James Finley (born May 30, 1943) is an American author, clinical psychologist and former Trappist monk at the Abbey of Gethsemane, under the spiritual direction of Thomas Merton.
Along with founder Richard Rohr, he is a core faculty member at the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[2] After leaving the monastery, Finley pursued bachelor's and master's degrees in English education and taught at a number of Catholic schools in the Cleveland, Ohio area.
He integrated his psychological knowledge into his spiritual teaching and writing, and worked as a therapist in private practice with his wife for thirty years.
[1] Today, Finley is a core faculty member at the Living School at the Center for Action and Contemplation in New Mexico along with Richard Rohr, Brian McLaren, Cynthia Bourgeault and Dr. Barbara Holmes.