'True Self': A Stepping Stone to Self-Realization and a Bridge to Advaita Vedanta." master's (Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California, 1984). *
  • Burton, Patricia A. " The Book that Never Was: Thomas Merton's Peace in the Post-Christian Era." report (John M. Kelly Library, University of St. Michael's College, Tononto, Canada, 1998). *
  • Button, Simone Marie. See Hengen, Simone Marie.

    Top of page

    C - E

  • Cager, Marion Theresa. "Merton the Mystic." master's (Xavier University of Louisiana, Louisiana, 1953). *
  • Callaghan, Michael John. "The English Mystics and Thomas Merton's Sense of Absence." doctoral (New York University, New York, 1998). *
  • Calmes, Robert. "Literary Devices and Apophatic Thought in Thomas Merton's Early Poetry." masters (North Carolina State University, Raliegh, North Carolina, 1993).
  • Campbell, Annette. "Thomas Merton's Dilemma: The Kerygma and/or Zen Consciousness." master's (McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, 1983). *
  • Campbell, Susan Margaret. "The Poetry of Thomas Merton: A Study in Theory, Influences and Form." doctoral (Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, 1954). *
  • Caputi, Ilaria. "Il Primo Thomas Merton: The Seven Storey Mountain." (Universita' Degli Studi Di Napoli, Naples, Italy, 1971).
  • Cashen, Richard Anthony. "The Concept of Solitude in the Thought of Thomas Merton." doctoral (Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy, 1981). *
  • Cechony, Therese Rowley. "Birds of a Feather: A Study of the Influence of Eastern Philosophy on the Writings of Henry David Thoreau and Thomas Merton." master's (Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2002). *
  • Centner, David J. "The Influence of St. John of the Cross in the Writings of Thomas Merton." STL (Pontifical Theological Faculty of St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross, Rome, 1972).

  • Chambers, Timothy J. "Contemplation as the Rediscovery of Paradise: A Key to Understanding Thomas Merton." master's (Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, New York, 1976). *
  • Charankat, Peter M. "The Influence of Gandhi and Hinduism on Thomas Merton: The Consciousness of 'Being' and of 'Non-duality' in the Non-violence of Gandhi and its Influence on Thomas Merton." master's (Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, California, 1982). *
  • Chevreau, Guy Antony. "Thomas Merton on Contemplative Prayer." master's (Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, 1981). *
  • Ciesielski, P., OP. "Samotność Jako Droga i Przestrzeń Kontemplacji Na Podstawie Wybranych Tekst�w Thomasa Mertona." master's (Krak�w, Poland, 1990).
  • Ciller, Elvira Rodenas. �Thomas Merton: Una Propuesta De Vida Interior.� licenciatura (Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Madrid, 2005). *

  • Collier, Trent Bryce. "A Madman Runs to the East: Thomas Merton and Zen Buddhism." senior honors paper (Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, 1996). *
  • Cook, Megan. "A Journey of Paradox: Thomas Merton on Being Human." bachelors (Trinity Western University, Langley, British Columbia, 2004). *
  • Coombs, Marie. "Mystery Hidden Yet Revealed: A Study of the Interrelationship of Transcendence, Self-Actualization and Creative Expression, with Reference to the Lives and the Works of Thomas Merton and Georgia O'Keeffe." doctoral (Graduate Theological Foundation, Donaldson, Indiana, 1996). [Published book version in Merton Center.] *
  • Cosgrove, Edward Coleman. "Contemplation for Education: Its Value Shown in the Life, Education, and Writings of Thomas Merton." doctoral (Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 1973). *
  • Cotty, Marion William. "Christian Wisdom and Merton's Poetry." master's (Boston College, Boston, Mass., 1966). *
  • Cousineau, Monique. "La Theologie de la Paix Selon Thomas Merton: Un Cheminement Spirituel." master's (University of St. Michael's College, Toronto, Canada, 1971). *
  • Crouse, Jeffrey Dennis Peter. "A Political Consideration of Thomas Merton's Metaphysic of Nonviolence." master's (University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, 1988). *
  • Crowe, Terrence R. "An Examination of Thomas Merton's Changing Views of the Contemplative in Society, 1948-1968." master's (Wheaton College, Norton, Mass., 1985). *
  • Cullen, Th�r�se A. "'Love is the Measure': The Lives of Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton as Counter-Cultural Models of the Church." masters (Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, 2004). *
  • Cunningham, Edna. "Grace as the Self-communication of the Holy Spirit in the Writings of Thomas Merton." doctoral (Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy, 1991). *
  • Dat-Tien-Vu, Joseph. "The Recovery of Paradise: A Search for the Self According to Thomas Merton." master's (Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, Berkeley, California, 1986). *
  • Davies, Marguerite. "Thomas Merton's Rethinking of the Christian Monastic Life in the Light of the Bodhisattvacarya of Mahayana Buddhism." master's (University of St. Michael's College, Toronto, Canada, 1973). *
  • Davis, Adam. �Recovering the Face of God: The Mystical Journey of Thomas Merton.� undergraduate (Fordham University, New York, 2009). *

  • Davis, Jennifer Mary. "The Moral Character Formation of John Lennon and Thomas Merton: Their Lives Interpreted Using Insights From Stanley Hauerwas." master's (Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada, 1993). *
  • Decker, Christopher William. "Thomas Merton, Social Critic: The Early and Late Years: Discontinuity or Development?" bachelor's (Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., 1988). *
  • De Lange, Ecclesia. "Thomas Merton: Life, Work and Thoughts on Zen." master's (University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, 2006). *

  • Del Prete, Thomas. "Self-Discovery: The Purpose of Education According to Thomas Merton." doctoral candidacy paper (Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., 1986). *
  • Del Prete, Thomas Andrew. "'The Formation of the Whole Person': An Interpretative Study of Thomas Merton's Ideas on Education." doctoral (Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., 1987). *
  • De Nicolo, Georg. "Thomas Merton's Anti-Poetry: Genetic and Functional Aspects of Cables to the Ace and The Geography of Lograire." master's (Universitat Regensburg, Regensburg-Harting, Germany, 1995). *
  • De Puy, Harold A. �Humor and Mysticism in Thomas Merton.� master�s (Columbia University, New York, 1955). *
  • De Vrieze, Franklin. "Thomas Merton: Theologische Aspecten van Zijn Gebedspedagogie." master's (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, 1990). *
  • Dobson, Karen. "Consciousness of God Witnessed by Thomas Merton." master's (Emmanuel College, Boston, 1972). *
  • Doll, Peter. "'Be What You Are': Zichzeif Worden Voigens 'The New Man' van Thomas Merton." master's (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, 1989). *
  • Domagała, Tadeusz. �Wiara Chrześcijańska a Duchowość Wschodu Według Bede Griffithsa i Tomasza Mertona.� doctoral (Papieska Akademia Teologiczna w Krakowie, Kraków, Poland, 2006). [Published book version in Merton Center.] *

  • Dufresne, Oliver Joseph Aloysius. "Thomas Merton: A Man for our Times." master's (Catholic University, Louvain, Belgium, 1971). *
  • Dufresne, Oliver Joseph Aloysius. "Human and Cosmic Renewal: Thomas Merton's Affirmation of Christic Involvement." doctoral (Universite des Sciences Humaines de Strasbourg de Republique Francaise, Strasbourg, France, 1975). *
  • Dumpys, Jon. "Thomas Merton and the Contemplative Basis of Social Action." [bachelor's] (Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN, 2002). *
  • Dutka, Dawn A. "Merton as Mystic: A Thesis." master's (Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, 1986). *
  • Dwyer, Cynthia Mary. "The Spiritual Journey According to Thomas Merton: Its Inner and Outer Dimensions and Pastoral Implications." master's (Windsor, Ontario, Assumption University, 2010).

    Top of page

    F - G

  • Farris, Jansie Stephens. "Thomas Merton, Spiritual and Social Thinker." master's (Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California, 1975). *
  • Ferraro, Cathleen M. "A Triangle of Peacemakers: An East-West Perspective of the Nonviolent Philosophy in the Lives of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Thomas Merton." bachelor's (Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Illinois, 1982). *
  • Ferrell, Michael A. ��All These Wars�:  Thomas Merton Confronts Cold War America.� master's (Ohio University, Ohio, 2001). *

  • Flaherty, Luke. "Mystery and Unity as Anagological Vision in Thomas Merton's 'Cables to the Ace': A Critical Explication." master's (University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 1969). *
  • Flanagan, Eileen Margaret. "Merton on Contemplation: The Evolving Prayer of the True Self." master's (Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 1989). *
  • Friedel, Andrzej. "Samotność Wewnętrzna W Ujęciu Tomasza Mertona." master's (Catholic Major Seminary, Gdańsk-Oliwa, 1991). *

  • Frilling, Daniel Lee. "Thomas Merton's Call to Monasticism: An Inquiry into the Spirit of Protest as it is Found Within the Monastic Calling of Thomas Merton." master's (Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, 1982). *
  • Fuchs, Reiner. "Gewalt und Kontemplation: Der Beitrag Thomas Mertons zur Friedensproblematik." doctoral (Frankfort am Main). [Published book version in Merton Center.]
  • Gaiani, Giuseppe. "Thomas Merton: An Introduction to his Poetic Work, and a Selection from 'The Strange Islands' Translated into Italian with Comments and Footnotes." master's (Universita degli Studi di Venezia, Venice, Italy, 1978). *
  • Galbines, Louie P. "Thomas Merton's 'Worldly Spirituality': A New Look at the Christian's Attitude Toward 'the World'." doctoral (Pontificia Studiorum Universitas A S. Thoma Aq. In Urbe, Rome, 2001). *
  • Gavin, Rosemarie Julie. "An Analysis of Imagery in Selected Poems of Thomas Merton: A Comparative Study of Early Poems with Three Late Representative Ones." master's (Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., 1951). *
  • Getty, Richard Eugene. �Self and No-self: Thomas Merton's Understanding of Human Identity and the Buddhist Doctrine of Anatta.� master's (University of  South Carolina, South Carolina, 1991). *

  • Giannini, Robert Edward. "Mysticism and Social Ethics: Thomas Merton Seen in the Light of Paul Tillich's Theology." doctoral (University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Scotland, 1976). *
  • Givey, David W. "The Social Thought of Thomas Merton: Towards a Christian Philosophy of Non-Violence." doctoral (Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome, Italy, 1977). *
  • Godbout, Joseph Warren. "Thomas Merton and the Problem of the Devotional Life." guided research paper (Harding Graduate School of Religion, Memphis, Tennessee, 1991).
  • Graham, Lauren Elizabeth. �The Need to Confront Death in Albert Camus' 'Absurd', Thomas Merton's 'True Self' and Teresa de Avila's 'Interior Castles'." bachelor's (James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, 2003).

  • Grayston, Donald Edward. "Textual Variation and Theological Development in Thomas Merton's 'Seeds of Contemplation' and 'New Seeds of Contemplation'." master's (Toronto School of Theology, Toronto, Canada, 1974). *
  • Grayston, Donald Edward. "The Development of a Spiritual Theologian, 1948-1961: Thomas Merton's 'Seeds of Contemplation,' and 'New Seeds of Contemplation'." doctoral (University of St. Michael's College, Toronto, Canada, 1980). *
  • Grzybowski, Waclaw. "The Poetics and Poetry of Thomas Merton: Spirituality and Metaphor." doctoral (University of L�dz, L�dz, Poland 1999). *
    Top of page

    H - J

  • Haggerty, Rosanne. "Thomas Merton's Vision of Wholeness." bachelors (Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts, 1982). *
  • Haines, Rebecca. "The Sacramental Imaginations of America: Flannery O�Connor and Thomas Merton." bachelors (Trinity Western University, Langley, British Columbia, 2005). *
  • Haitsma, Thomas. �Thomas Merton:  Contemplation and Interreligious Dialogue.� master's (Indiana University, Indiana, 2004). *

  • Hall, Gary Peter. "From 'Contemptus Mundi' to Real Presence. Thomas Merton's Relation to the World: A Study in Moral Development." master's (University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, 1994). *
  • Hall, Jeanne M. "Thomas Merton's Concept of God: The Theology of Experience." bachelor's (Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, l979). *
  • Harrod, Joshua M. "Thomas Merton�s Antipoetry Of Resistance." master's thesis (Radford University, Radford, VA. 2005). *

  • Hassan, John Anthony. "An Absence that is a Presence: A Study of Thomas Merton's Search for Identity. master's (University of St. Michael's College, Toronto, Canada, 1972). *
  • Hauke, Mary C. "Developing Social Concern by Nurturing Religious Conversion." master's (Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 1987). *
  • Hauser, Richard Joseph. "The Value of Abraham H. Maslow's Personality Theory for Understanding the Approach to Christian Prayer in Selected Writings of Thomas Merton." doctoral (Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., 1973). *
  • Hawkins, Anne Olivia. "Archetypes in the Spiritual Autobiographies of St. Augustine, John Bunyan and Thomas Merton." doctoral (University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, 1978). *
  • Haynie, David Mack. "Mysticism as the Basis for Religious Pluralism in the Thought of Thomas Merton." doctoral (Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas, 1977). *
  • Healy, William Francis. "The Thought of Thomas Merton Concerning the Relationship of Christianity and Zen." doctoral (Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome, Italy, 1975). *
  • Heher, Michael. "Thomas Merton's Spiritual Development in the Context of his Experience of Silence and Solitude." master's (St. John's College, Camarillo, California, 1981). *
  • Hemann, Barbara J. "Resolving the Paradox: Thomas Merton, Antipoetry, and the Language of Silence in the Geography of Lograire." master's (University of Northern Iowa, Waterloo, Iowa, 1991). *
  • Hempstead, Sheila Mary. "Bells in Thomas Merton's Early Poetry 1940-1946." master's (University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, 1984). *
  • Hengen, Simone Marie. "Thomas Merton: A Developmental Study of His Ideas of God and Man." master's (University of Regina, Canada, 1990). *
  • Hergott, Alvin W. "Thomas Merton and the Image of Man." master's (University of Saskatchewan, Regina, Canada, 1971). *
  • Hewitt, Bridget. "A Return to the Infinite Abyss of Pure Reality in Which Our Own Reality is Grounded: An Exploration of the Contemplative Voice of Thomas Merton and an Assessment of its Relevance for Today." master's (University of Winchester, Winchester, England, 2010). *
  • Higgins, John J. "The Theology of Prayer in the Spirituality of Thomas Merton." doctoral (Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., 1971). *
  • Higgins, Michael W. "Thomas Merton, the Silent-speaking Visionary: A Study of His Poetry." doctoral (York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 1979). *
  • Hogan, Christine Jensen. "Un Pas de Deux, Un Pas de Dieu." master's (Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana, 1990). *
  • Holland, Judeth. "The Nature of God and Man in the Poetry of Thomas Merton." master's (Roehampton Institute of Higher Education, London University, London, England, 1983). *
  • Hopkins, Leslie Ellen. "Symbolic Forms in Science and Contemplation: The Activity of Spirit in Ernst Cassirer and Thomas Merton." master's (Arizona State University, Arizona, 1980). *
  • Houchens, Gary Wayne. "A Life of Paradox: Thomas Merton's Asian Trajectory." master's (Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, 2000). *
  • Imperato, Robert. "The Notion of the Person According to Daniel Clark Walsh and Thomas Merton." doctoral (Fordham University, New York, 1984). *
  • Jilka, Jean. "Vision of Peace in Thomas Merton." master's (Fordham University, New York, 1984). *
  • John, N. "The Importance of `lq Contemplation and `lq Action in the Thought of Thomas Merton." master's (Cambridge University, Cambridge, England, 1990).
  • Jones, Ray L. "Dialectics and Convergence in the Life and Writings of Thomas Merton: A Search for Balance." master's (California State University, Dominguez Hills, California, 1995). *
    Top of page

    K - L

  • Kaerts, Myriam. "Geweldloosheid, Oorlog en Racisme de Christelijke van Thomas Merton." master's (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, 1990). *
  • Kang, Kun Ki. "Thomas Merton and Buddhism: A Comparative Study of the Spiritual Thought of Thomas Merton and that of National Teacher Bojo." doctoral (New York University, New York, 1979). *
  • Kauffman, Lydie. "'Groupe et Individu' dans la Vie et L'oeuvre de Thomas Merton." doctoral (Universite de Paris, Paris, France, 1970). *
  • Kehoe, Ellen. "Thomas Merton's True and False Self: Implications for Persons Today in Crisis." master's (Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California, 1985). *
  • Kelly, Christopher. "Contemptus Mundi: Thomas Merton's Critique of Modernity." master's (University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 1998). *
  • Kelly, Frederick Joseph. "The Social Dimension of Religious Man in the Writings of Thomas Merton." doctoral (Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., 1972). *
  • Kelly, Mary Isabelle. "Critical Appreciation of the Poetry of Thomas Merton." master's (Boston College, Boston, Mass., 1950). *
  • Kemeza, William James. "The Renewal of the Contemplative Life in the Works of Thomas Merton." master's (Andover Newton Theological Seminary, Newton Centre, Mass., 1976). *
  • Kilcourse, George Arthur Jr. "Incarnation as the Integrating Principle in Thomas Merton's Poetry and Spirituality." doctoral (Fordham University, New York, 1974). *
  • Kilcullen, Trudy. "Is Mystical Experience of God in Contemplation Open to All Human Beings or Only an Elite Group? � A Contrasting of Medieval and Modern Perspectives." master's (Heythrop College, University of London, London, England, 2006). *
  • Kim, Chin Kyung. "Thomas Merton's Attitude Toward Writing." master's (University of Georgia, Georgia, 1990).
  • Kim, Tae Keun. "A Study on Congregation's Spiritual Growth by Contemplative  Prayer Applied from Thomas Merton's Theory:  (A Case Study of Bethel Methodist Church)." doctoral (Drew University, Madison, New Jersey, 2006). *

  • King, Marilyn Helene. "The Mountain Path: Purification and Purity of Heart in the Spiritual Life According to Thomas Merton." doctoral (Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California, 1975). *
  • King, Peter C. "The Context of Spirituality: A Study with Special Reference to Thomas Merton and Dietrich Bonhoeffer." master's (Bristol University, Bristol, England, 1993). *
  • Koch, William Nicholas. "An Unexpected American Apocalypse: Eschatology in the Thought of Thomas Merton and its Significance for the Myth of America." doctoral (Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1989). *
  • Konarska, Malgorzata. "Katolickoscw ujeciu Tomasza Mertona." master's (Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland, 2001). *
  • Kountz, Peter James. "Thomas Merton as Writer and Monk: A Cultural Study, 1915- 1951." doctoral (University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 1976). *
  • Kramp, Joseph. "The Lives of Thomas Merton: A Study in Psychoanalysis, History, and Identity." master�s (Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey, 2006). *

  • Kwon, Hyeokil. "The Progress of Thomas Merton's Thoughts according to His Experience of Contemplation: A Comparative Study of Seeds of Contemplation and New Seeds of Contemplation." master�s (Presbyterian College and Theological Seminary, Seoul, South Korea, 2008). *

  • Kwon, Hyeokil. "Peace and Social Justice as Flowers of Contemplation: Wisdom from St. Ignatius of Loyola, Thomas Merton and Gil Seon-Ju for the 21st Century Korean Church." master's (Santa Clara University, California, 2010). *

  • Labasauskas, Vaidotas. �A Theological Analysis of Thomas Merton's Conversion: The Moral Dimension.� licentiate (Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., 2006). *
  • Lamm, Joy Elvey. "Thomas Merton and His Message to the Poet." master's (Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, 1974). *
  • Laughlin, John Lewis. "The Contributions of Thomas Merton's Writings on the True Self to Humanistic and Existential Psychology." doctoral (Fairfax University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1991). *
  • Lebeau, Dorothy. "Thomas Merton: The Solitary Life." master's (St. Louis University, St. Louis, 1982). *
  • Lebeau, Dorothy. "The Monk as a Marginal Person in the Later Writings of Thomas Merton." doctoral (Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., 1998). *
  • Lee, Saba H. "The Role of Contemplative Prayer in Self Discovery According to Thomas Merton." master's (Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, Chicago, 1998). *
  • Le Francois, Josette. "La Conversion Chez Thomas Merton." master's (Universite De Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, 2001).

  • Le François, Josette. "Une Lecture Théologique de la Conversion Chez Thomas Merton à Travers la Triple Clé Biblique de Mc 8, 34; Jn 3, 7 et Ga 2, 20a: La Théologie de la Conversion Chez Thomas Merton." doctoral (Universite de Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, 2009). *

  • Lemburg, Benjamin. �Thomas Merton on Violence of Yesterday and Today.� bachelor's (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, 2002). *

  • Lencioni, Joe. "Total Kenosis, True Shunyata, and the Plerotic Self of Thomas Merton and Abe Masao." senior thesis (Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter, Minnesota, 2004). *

  • Lewis, Bret Jeffrey. �Thomas Merton and Sufism: A Modern Catholic Approach to a Non-Christian Religion.� master's (Arizona State University, Arizona, 2001). *

  • Ligo, Lael Vivian. "The Language of Paradox in the 'Confessions' of Augustine and the 'Seven Storey Mountain' of Thomas Merton." doctoral candidacy paper (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, 1987). *
  • Ligo, Lael Vivian L. "The Language of Paradox in the Life and Writings of Thomas Merton." doctoral (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, 1989). *
  • Little, David E. "An Historical Overview and Analytical Study in the Origin of Texts, Melodies and Performance Practices of the Niles-Merton Song Cycles." doctoral (Indiana University, Indiana, 1994). *
  • Llavador, Fernando Beltran. "Solitude and Society in Thomas Merton: The New Adam and the American Identity." doctoral (Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain, 1991). *
  • Lloyd, R.D. "The Theological Foundation of the Contemplative Teaching of Thomas Merton, O.C.S.O." master's (Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, Scotland, 1975). *
  • Łukaszewski, Mariusz Czesław. "Orędzie Życia Monastycznego w Wybranych Pismach Tomasza Mertona." master's (Uniwersytet Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego w Warszawie, Warszawa, Poland, 2005). *
  • Lummel, Mark Van. "The Self and Self-Denial in Selected Writings of Thomas Merton." master's (Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 1985). *
    Top of page

    M - O

  • McCawley, Scott Michael. "Thomas Merton and the Crisis of Contemporary Language: Selected Prose, Early Poems and 'Cables to the Ace'." master's (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 1989).
  • McGuire, Daniel. "Thomas Merton on the Future of Monasticism." master's (Aquinas Institute of Theology and Philosophy, Dubuque, Iowa, 1973). *
  • McInerny, Dennis Quentin. "Thomas Merton and Society: A Study of the Man and His Thought Against the Background of Contemporary American Culture." doctoral (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1969). *
  • McKay, Bruce. "Ministry in a Parish Context Seen Through the Witness of Thomas Merton." master's (Union Theological Seminary, New York, 1979). *
  • McKeown, Les. "The Evolution of Contemplation in the Life of Thomas Merton." master's (Newman Theological College, Edmonton, 1999). *
  • McKeown, Les. "Thomas Merton's Assimilation of the Writings of St. John of the Cross Leading to His Embrace of Zen Vocabulary in Relation to Contemplation." doctoral (University of Wales, Lampeter, 2004). *
  • McKibbon, Susan E. �Dharma Monks: A Discussion of Henry Miller's Big Sur and the Orange of Hieronymus Bosch and Thomas Merton's The Seven Story Mountain.� master's (University of St. Thomas, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 2003). *

  • McKnight, Peter. �Deep Breaths in a Heady Atmosphere: Thomas Merton and Zen.� honors paper (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 2002).

  • MacNeil, Stella T. �The Poetry of Thomas Merton Considered in Relation to that of  Gerard Manley Hopkins and T.S. Eliot.� master's (New York University, New York, 1953). *

  • MacPeak, H�l�ne Elliott. �Thomas Merton, Poet of Contemplation.� master's (Universit� de Montr�al, Montr�al, Canada, 1952).

  • Maginn, Rita A. "The Spirituality of Thomas Merton Viewed from the Perspective of the Influence of the Zen Experience." master's (Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, California, 1983). *
  • Malek, Maryam. "Thomas Merton: Poetry and Contemplation." magisterial (Universite de Lyon, Lyon, France, 1972).
  • Malits, Elena. "Journey into the Unknown: Thomas Merton's Continuing Conversion." doctoral (Fordham University, New York, 1974). *
  • Mallon, Kay Laraine. "Thomas Merton on War and Peace." master's (DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, 1975). *
  • Malone, Janet. "The Paradox of Thomas Merton: Garrulous Monk and Gregarious Hermit: Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Communication Competence." master's (University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass., 1988). *
  • Manion, Marietta G. "Thomas Merton, Trappist Monk: A Bio-bibliography." master's (Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, 1956). *
  • Mart�nez, Sonia Petisco. "La Poes�a de Thomas Merton: Creaci�n, Cr�tica y Contemplaci�n." doctoral (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain, 2003). *
  • Mascia, Adriana. "Comunicare Attraverso il Silenzio: L'opera in Prosa di Thomas Merton." (University of Rome, Rome, Italy, 2008).

  • Megley, Virginia H. �Risk: An Interpretation of Faith: Thomas Merton and Ramakrishna.� master's (Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, California, 1975). *

  • Miano, Anne. �The Harmonies of Silence: Thomas Merton's Poetry and Poetics.� undergraduate (Reed College, Oregon, 2009). *

  • Michowski, Edward. "Granting a Certain Space to the Feminine: The Discovered-Self of Thomas Merton." master's (Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, Illinois, 1984). *
  • Michowski, Edward Jan. "Proces Intergracji Osobowosci Tomasza Mertona." master's (Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland, 1997). *
  • Miller, Samuel G. "Zen in the Christian Consciousness of Thomas Merton." bachelor's (Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 1975). *
  • Montaldo, Irwin Jonathan. "Toward the Only Real City in America: Paradise and Utopia in the Autobiography of Thomas Merton." master's (Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 1974). *
  • Murnane, Marianna McDonnell. "The Role of Detachment in the Life of Thomas Merton." Thesis - Wheaton scholar in Religion (Wheaton College, Norton, Mass., 1985).
  • Murphey, Ray P. "Opening the Doors of Perception: A Comparative Study of William Blake and Thomas Merton." master's (Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia, 1995). *
  • Nadrowski, Piotr. �Znaczenie Silentium We Współczesnej Duchowości Chrześcijańskiej Na Podstawie Pism Tomasza Mertona.� master�s (Uniwersytet Śląski W Katowicach, Katowice, Poland, 2008). *
  • Neal, Shannon C. "Religiosity and Intellectuality: Thomas Merton, an Ideal Type." Senior Thesis (Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Illinois, 1995).
  • Nelson, Gene. "Paria or Phoenix: An Object Relations View of Faith Reconstruction After Religious Rejection." doctoral (Immaculata College, Immaculata, Pennsylvania, 2002). *
  • Nelson, Thomas J. "The Discovery of the True Self in the Thought of Thomas Merton." Licentiate (Gregorian University, Rome, 1984). *
  • Nelson, Thomas John. �A Survey of the Evolving Spirituality of Thomas Merton.� master�s paper (Kenrick Seminary, 1975). *
  • Neuhoff, Andrea Lynn. "The Unedited Thomas Merton: Autobiography to Autohagiography." senior thesis (Reed College, Portland, Oregon, 2005). *

  • Nguyen, Chinh Ngoc. "The Influence of Daisetz T. Sukuki's Zen on Thomas Merton's Understanding of Contemplation." masters (St. Patrick's School of Theology, Menlo Park, California, 1999). *
  • Nigg, Joel Thomas. �The Value in Vulnerability: Themes of Poverty in the Spirituality of Thomas Merton.� bachelor's (Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., 1980). *
  • Nolan, Mary Jane. "Study of the Philosophic and Poetic Ideas Contained in the Journal of Thomas Merton, 1940-1941, For the Light they Cast on Subsequent Literary Productions." master's (Canisius College, Buffalo, N.Y., 1951). *
  • O'Connor, Margaret. "A Voice from the Hills: Thomas Merton: Poet, Monk, Prophet." master's (Heythrop College, University of London, London, England, 1998). *
  • Oddo, Thomas Charles. "The Monk and the Activist: A Comparative Study of the Spirituality of Thomas Merton and Daniel Berrigan." doctoral (Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., 1979). *
  • Oh, Bang-Sik. "Contemplation in the Writings of Thomas Merton: A Developmental Hermeneutic." master's (St. Bernard's Institute, Rochester, N.Y., 1992). *
  • Oh, Bang-Sik. "Thomas Merton's Contribution to the Theology of Hope: A Contextual, Diachronic and Analytical-Synthetic Study." doctoral (University of St. Michael's College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2001). *
  • O'Leary, Catherine. "Henry D. Thoreau and Thomas Merton: A Comparative Study of the Contemplative Spirit as Shown in their Prose Works." master's (St. John's University, Jamaica, N.Y., 1961). *
  • O'Shea, Margaret Mary. "Thomas Merton on Hermits." master's (University of St. Michael's College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 1977). *
  • O�Sullivan, Colleen, RSJ. "Thomas Merton and the Towers of Babel." doctoral (Catholic University of Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2006). *
    Top of page

    P - R

  • Padovano, Anthony Thomas. "The Human Journey: Thomas Merton: Symbol of a Century." doctoral (Fordham University, New York, 1980). *
  • Page, Christopher. "A Feast of Straw: The Nature Mysticism of Thomas Merton." master's (Vancouver School of Theology, Vancouver, Canada, 2001). *
  • Paiano, Angelo Michael. "Thomas Merton's Notion of Freedom." master's (St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, 1987). *
  • Papagni, Mario. "The Cold War Letters of Thomas Merton." masters (Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama, 2002). *
  • Park, Young Mann. "Thomas Merton's Prayer: From an Asian Christian Perspective." doctoral (Graduate Theological Union Berkeley, California, 1995). *
  • Parker, Sara. �Thomas Merton:  A Case Study Using Autobiography.� bachelor's (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, 2002). *

  • Parkhurst, James Coleman. "Seeds of Creation Spirituality: The Life and Work of Thomas Merton." doctoral (Wisdom University, Oakland, CA., 2006). *

  • Pathrapankal, Mathew. "Prayer, Contemplation and Contemplative Life According to Thomas Merton." doctoral (Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome, Italy, 1983). *
  • Pavlic, Richard. "Mertonov Govor O Kontemplativnom Zivotu U Knjizi 'Kontemplacija U Svijetu Akcije'." diploma (Rijeka, 1998). *
  • Peach, Robert Kammer, FSC. "'Into the Cavern': A Study of Consciousness through the Lens of Thomas Merton's Mystical Poetics." master's (Arcadia University, Glenside, PA., 2008). *

  • Pearson, Paul M. "Man's Approach to God in the Writings of Thomas Merton." bachelor's (La Sainte Union College, Southampton University, Southampton, England, 1985). *
  • Pearson, Paul M. "Search for the Promised Land: The Metaphor of Journey in the Life and Writings of Thomas Merton." master's (Heythrop College, University of London, London, England, 1991). *
  • Pearson, Paul M. "The Geography of a Soul: Thomas Merton's Ongoing Spiritual Autobiographical Quest within the Context of the Literary Genre of Autobiography." doctoral (Heythrop College, University of London, London, England, 1997). *
  • Pearson, Paul M. "Research on Research: A Bibliography of Theses and Dissertations about Thomas Merton." master's (University College London, London, England, 1998). *
  • Pease, Marilyn T. "Thomas Merton: A Literary Figure of Merit and Promise." master's (Hunter College, New York, 1957). *
  • Phalen, Roxann. "Thomas Merton: Journey into Solitude." bachelor's (University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, 1980). *
  • Phillips, Andrew. "The Transpersonal Aspects of Thomas Merton's Mysticism." master's (Emmanuel School of Religion, Johnson City, Tennessee, 1989). *
  • Pickering, Maureen. "Holiness and the World in the Writings of Thomas Merton." master's (University of Leeds, Leeds, England, 2007). *
  • Pins, Herbert J. "Thomas Merton Valued Zen Discipline for Achievement of Transcendental Self." master's (DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, 1972). *
  • Poitras, Gilles. "Spirituality and Social Action in the Thought of Thomas Merton." master's (Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, California, 1982). *
  • Poks, Malgorzata. "Thomas Merton and Latin America: A Consonance of Voices." doctoral (Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Sklodowskiej, Lublin, Poland, 2003). *
  • Poston, Ronald G. "In Fact There Is A Choice: Thomas Merton and American Critical Romanticism." master's (Nashotah House Seminary, Nashotah, Wisconsin, 1986).
  • Potępa, Grażyna. "Cnoty Teologalne w Pismach Thomasa Mertona." doctoral (Uniwersytetu Slaskiego, Katowice, 2008). [Published book version in Merton Center.] *
  • Pramuk, Christopher. "Hagia Sophia: Imagination, Poetics and Presence in the Christology of Thomas Merton." [doctoral] Notre Dame. IN.: University of Notre Dame, 2007. *
  • Primack, Candace S. "Art, Contemplation and Humankind in the Aesthetic Theories of James Joyce and Thomas Merton." master's (Regent College, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, 1997). *
  • Quinn, Mark Anthony. "Thomas Merton's Understanding of God." doctoral (Marquette University, Milwaukee, 1982). *
  • Raab, Joseph Quinn. �Openness and Fidelity: Thomas Merton�s Dialogue with D.T. Suzuki, and Self-Transcendence.� doctoral (University of St. Michael�s College, Toronto, 2000). *
  • Ranzoli Cuccolini, Silvana. "Thomas Merton." master's (Universita degli Studi Bologna, Bologna, Italy, 1964). *
  • Reese, Daniel Bryan. "The Feast of Wisdom: Thomas Merton's Vision and Practice of a Sapiential Education." doctoral (Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, N.J., 1995). *
  • Regan, Carol. "Immortal Diamond: A Comparative View of the Stages of Human Development in the Writings of Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung, and Thomas Merton." master's (College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1988). *
  • Reilly, Mary Paul. "Thomas Merton as Poet of the Liturgy." master's (Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois, 1953). *
  • Richardson, Gregg A. "Two Experiences in the Life of Thomas Merton and their Effect on his Spiritual Goal." master's (Indiana University, Indiana, 1986). *
  • Roadcup, Alisa Miriam. �Thomas Merton's Theology of the Self as Influenced by Christian Mysticism and Zen Buddhism.� master's (Emmanuel School of Religion, Johnson City, Tennessee, 2003).

  • Robinson, Richard D. "Thomas Merton: Three Primary Images, One Centered Identity." doctoral (Washington Theological Union, Washington, D.C., 1982). *
  • Ronzani, Clare. "Toward an Integrated Spirituality: The Contemplative-Prophetic Dimension in Thomas Merton's Spirituality." master's (Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California, 1980). *
  • Rudolph, Gerald Lee. "The Influence of the Church Fathers upon the Thought of Thomas Merton." master's (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, 1978). *
  • Ruttle, Paul. "Buddhist Components in the Thought and Spirituality of Thomas Merton." master's (St. John's University, Jamaica, New York, 1980). *
    Top of page

    S - T

  • Saint Elizabeth of the Cross, Sister. "Thomas Merton, Poet and Prose Writer." master's (University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada, 1951). *
  • Saint Elizabeth of the Cross, Sister. "Thomas Merton, Social Critic of the Times." doctoral (University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada, 1951). *
  • Sampson, James. "Thomas Merton's Paradigm of the Spiritual Life: Journey from the False Self to the True Self." licentiate (Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, California, 1986). *
  • Sandstrom, Henning Erik. "Ars Gratia Dei: A Study in the Theological Aesthetics of Thomas Merton." doctoral (Lunds University, Lund, Sweden, 1992). *
  • Santasilia, Stefano. "Mistica ed Etica in Thomas Merton." master's (Naples, Italy: Universita' Di Napoli Federico II, 2002). *
  • Sawtelle, Mary Elizabeth. "Guided Research: Merton, Monasticism, and the World." honors paper (Mary Washington College, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 1990). *
  • Scarpino, James Leonard. "Thomas Merton's Broken Vows: Learning the Lessons Failure Alone May Teach." doctoral (Pacifica Graduate Institute, Carpinteria, California, 2001). *
  • Schell, Karl-Heinz. "Grundung, Theorie und Lebenspraxis Amerikanischer Kloster Benediktinischer Tradition." master's (Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, Heidelberg, West Germany, 1984). *
  • Schilling, Bernhard. "Thomas Merton und der Friede im Nachchristlichen Zeitalter: Ein Erster Blick auf Thomas Merton und Seine Sozialkritik am Beispiel Seines Engagements fur den Weltfrieden." doctoral (Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat, Freiburg-im-Breisgau, West Germany, 1979). *
  • Schmidt, Gail Ramshaw. "The Poetry of Thomas Merton: An Introduction." doctoral (University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 1976). *
  • Schmitt, James Edward. "Aspects of Literary Quality in Thomas Merton's Prose." master's (Iowa State Teachers College, Iowa, 1954). *
  • Schmitt, Jurgen. "Liturgie Im Leben und Werk von Thomas Merton." doctoral (Johannes Gutenberg-Universitat, Mainz, West Germany, 1986). *
  • Schreiber, Suzanne M. "Thomas Merton: Man of Contemplation and Creativity." master's (Mundelein College, Chicago, Illinois, 1976). *
  • Schuyler, William Kearns. "Transfiguration in the Desert: Thomas Merton's Search for the Love of God in Modern Man." bachelor's (General Theological Seminary, New York, 1970). *
  • Scruggs, Ryan. "Faith Seeks Understanding: Thomas Merton's Interest in Karl Barth." master's (McGill University, Montreal, 2009). *
  • Scruggs, Ryan. "Thomas Merton and the Bible: Reading that Transforms." bachelors (University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, 2005). *

  • Seitz, Sheila. "Thomas Merton's Spirituality of Consent." bachelor's (Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, 1982). *
  • Shaffer, Timothy Joseph. �A Secret Son of Francis: The Franciscan Influence in the Thought and Writings of Thomas Merton.� master's (University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio, 2006). *

  • Shean, M. Jeannette. "An Indexed Systhesis of the Critical Thought of Thomas Merton." master's (DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, 1958). *
  • Siek, Pawel. "The Life and Theology of Thomas Merton." master's (KUL, Lublin, Poland, 2004). *
  • Skinner, Trey. �Becoming Through Paradox: Thomas Merton's Spiritual and Vocational Discernment.� bachelor�s (Davidson College, Davidson, NC., 2007). *
  • Smith, Allynn. "Jung's Archetype of the Self as it Appears in Thomas Merton's Journey Toward Self-awareness." doctoral (Fielding Institute, Santa Barbara, California, 1990). *
  • Spence, Roger Earl. "Meditation, Counseling and the Theology of Thomas Merton." master's (Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois, 1976). *
  • Spolverato, Antonio. "Thomas Merton: Dalla Filosofia Alla Contemplazione." doctoral (Universita degli Studi di Padua, Padua, Italy, 1986). *
  • Staggs, John H. "Thomas Merton's Understanding of the Cross and its Positive Impact upon the Spiritual Well-being of Adult Lay People." doctoral (Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky, 1995). *
  • Steffen, Donna. "Nonviolence in the Thought of Thomas Merton." master's (Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California, 1981). *
  • Stewart, Dustin Donahue. "Reading in(to) Thomas Merton." master's (Baylor University, Waco, Texas, 2004). *
  • Steyn, Helena Christian. "Thomas Merton and Theravada Buddhism - A Comparative Study of Religious Experience." master's (University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa, 1988). *
  • Stull, Bradford Thomas. "Religious Dialectics of Pain and Imagination: Postmodern and Liberation Rhetorics." doctoral (University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 1992). *
  • Summerfield, Michael L. "Thomas Merton: A Peaceable Kingdom." master's (Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, 1981). *
  • Świerszcz, Katarzyna. "Asceza Na drodze Do świętości w Nauce Tomasza Mertona." master's (Akademia Teologii Katolickiej, Warszawa, Poland, 1998). *
  • Szpila, Sister Mary Janell. "Thomas Merton on Obedience." master's (University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, 1987). *
  • Tae-Hoon, Kim. "The Spirituality of Thomas Merton: True Self and False Self." master's (Presbyterian College and Theological Seminary, Seoul, Korea, 2009). *
  • Tam, Ekman Pui-Chuen, "The Influence of Zen-Taoism on Thomas Merton's View of Contemplation." doctoral (St. Paul University/University of Ottawa, Ottawa, 2001). *
  • Tarpley, Kent W. �Merton, the Contemplative Life:  A Study in the Writings of Thomas Merton.� master's (Seabury-Western Theological  Seminary, Evanston, Illinois, 1974). *

  • Teahan, John Francis. "The Mysticism of Thomas Merton: Contemplation as a Way of Life." doctoral (Princeton University, Princeton, N.J., 1976). *
  • Thompson, Ryan. "Thomas Merton: The Heart of Marginality." bachelor's (Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida, 1997).
  • Trzebuniak, J�zef, SVD. "Teologiczny Wymiar Milczenia: Na Podstawie Autobiografii I Wybranych Pism Tomasza Mertona." master's (Iniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski W Olsztynie, Pienięż, Poland, 2006). *
    Top of page

    U - Z

  • Ullmann, Fran�ois. �Transpo�sie - Thomas Merton.� master�s (Universit� de Montr�al, Montr�al, Canada, 1986).

  • Usery, Jimmie Dean. "An Inquiry into Thomas Merton's Search for the True Self: A Study of the Journals." doctoral (Baylor University, Waco, Texas, 2001). *
  • Vazhakoottathil, John Antony Theodore. "Thomas Merton's Mystical Quest for the Union with God." doctoral (Munich, 1992).
  • Velamkunnel, Joseph. "Transcendental Experience of God According to Thomas Merton: A Comparative and Theological Study of Oriental and Christian Mysticism." doctoral (Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy, 1975). *
  • Veliyathil, Paul. "Thomas Merton's View of Contemplation and Action in the Light of the Karma-Yoga Ideal of The Bhagavad-Gita." doctoral (Toronto School of Theology, Toronto, Canada, 1985). *
  • Verploegen, Nicki. "Technology and Transformation in the Works of Thomas Merton." master's (Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, 1983). *
  • Vickers, Michael A. "The Christian as Peacemaker: Thomas Merton's Synthesis of Contemplation and Action." master's (University of Bradford, Bradford, England, 1985). *
  • Voigt, Robert J. "Thomas Merton: A Different Drummer." master's (St. Cloud College, St. Cloud, Minnesota, 1971). *
  • Wagner, Carol. "Teresa of Avila and Thomas Merton on Prayer: Journey to Self and God." master's (Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., 1980). *
  • Watson, Thomas L. "Thomas Merton: Christian renewalist." bachelor's (University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, 1979). *
  • Weber, Samuel F. "The Scriptural Basis for Thomas Merton's Writings on Prayer." license in theology degree (Pontifucium Athendeum Anselmianum, Rome, Italy, 1975). *
  • Weresch, Joshua. "Voices in the Wilderness: Monasticism in Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov and Thomas Merton." bachelor's (McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, 2004). *
  • Whelan, James. "A Proposed Strategy of Non-violence: An Inquiry into the Published Writings of Thomas Merton 1915-1968." master's (Jersey City State College, Jersey City, N.J., 1969). *
  • Whitley, William Stacey. "The Tower of Babel." doctoral (University of Oregon, 2007). *
  • Wierwill, Jonathan Paul. "A Comparison of the Value Notions of God, Love, and Person in the Writings of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Thomas Merton." master's (Bowling Green State University, 1970). *
  • Williams, Melanie Boney. "John Jacob Niles's Settings of the Early Poetry of Thomas Merton in The Niles-Merton Songs, opp. 171 and 172." doctoral (Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La., 1998). *
  • Williams, Peter E. "Liberating Structure: External Structure and Developing Concepts of Autonomy." master's (California State University, Dominguez Hills, CA., 2004). *
  • Wilson, Nettie Hadden. "The Hidden Self: The Deep Currents of Albert Camus and Thomas Merton." master's (Bellarmine College, Louisville, Kentucky, 1997). *
  • Winburn, Christian McCoy. "Thomas Merton and the Journey from Ego to Selfhood." master's (Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., 1997). *
  • Witte, Mark G. "The Theological Anthropology of Thomas Merton." licentiate (University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Illinois, 1996). *
  • Wright, Scott. "The Merton-Mailer Vision." master's (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1967). *
  • Yew, Hongchang Ezra. "Thomas Merton's Journey with Art: A Study of Thomas Merton's Spiritual Aesthetics." doctoral (Drew University, Madison, New Jersey, 1999). *
  • Yonkers, Michael Allan. "Man the Image of God: The Theological Anthropology of Thomas Merton." master's (Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois, 1976). *
  • Zettell, Raymond J. �Thomas Merton - A Modern Mystic.� master�s (Columbia University, New York, 1951). *
  • Zyniewicz, Matthew Charles. "The Interreligious Dialogue Between Thomas Merton and D.T. Suzuki." doctoral (University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, 2000). *

    Top of page


    Theses making substantial reference to Thomas Merton

  • Anderson, S. Michael. "Therapy as Self-Emptying: Doing Pastoral Psychotherapy from an Apophatic Perspective." doctoral (Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 1984).
  • Bertsch, Jeffrey Curtis. "Religious Autobiography as Social Reflection." doctoral (Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, 1983). *
  • Black, Noel Andersen. �Understanding Difference Through Paradox:  Exploring the Relationship of Language to Religious  Truth in the Writings of William James, William Blake, Alan Watts,   Thomas Merton, and Jacques Derrida.� senior thesis (Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Illinois, 1994).

  • Brownsberger, John A. "Christian Meditation: Its Value and Relationship to a New Testament View of Discipleship." doctoral (Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, Ohio, 1990). *
  • Cunningham, Ben. "How Do I Come to Know My Spirituality, As I Create My Own Living Educational Theory." doctoral (University of Bath, Bath, 1999). *
  • Edinger, Kendra J. �A Sense of the Divine.� Thesis (M.L.S.) (University of Toledo, 2006). *
  • Funk, Robert W. "A Return to Wisdom." master's paper (University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 1987). *
  • Georgiou, Steve Theodore. "Sea and Sky: Robert Lax and the Spiritual Dimensions of Minimalism." doctoral (Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, 2004). *
  • Gooch, Warren Peter. "'Wisdom: A Cantata,' An Original Composition Based Upon a Rotational Pitch System." doctoral (University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin, 1988). *
  • Gunn, Robert Walker. "The Experience of Emptiness in the Process of Self-Transformation in Zen Buddhism, Christianity and Depth Psychology as Represented by Dogen Kigen, Thomas Merton and Carl Jung, with Donald Winnicott and Heinz Kohut." doctoral (Union Theological Seminary, New York, 1997). *
  • Halla, Steve Richard. "The Nature of Woodcarving: A Conversation from Without that Echoes Within." doctoral (University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 2006). *
  • Lanoue, Deirdre Madison. "Henri J. M. Nouwen And Modern American Spirituality." doctoral (Baylor University, Waco, Texas, 1999). *
  • McMahon, Joseph Gerald Jr. "The Religious Roots of Non-Violence in Twentieth Century America." doctoral (Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., 1981). *
  • Maloney, Stephen R. "Tongues of Flame: A Study of Five Modern Spiritual Autobiographies." doctoral (University of Rochester, New York, 1971). *
  • Miller, William J. "A Trappist Cistercian Monastery." bachelors (University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1959). *
  • Mulligan, Mary Therese. "Ralph Eugene Meatyard: Poetics and the Photograph." doctoral (University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 2002). *
  • Plumley, Brian L. "Searching for a Place to Stand: Reflections of Spiritually-Rooted Social Activists." doctoral (The Union Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1993). *
  • Richardson, Virginia Anne. "An Adlerian Perspective on Religious Conversion." master's (University of Arizona, Arizona, 1993). *
  • Rivera, Mary Anne. "Jubilee magazine and the development of a Vatican II ecclesiology." doctoral (Duquesne University, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 2004). *
  • Saltman, Benjamin. "The Descent to God: Religious Language in Several Contemporary American Poets." doctoral (Claremont Graduate School and University Center, Claremont, California, 1968). *
  • Serran-Pagan y Fuentes, Cristobal. "Mystical Vision And Prophetic Voice In St. John Of The Cross: Towards A Mystical Theology Of Final Integration." doctoral (Boston University, Boston, 2003.) *
  • Sisson, Larry Wayman. "Spiritual Autobiography: Origins to Apocalypse." doctoral (University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 1995). *
  • Skeffington, Thomas. "Poems Set To Original Music." master's (Gonzaga University, Washington, 1950). [Includes setting for Merton's poem: For My Brother.] *
  • Stockwell, Mary. "In the Presence of Tradition: Speculative Catholic Theology in Modern America." doctoral (University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, 1984). *
  • Thompson, Phillip Marshall. "The Searchers: Twentieth Century Catholic Intellectuals and the Transformation of the Church's Engagement with Science and Technology." doctoral (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1999). *
  • Truitt, Gordon Edward. "A Historical and Theological Analysis of the Main Trends of the Catholic Theology of Prayer in the United States, 1949-1975." doctoral (The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., 1981). *
  • Urdanivia, Bertarelli Eduardo. "La Poesia de Ernesto Cardenal: Fe Cristiana y Compromiso Politico." doctoral (State University of New York, Albany, New York, 1983). *
  • Vine, Naomi. "The Total Dark Sublime: An Interpretive Analysis of the Late Black Paintings of Ad Reinhardt, 1960-67." doctoral (University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 1988). *
  • Williams, A. Susanne. "Eastern Spiritual Thought in Contemporary America." master's (Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Illinois, 1982).

    Top of page



    Go to: Thomas Merton Center or Thomas Merton Society home-page

    (c) 1996-2011, Paul M Pearson.
    Last modified 6 January 2011