Harley Matthews - Merton and the Protestant Tradition

Harley Matthews - Merton and the Protestant Tradition

From Tuesdays with Merton Podcast by International Thomas Merton Society

November 14, 2025 · 1h 14m · Episode 65

About this episode

The episode explores Thomas Merton's unexpected influence in Protestant culture and other marginal spaces.

In the nineteen sixties, finding a cloistered monk in Protestant spaces was unexpected. We will look at Merton's influence in Protestant culture, then extend our exploration into other unexpected and marginal places, including punk and hardcore engagements with Merton, and imagining Merton as an urban character. Viewing Merton through an alternative lens can encourage us to see Merton reaching further than we might expect or even be comfortable with. Harley Dean Mathews is associate pastor of First United Methodist Church in Victoria, Texas. Harley is married to Amanda Mathews, an artist. Harley has a background in multi-faith dialogue, mysticism, nonviolence, creative contemplation and the underground music scene. See future programs and register to join the discussion live at: https://merton.org/twm/

People in this episode

Guest: Harley Dean Mathews

Topics covered

  • Merton's influence
  • Protestant culture
  • marginal spaces
  • punk music
  • urban character
  • multi-faith dialogue

Keywords

  • Thomas Merton
  • Protestant tradition
  • punk
  • hardcore
  • urban character
  • mysticism
  • nonviolence

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: First United Methodist Church, International Thomas Merton Society

Books & works: Merton

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