NSoC 27: What Is Liberty?

See Notes on this series...

Blessedly short chapter today. Merton declares that the simple choice between good and evil does not represent true freedom. The only notable thing about this choice is the option of good. Evil as an option, though, negates freedom, because, Merton says, when we choose evil under those circumstances we do so believing the choice is good for us when in fact it isn't.

True spiritual freedom is found in the inability to choose evil. Merton states that only total rejection of the desire of evil makes one free. God, for example, who not only doesn't sin but cannot sin, is perfectly free. Only perfect submission to his will guarantees freedom for us. As long as "our will travels with his" we can be free through him.

Merton boils down freedom as simply to be able to do the will of God. To reject his will is to renounce freedom. There is no freedom in sin, nor is there happiness. The things we do in the flesh are not necessarily sinful, but when their use is contrary to God's will then the problems begin. God has given us perfectly good pleasurable things but there are consequences to their misuse. Merton says we ate "the rind and threw away the orange."

Feast day tomorrow. Back on Monday.