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Thomas Merton's Allegory of Adam: Its Theology and Implications

Vaughan, Matthew

This brief essay has to do with the ways in which Merton read Scripture, specifically the second creation narrative (which, due to Merton's androcentric reading, Vaughan terms the “Adam Narrative”) in Genesis 2:4-3:24. Of particular focus is a book that Merton published nearly fifty years ago entitled "The New Man" because it is Merton’s most thorough treatment of the Adam narrative. This essay generally introduces Merton’s theology, outlining how Adam serves as Merton’s primary allegory for establishing the function of existential unity with God. It concludes with several potential implications of this theology for the Stone-Campbell Movement as it considers questions of exegesis, prayer, and sacraments.

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Journal of Faith and the Academy

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Union Theological Seminary
Published Here
June 12, 2013