Hugh Turley, co-author and investigator into the death of Father Thomas Merton, shares his insights on a renowned figure in spiritual and activist circles. He delves into Merton's mysterious death and its implications, exploring potential cover-ups and the media's role in shaping narratives. Turley critiques exploitation within religious institutions and ties Merton's legacy to contemporary activism. He also highlights the moral dilemmas of loyalty and truth, illustrating the complexities surrounding historical figures like Merton and the influence of the CIA on media.
Thomas Merton's influential writings on spirituality and peace resonate with contemporary issues, highlighting the enduring relevance of his anti-war stance.
Hugh Turley's decade-long investigation into Merton's suspicious death raises critical questions about potential foul play and the importance of uncovering historical truths.
Deep dives
The Legacy of Thomas Merton
Thomas Merton was a prominent American Catholic monk, writer, and activist known for his significant contributions to interfaith dialogue and anti-war movements. His bestselling book, 'The Seven Story Mountain,' catapulted him to fame, allowing him to reach a broad audience with messages of spirituality and peace. Merton's works resonated deeply during the politically tumultuous 1960s, particularly as he voiced his opposition to war and nuclear proliferation. His prophetic writings remain relevant today, especially in light of current global tensions, highlighting the enduring importance of his insights on peace and human rights.
Circumstances of Merton's Death
Merton's death in 1968 was officially attributed to accidental electrocution while attending a monastic conference in Bangkok, Thailand, but questions around the validity of this explanation persist. Notably, no autopsy was performed, and inconsistencies in witness accounts and initial reports raise suspicions regarding the true nature of his death. The absence of an autopsy and anomalies in how the incident was reported suggest that Merton's death may not have been as straightforward as indicated. Investigations into the matter have revealed significant cover-ups, leading many to speculate that foul play may have occurred.
Hugh Turley's Investigative Research
Researcher Hugh Turley has spent over a decade examining Merton's death, co-authoring works that delve into the possibility of assassination rather than mere accident. His findings include obtaining archival photographs from the scene that reveal discrepancies in the official account of Merton's demise and suggest that the area was staged to resemble an accident. Turley's investigations have uncovered evidence of a head wound on Merton, which was never addressed in official reports, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding his death. This discovery, coupled with the lack of thorough investigation, paints a troubling picture of potential conspiracy that merits further inquiry.
The Implications of Merton's Activism
Merton's outspoken criticism of war and militarism positioned him as a target during a time of escalating global conflict, placing him in the crosshairs of various interests that benefitted from his silencing. His anti-war advocacy, including a powerful article stating that Catholics should not participate in war, attracted attention from intelligence agencies, which were wary of his influence. The dynamics of power within his own monastic community, particularly the role of Abbott James Fox, came into play as financial interests conflicted with Merton's values, potentially providing further motive for foul play. Merton's legacy thus intertwines with themes of censorship and the dangers faced by those who challenge the status quo.
Hugh Turley is the co-author with David Martin of the first most thoroughly researched books about the assassination of the internationally revered American Catholic monk, pioneer in interfaith dialogue and anti-war and human rights activist Father Thomas Merton. Merton was also a prolific writer and poet, mostly on spiritual subjects-- perhaps the most important Catholic author in the 20th century. For over a decade Hugh has been following the clues leading to the murder of Father Merton 56 years ago in Bangkok Thailand on December 10th 1968 -- the same year as the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Merton's friend and fellow civil rights activist Martin Luther King. His research has resulted in two publications "The Martyrdom of Thomas Merton" in 2018 and a follow up book last year "Thomas Merton's Betrayers: The case against Abbot James Fox and author John Howard Griffin". He also had a major investigative role in the publication of "The Murder of Vince Foster: America's Would-Be Dreyfus Affair". Hugh is a volunteer columnist for the Hyattsville Life and Times, a winner of the National Newspaper Association award for best serious column, small circulation, and his day job is as a professional stage magician in the Washington DC area. His website is TheMartyrdomOfThomasMerton.com
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