Merton’s Theology of Prayer by John J. Higgins, S. J.

Abstract

694 BOOK REVIEWS Cremona: Trier, 196~) constructs his edition on too limited a basis as far as the manuscripts are concerned. For the most part his text is based upon the Vatican manuscript text. In doubtful places he consulted three other manuscripts, namely, MS. Assisi, Biblioteca Comunale 130 and 131, as well as MS. Florence, Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, Conv. Soppr. I. VI, 32. According to Fr. Principe, the Vatican and the Assisi texts belong to a family of manuscripts which represent the weakest text-tradition. In the author's study of Hugh, therefore, we have, if not a critical edition, a carefully constructed text representative of what is best in all the extant manuscripts of Hugh's Scriptum. The renewal of theology consequent upon the teachings and inspiration of Vatican II has necessitated careful and scientific historical study of the past. This is not a surprising phenomenon. For, although theology must always concern itself with the task of discovering new insights in God's revelation, its progress must always rest on the solid foundation of authentic tradition. If this is not the case, then theology distorts and obscures God's revelation. Fr. Principe's study on the work of the first Dominican Cardinal is not history for history's sake. It is history put to the service of theology and the faith. For many of the teachings of Hugh on the Hypostatic Union are reflective of the Church's understanding in faith of the person and mystery of Christ. And similarly, some of the problems concerning the mystery of Christ which Hugh so acutely analysed-for example, the unity of esse in Christ-are again problems, but in a different context, for contemporary theologians. Undoubtedly the argumentation of Hugh in this matter is one which no contemporary could accept, but is not his conclusion, long in theological tradition, one which should command their attention? Dominican House of Studies Washington, D. C. WILLIAM A. NEWMAN, 0. P. Merton's Theology of Prayer. By JoHN J. HIGGINS, S. J. Spencer, Mass.: Cistercian Publications, 1971. Pp. 183. $5.59. We do not know how long a man will live until he dies; with a writer on the spiritual life the durability of his influence is discovered only after his death. Every indication is that Thomas Merton is here to stay. Since his tragic death on December 10, 1968, the impact of Merton on American thought has increased rather than slackened. Several of his works have been published posthumously and the avalanche of books on Merton himself and his ideas is just beginning. BOOK REVIEWS 695 Fr. Higgins has made a major contribution to Mertonology with his study of Merton's Theology of Prayer. The basic premise of his thesis is taken from a statement of Father Merton himself: "Whatever I may have written, I think it all can be reduced in the end to this one root truth: that God calls human persons to union with Himself and with one another in Christ." Four engaging chapters substantiate and document this assertion of Merton's. Two final chapters offer an evaluation. The point that Higgins wishes to make is that Merton is completely consistent in his theology of prayer. Although the author does not delay on the issue, one might add that Merton is also perfectly orthodox. Indeed, the very strength of Merton's contributions to spirituality is founded in his own deep and solid roots in the tradition of the Church. As Higgins notes, Merton's interest in Zen Buddhism was not a drifting away from orthodoxy but rather a search for truths in other religious forms as well as efforts to integrate what was assimilable into Christian practice. A subtitle to this book might have been "The Necessity of Prayer." As Fr. Higgins unfolds the main lines of Merton's thoughts on union with God and union with neighbor in Christ, the importance of personal prayer becomes increasingly evident. Current popular but superficial theories on prayer and spirituality are deftly dismantled as the author cites text after text from Merton's writings to support and promote the role of prayer as the all-embracing means to holiness. Yet the book avoids polemics...