Thomas Merton is widely acclaimed as one of the most influential American spiritual writers of the past century. Thousands of readers have drawn strength from his words and the witness of his life. His autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain appears on lists of the 100 most important books of the century. Merton is distinguished among contemporary spiritual writers by the depth and substance of his thinking. He was able to distill the best writings of theologians, philosophers, and poets over the centuries, from both the West and the East, and presented their ideas in the context of the Christian worldview.Thomas Merton: In My Own Words provides a portal into the monastic vocation of Thomas Merton and gives us a snapshot of his entire life. His words encourage readers to embrace their own vocation as baptized Christians, as members of the human family, and as people in relationship.