Defense Date

3-11-2013

Graduation Date

Spring 2013

Availability

Immediate Access

Submission Type

dissertation

Degree Name

PhD

Department

Theology

School

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Committee Chair

Gerald Boodoo

Committee Member

Marie Baird

Committee Member

George Worgul

Keywords

Action, Engaged, Faith, McFague, Merton, Spirituality

Abstract

This dissertation focuses upon the question, "how are we called to live?", relying on the thought and dialogue of Thomas Merton, a 20th Century Catholic monk, and Sallie McFague, a 21st Century Protestant theologian. This question is approached by examining Merton and McFague's understandings of God, self, and the world as these aspects relate to the question and issue of Christian living. In exploring these areas this project brings together aspects of Christian spirituality, theology, and ethics to grasp the intimate relationship between faith and action, which is the essence of authentic Christian discipleship. Ultimately, the merging of faith and action seen in Merton and McFague's lives and work suggest that they both possess and advocate for "engaged spirituality," or spiritually rooted social action, as the central expression of Christian faith called for today. Their examples, brought together, convey truth and inspire all of us to live more authentically and to more fully contribute to the making of a better world.

Format

PDF

Language

English

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