File 2121 - Handouts for fall 1978 lecture course

2.3 cm of textual records

File consists of a bound volume of typed and photocopied handouts, including a syllabus, class list and final paper topic list as well as a number of bibliographies on prayer, Merton, western mysticism as well as a list of local monasteries and contemplative centers. There is also a handout titled "Guidelines for Inclusive Language"outlining Yale Divinity School's policy on changing language practices towards greater gender equality.
Articles by Nouwen include "Contemplation and Ministry" and a photocopy of "Solitude and Community" and article published in Worship (January 1978, 13-23). There is an additional loose copy of "Contemplation and Ministry" froma lecture presented at the North American college on Friday, March 10.
Articles by Merton include a prayer and excerpts from "A Letter on the Contemplative Life", "Thoughts in Solitude" and "Seven Story Mountain".
The remaining articles are:

• Kallistos Ware's "The Power of the Name: The Function of the Jesus Prayer", (introduction to Igumen Chariton of Valamo's) "The Art of Prayer", and "Silence in Prayer: The Meaning of Hesychia".
  -James H. Forest's "Thomas Merton's Struggle with Peacemaking".
  -David Steindl-Rast's "Recollection of Thomas Merton's Last Days in the West" and "A Deep Bow".

"Contemplation and Ministry" contained in this bound volume was based on a lecture given in Rome on March 10, 1978. See Manuscripts series, box 4, file 18 ('Drafts of Clowning in Rome'). Later published in "Clowning in Rome" (1979).
A published article by Nouwen titled "Contemplation and Ministry" is located in Published works - box 295, item 1615.
A copy of "Solitude and Community" can be found in the Published works series, box 295, item 1611.

Title based on contents of the file.

The Life and Works of Thomas Merton was offered by Nouwen during the fall semester of 1978. The lecture course coincided with the tenth-anniversary of Merton's death. Nouwen had two teaching assistants for this course, John S. Mogabgab and Steve Berry. Parker Palmer was a guest lecturer. In addition to lectures, students also participated in small discussion groups of no more than ten. Students also had a list of eleven required readings for this course, books which Nouwen suggested his students read in a particular order. Students were required to write three short reflections for the class as well as a final paper. Students were also strongly encouraged to spend time in a religious community.

Revised by T Wong, 15 September 2021