Barthian Elements of Hope in Thomas Merton

Abstract

This paper will explore Barthian elements of hope in Thomas Merton. For Merton, hope is one of the major concepts embedded in his thinking. Merton’s reflections on hope are compelling and broad. His understanding of hope addresses concerns of spirituality, sociopolitical critique, monastic and ecclesiastical renewal, and a dialogical existentialism. However, his hope has not been theologically analyzed and presented. This is an initial attempt to establish a systematic expression of his understanding of hope, using the Barthian framework of hope. Merton certainly entails three core Barthian elements of hope: Christocentric, teleological aspect, and humanity as agent of hope. Even though Merton did not create an intentional philosophy or theology of hope like Barth, it can be argued that his life journey and thought structure are firmly grounded in the theology of hope.