Spirituality Studies 9-2 Fall 2023 61 Adrián Slavkovský itual life in the context of living out their vocation in the monastery. We can say that he offers an intrinsic link with later biblical passages as well as with later ecclesiastical texts and ecclesiastical practice. In this way he invites his listeners to consider the personal experiential implications of God’s word. He is less interested in objective exegesis – though he does not neglect this dimension – rather he is more attentive to the biblical text as a source of spiritual formation. I will give at least one example of his approach in more detail. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Merton 2023, 9–11) is of deep significance for Merton in connection with his understanding of the distinction between true and false self, as the author of the Introduction points out (Merton 2023, xvi). Following St. Bernard, Merton sees the fruit of the tree of knowledge as a source of division that destroys the unifying knowledge of good by providing experiential knowledge of evil, thus causing the loss of intuitive awareness of reality through love, introducing the illusion of autonomy and a false perception of self as the independent arbiter of right and wrong, and leading man to actually become his own (false) god, as the serpent insidiously promised. In his book New Seeds of Contemplation, for example, one can see right at the beginning of the book his profound understanding of the impact that this internal division has on our human attempts at contemplative prayer. The false self is there said to be a disguise, a mask, masquerading as someone else, namely our true self. But it isn’t. It is fleeting and ephemeral, doomed to disappear like smoke from a chimney. Conversely, the true, deep Self awakens only in contemplation. It is eternal and spiritual. It cannot be directly observed, captured as an object; it is hidden. It has much to say, but not about itself. Merton’s approach to these ancient texts is characterized by a harmonious blend of scientific analysis and spiritual reflection. He explores the complexity of these biblical stories with a fine eye for detail. His astute observations on topics such as creation, human nature, faith, freedom, divine providence, and the relationship between man and God offer readers a fresh perspective on these familiar and often-read stories. Merton’s exploration of the Book of Genesis begins with the concept of creation as an expression of God’s love and creativity. He discusses the symbolic meanings of the seven days of creation, emphasizing the harmony and purpose underlying the universe. Merton emphasizes that understanding the creation story lies not in naturalistic information, but in knowing the profound truths it conveys about the relationship between God, humanity, and the world. Merton delves further into the story of Adam and Eve, reflecting on their innocence, the nature of sin, and the consequences of their disobedience. He presents the story of Adam and Eve as a universal human experience, touching on the struggles of temptation, guilt, and the yearning for reconciliation with God. The narrative of Cain and Abel introduces themes of jealousy, violence, and the ethical dimensions of human behavior. Merton discusses the paradox of free will and the potential for both good and evil in each person. He reflects on the responsibility that lies in the decision to choose what is right and
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