Merton believed that one needed a transformation of consciousness, which is required in order to leave a false self and discover the true self. Merton believed that for him to reach this state, the need to leave the world behind thus he actually entered the world more fully than most of us do. Merton believed in the isolation of no radio, no daily paper, and no television. Through this isolation Merton realized that by being freed of the day-to-day news, he was able to gain a sense of perspective that, time has shown, enabled him to understand what was happening better then most of the people could at the time. From this Thomas Merton became somewhat of a political figure. Thom

"Genuine ecumenism requires the communication and sharing, not only of information about doctrines which are totally and irrevocably divergent, but also of religious institutions and truths which may turn out to have something in common, beneath the surface difference. Ecumenism seeks the inner and ultimate ground which underlies all articulated differences. A genuinely fruitful dialogue cannot be content with a polite diplomatic interest in other religions and beliefs. It seeks a deeper level, on which religious traditions have always claimed to bear witness to a higher and more personal knowledge of God than that which is contained simply in exterior worship and formulated doctrine."

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Approximate Word count = 1244
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)