Yes. Merton was the pivot (in a rather fortuitous accident) for me in traveling from atheism to Catholicism. I've heard him criticised for going too Eastern (as in buddhist), but that gate is where a lot of opportunity for evangelism is these days in the West. I wasn't the first or the last.
Hadn't thought about the Age of Reason's effect on contemplative spirituality in the West but it makes sense. In general the Western mind is more aimed at or drawn to the rational and empirical sciences. Personally I was just grateful - and amazed - that the practices and traditions still exist and are taught, somewhere, anywhere in Western Christianity. Anecdotally, I think it is growing.
thanks very much for your reply..
Merton for me, at least the early/middle period Merton, is simply wonderful. So many of his struggles are something I can identify with. I do think he went a bit off the rails towards the end, however. One of my favorite passtimes is to go up to the cottege before ice out, light a fire in the stove, put on some good classical Russian music, pour a good MacAllan's and read Merton.
Kosta's observation about the Age of Reason is spot on. Luckily in many ways, it didn't penetrate the religious consciousness of the Eastern Church.
There's a marvelous little book you might enjoy, if you can find it. Its called "Orthodox Spirituality By a Monk of the Eastern Church." Sometimes it can be hard to find, but frankly most anything by the Desert Fathers is good reading for a contemplative.