Daniel P. Horan, PhD, a longtime Thomas Merton scholar, professor, and author of The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton, sits down to discuss how the Franciscan tradition helped shape the journey and spirituality of Thomas Merton, one of the 20th century’s most influential contemplatives. Horan discusses Merton’s surprising path that led him deep into the Franciscan tradition and the fascinating details as to why he became a Trappist monk instead of a Franciscan friar; how John Duns Scotus’s idea of particularity shaped Merton’s famous teaching about the true self and false self; and how both Scotus and St. Bonaventure informed Merton’s expansive Christology.
Lastly, Horan unpacks how a life grounded in contemplation freed Merton for prophetic engagement in the world, inter-religious dialogue, and exploring some of the most pressing social questions of his time.
Whether you’re a longtime Merton reader or just beginning to explore the Franciscan tradition, this conversation reveals how deeply the two are intertwined—and why both still speak so powerfully and prophetically to us today. Throughout the episode, Horan relates Merton’s journey to ours and explores why his spirituality is so important for us to consider today. If you’re interested in supporting this podcast and donating, visit friars.us or franciscanfriarscharities.org.
Daniel P. Horan, PhD, is Professor of Philosophy, Religious Studies and Theology at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. A columnist for the National Catholic Reporter, he is the author or editor of sixteen books, including Catholicity and Emerging Personhood: A Contemporary Theological Anthropology, A White Catholic’s Guide to Racism and Privilege, and The Way of the Franciscans: A Prayer Journey Through Lent. Prof. Horan’s most recent books are titled Engaging Thomas Merton: Spirituality, Justice, and Racism and Fear and Faith: Hope and Wholeness in a Fractured World. He is currently working on a book on Christology tentatively titled, Not Because of Sin: Reconsidering the Reason God Became Human.
His academic research, writing, and teaching focuses on medieval and contemporary spirituality, medieval and modern philosophy, theological anthropology, Christology, antiracism and LGBTQ issues, and theologies of creation. Prof. Horan regularly lectures around the United States and abroad; and serves on several university, academic, and publication editorial boards, including the Board of Directors of the Catholic Theological Society of America and the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality. He is recipient of numerous awards for his writing and service and is co-host of The Francis Effect Podcast.
Show Notes for The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton
– Horan’s book, The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton, is currently out of print but is still available in numerous places on the Internet.
– Explore’s Horan’s regular column in National Catholic Reporter.
– Listen to Horan’s 2025 appearance on Franciscan Media’s podcast about listening to God in times of transition.
– Explore Horan’s work on Academia.edu.
– Read this reflection on Thomas Merton by Richard Rohr, OFM.
– Learn more about the International Thomas Merton Society and its resources, including the “Tuesdays with Merton” podcast.
– Explore this season about Thomas Merton on the Center for Action and Contemplation’s “Turning to the Mystics” podcast.
– Br. Paul Quenon, OSCO, who had Thomas Merton as a spiritual director, reflects on Merton’s notion of the true self.
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