This study will expose the development of Merton's concept of man's place in the world as shown through his many writings on a great variety of social topics. The invalidation will bring out the implications of Merton's thought for modern life and action in a technological age. By exposing Merton's thought on the function of religion in human life and the process of the transferral of Merton's concerns from religious ones to contemporary secular problems, an insight can be gained into his concept of what the social dimensions of contemporary religious man should be.