Thomas Merton on St. Bernard of Clairvaux: Mellifluous Doctor

Recorded in 1964 at his monastery, Thomas Merton gave these lectures to novice Cistercians. Today, you are invited into Merton’s classroom for an intimate discussion about one of Christianty’s most influential figures.

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, O. Cist. (1090–1153) is one of the most important figures in the history of Christianity: a founder, reformer, and Doctor of the Church. Now, you can take Thomas Merton, renowned mystic and follower of St. Bernard, as your guide for exploring the life and theology of St. Bernard.

St. Bernard’s impact on Christianity is wide-reaching: he was the patron saint of the Knights Templar, and he influenced such figures as Hildegard of Bingen. Like St. Bernard, Thomas Merton was a member of the Cistercian Order, a group of religious men and women devoted to the monastic life.

Founded in 1098, the Cistercian Order sought to restore the foundational Rule of St. Benedict. After entering the Cistercian Order, St. Bernard became the Abbot of Clairvaux, where he revived the monastic life. In these talks, Merton explores St. Bernard’s conversion story, his letters, and the power of the ascetic life – both in his time and in ours.

Those looking to expand their knowledge of the history of Christianity will find this course fascinating.

This set includes an afterword by Dr. James Finley, one of Merton’s former students at Gethsemani.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

*Note: These lectures were recorded live in the open-air classrooms of Gethsemani where Merton gave instruction. One of the recordings contains some distortion from the wind.