Nearer, My God

Rating:
Summary: Faith Questioned and Affirmed in WFB's "Nearer My God"
Review: As founder, editor, and post-retirement conscience of "National Review," William F. Buckley Jr. acknowledges being described as an evangelist for conservative political and economic ideals. This world view, fueled by efforts to bring faith-based, like-minded people to the polls, helped George W. Bush's 2004 re-election.

In "Nearer, My God," written before President Bush took office (and whose title springs from the hymn,"Nearer My God To Thee") Mr. Buckley draws from Catholic liturgy, philosophy, dialogue, art and debate (reaching to Scripture itself) to describe and affirm his love for Christ and his Catholic faith.

The book is subtitled, "An Autobiography of Faith," and often reads with warm, vivid, humorous family memories and familial wit (a WFB trademark.) Mr. Buckley vividly describes his youth in strict but nurturing St. John's school in Beaumont, and recalls his parents and siblings' religious practice (closing with tender remembrances of his mother Aloise, to whom he dedicated the book). Mr. Buckley tempers memories of a nephew's ordination into a strict Benedictine order, a Sistine Chapel TV taping and audience with Pope John Paul II with humorous asides on bad wine, camcorder angles and papal misintroductions. Mr. Buckley also bemusedly describes his years at Yale, from where gradual, hard-hearted removal of Christian symbolism and ethos inspired his first best seller and a recurring theme in this book. (WFB's dismantles Millbrook College's Christmas, um, "Candlelight" service with particular humor and relish.)

But WFB also at times falls into the moderator role he often took on his flagship PBS show, "Firing Line." Early in "Nearer My God" he steps back and relays a blow-by-blow theological debate between author Arnold Lunn and Catholic priest Ronald Knox in their book "Difficulties." Lunn and Knox touch on everything from the Crusades and Inquisition to the concept of pre-destination and eternal damnation. The episode concludes ends with Lunn converting and Knox performing the ceremony.

Mr. Buckley later gathers recent Catholic converts (including former National Review colleague Jeffrey Hart) to ask their personal conversion stories (their "road to Damascus," as WFB calls it) and views on issues like married priesthood, contraception, and Christ's uniqueness to His time. But Lunn and Knox, and Mr. Buckley's panel, slowly reach the same conclusion: trust God's providence and authority given His church and shepherd to interpret the faith. To help, Mr. Buckley invokes Bishop Joseph Butler's "escape," which states if you would have created the world, you would have done so differently. (WFB effectively invokes the "escape" here describing an Turkish earthquake and more recently in National Review after Hurricane Charley struck Florida.)

For its many strengths, "Nearer, My God" is not a Catholic conversion tool. Mr. Buckley takes issue with Latin's gradual disappearance from Mass and other Vatican II-era changes, describes a wayward Protestant evangelist (who later repented) as a "cretin" while praising equally rehabilitated Watergate-era figure Charles Colson. You also leave the book wanting to understand, as best he can explain it, more of WFB's personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

But as WFB unwinds wisdom from sources as diverse as John Henry Newman, Andrew Greeley, and even Bach's "St. John's Passion," no one will finish this book without understanding Catholicism's permanence and reason to resist popular sentiment. It's what held its faithful followers to it even now, if not always to its highest teachings. (Mr. Buckley devotes part of the book to sin's concept and role in social morality). "Nearer My God," is an often moving semi-autobiography, written expertly by one of the 20th century's most influential thinkers and seekers of knowledge. Highly recommended.


Rating:
Summary: Helpful for your Catholic side
Review: As someone who was raised in a nearly secular manner, later became an atheist, and recently converted to Catholicism, I can say that this volume was very helpful in understanding some of the more difficult aspects of Catholic theology. On top of that, Mr. Buckley's endless sea of references to other important religious works had helped me find a path to God that I otherwise would not have had. Despite some of the weaknesses of this book (It's not really an autobiography and a little boring) I'm still content with the purchase.

Rating:
Summary: an almost complete waste of time
Review: Buckley is obviously a sincere believer in Catholicism, and it is for that reason, and that reason only, that he wrote this book. ... It is not an autobiography, nor is it in any way spiritual. It deals with a few intellectual issues in Catholicism, and a few religious stories from his life. If you're looking for a way to pass the day without rousing your intellect, read this book. Or read a better book.

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Summary: A Book that Will Take on Greater Importance with Time
Review: I am a former Catholic turned evangelical. I must say that despite great differences in Catholic and evangelical thought, there is a goldmine of information that Buckley presents. First, Buckley's employing Cardinal Newman's defense of Catholicism is an excellent presentation of Catholic thought. Equally interesting are the real-life apologetics afforded by Monsignor Knox to one, Mr. Lunn (the latter converted to Catholicism in part due to M. Knox's incisive responses). Evangelicals must understand Catholics, and they will walk away from these exchanges with a vivid, intelligent overview. Incredibly enough, the platforms used to buttress Catholic doctrine serve well, in logical terms, for Christian apologetics at-large. These gems, alone, are well-worth the read. Another fascinating feature includes snippets of responses from various luminaries on their opinions involving three questions. I won't spoil the plot; suffice it to say their responses bring joy to anyone thirsting for relevance in the Gospel and the Christian faith. The slice of life descriptions of involvement with David Nevin, Grace of Monaco, Charleton Heston, Malcolm Muggeridge, etc....well, you won't want to miss these. There is a wide difference between Catholicism and the evangelical world. Nevertheless, the essentials of Christianity are captured in Buckley's recountings--to the extent that reading them creates an intellectually and emotionally satisfying journey. The reader must invariably see Christ just as He was portrayed at the climax of "Ben Hur": God, Who is near. Lastly, I surely came away in awe of Buckley's caressing of the English language. Yes, Bill, "Well done, Lord...our Lord." And, "well done" to His servant, too.

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Summary: A Returning Catholic
Review: I just had to comment on this book. I have had it for a while and have been readking it slowly, piecemeal, for some time and am not yet finished. However, it, ( and other things) have already had the effect of my ordering other books on my faith, Roman Catholcism, in order to inform myself and prepare myself for my return to The Church in the not too distant future. I read the reviews here today, and i thought that the review specifically complaining about the author's having enlisted the help of Clare Booth Luce, Malcolm Muggeridge and Fr. Niehaus as members of his "Forum" was a customer review. I went to check the book on this point of fact : the first two of these were both dead before the author could ask them to particpate and so of course they did not. When I came back to this page, I discovered that the review in which this error had occurred was NOT a customer review, it was a professional review. The error was made by the reviewer for the Kirkus Review. Even if this is a minor point relative to what he was trying to say, I think that he should have been more accurate. Also that's not all that's wrong with that review, and other similar criticisms: there wasn't a thing wrong with the idea of his "Forum", nor with its content and presention, nor with his presentation of the opinions of others. Had either or both or Clare Booth Luce and Malcolm Muggeridge been alive and able to join his "Forum" so much the better. Also, I have yet to read "Experiencing Lourdes" but I seriously doubt that any of the criticisms of the chapter are valid. Further, I do not accept (thought I will have to live with) the abolition of the Latin Mass, nor do I think it had the intended effect or a desirable one. I attended, from 1st to 6th grade, a Roman Catholic day school that was also a convent in Ohio. We had Low Mass in Latin every day of the week before classes except Friday, and we had High Mass, which of course the whole school (1-12) sang in Latin, every Friday. We did NOT sound bad! No one was "reserved". It was the most natural thing in the world. I'm sure I wasn't the only one that loved it. I am sure I'm not the only one that misses it. The paert(s) of the book devoted to the current state of affairs in the preparatory schools dicussed was not boring, irrelevant or unimportant. For part of high school I attended a prep school in Massachusetts which has long since ceased to exist probably because their first headmistress, who had been there for years when I got there, was considered to be irrepaceable. She was a converted Catholic, and many of the teachers were Catholic. Attendance at a Christian church every Sunday was mandatory for all students and we were all taken to our respective churches on the schools buses. When I complained to one of the teachers and the headmistress that I was losing my faith, they got a priest to come and talk to me for an hour on a regular basis which helped at the time. So these things do matter. I count this book and this author among the helpful influences which are resulting (and will have resulted relatively soon, I'm sure) in my permanent return to The Church. I am thankful for these.

Rating:
Summary: Brillian but lacking
Review: I've always admired William F. Buckley, Jr. I've particularly enjoyed his Blackford Oakes espionage novels. He writes with dry wit, subtle satire, and entertaining characters. I was intrigued to discover he'd penned an "Autobiography of Faith." Although I was born Catholic, I was not raised Catholic. Nonetheless, I've appreciated many of the Catholic tenets and approached our differences with an open heart and mind.

With this in mind, I cracked the pages of "Nearer, My God." Buckley starts off with his early years and paves the way to understanding his background. I have no question of his deep belief and honest relationship with God. Unfortunately, he deviates from the autobiographical approach and turns the spotlight on theological and moral arguments regarding Catholicism. In a further departure form the autobiography indicated on the cover, Buckley leans heavily on the opinions and debates of others. I did enjoy the perspectives brought to the table. Some were eye-opening, others enlightening, a few disturbing.

What about Buckley's own journey of faith, though? He seems to have grown up with a set of views that he rarely stepped away from. I admire that. But instead of seeing a heartfelt struggle with God, I found within these pages a striving to validate that which he's always believed. For his benefit? For ours? Either way, the book did not live up to its promise. I can recommend it for the interesting viewpoints and debates expressed by Buckley's peers and forebears. I cannot recommend it as an "Autobiography of Faith." For satisfaction along those lines, I'd turn to Anne Lamott, Kathleen Norris, even the Pope's lucid books. I wanted to know the heart behind Buckley's mind. I didn't find it here.

Rating:
Summary: Exceptional Writing
Review: Mr. Buckley is an exceptionally talented man; his writing is only one of many disciplines at which he excels. And even within this field he is an accomplished novelist, essayist, speech writer, author of monographs, and the author of a syndicated national newspaper column. This particular work could be legitimately characterized as theology although the author denies that he is so qualified. By his definition this may be true, but his level of expertise on Christianity, and on being a Roman Catholic far surpasses the knowledge the majority of the practitioners of the faith can claim.

I came back to this book for a second reading after Mr. Buckley was mentioned several times in the new book by Gary Wills, "Why I Am A Catholic". Mr. Buckley's working title was the same as that of Mr. Wills, but when his book was published in 1997 it had become, "Nearer, My God". Mr. Wills and Mr. Buckley had worked together with Mr. Wills having written for the National Review. Their personal preferences in the political sphere were to become incompatible, and the professional relationship ended.

"Nearer My God", is not as critical of the Church although it does raise a variety of questions about Vatican II, and the decline of virtually any form of religious instruction in education, public or private. Mr. Buckley shares the changes that have taken place at the preparatory school he attended, and includes at the end of his book a list of quite prestigious private schools generally founded by Christians, and their present course offerings that are devoid of anything other than religious homogeneity. The effort spent ensuring that any discussion/teaching is as far from any study of specific religions, is either laughable, or offensive depending on the reader's point of view. It brings to mind recent court rulings that took place within days of each other involving the constitutional issue of the separation of church and state. Within days two rulings were handed down, one stating The Pledge Of Allegiance was unconstitutional due to the words, "under God", and then within days a ruling that school vouchers could be used for religious schools was deemed legal. Genius or even common sense is becoming harder to find residing upon the benches of the judiciary. The decision regarding the pledge was particularly obscene as it was brought in an effort to bolster a child custody case, and not for any legitimate discourse on constitutional law.

Mr. Buckley is a devout Catholic, and while he may take issue with the decisions of The Vatican II Council, he does not attack the Church as an institution. The book explores the Catholic Faith in a variety of ways. He shares a brilliant discussion on a variety of points from the theologians Arnold Lunn and Father Knox. He then invited a group of familiar names that had either found, or converted to The Catholic Church as adults, Lance Murrow, Whittaker Chambers, and many more.

The discussions range from what either kept them from converting sooner, to which ideas finally made up their minds. There are discussions on all of the hot buttons currently at issue, and while these discussions are not devoid of feeling, they lack any manner of rancor.

This book is as lacking in fuel for animosity filled debate, as Mr. Will's work is filled with its opposite. Both books represent an opportunity to learn from extremely bright people who often share the same sources for their discussions. The books differ in the level of criticism and the manner by which it is presented. I have always felt that many readers are put off by Mr. Buckley's work as they feel attempting his work is a daunting task. Mr. Buckley has a brilliant mind and a true love of the written and spoken word. A dictionary at hand when reading his work is often an aid. I don't feel than anyone who has passed on his work would regret a change of mind. He is an original thinker, and will long be remembered for his contributions to literature.

Rating:
Summary: The Aescetics and Joy of the Catholic Christian Faith
Review: This was the book that drove some important decisions in my life. Mr. Buckley has gathered from his own experience some deeply personal relections on Roman Catholic faith. I cherish his effort in writing about his life and knowledge of the church in a manner that is spiritual and reflective of a deep sense of grace. Chapter 8 on Christ's Crucifixion and Chapter 9 about St. Bernadette's experience at Lourdes were stunning to me. I was quite struck by the personal honesty displayed for public view, but I got a sense that Mr. Buckley might someday return to the subject for a sequel. Hopefully he will continue to explain Catholicism in his interesting, witty and challenging manner. Although this book was a tremendous joy to read, it is at times challenging in it's vocabulary and depth of intellectual thought. Well worth the effort for the appreciative reader searching for some of the toughest theological questions. Casual readers will probably find the slog of the first few chapters more difficult that easier digested works. A Five Star Feast for faithful inquirer's of Roman Catholicism.

Rating:
Summary: Great for Catholics and non-Catholics alike
Review: William F. Buckley's extraordinary literary talents come forth once again in this personal journey and growth within his chosen faith. Totally unlike most of his books that I have read, I found myself compelled to keep the pages turning, and found that many (certainly not all, since I have yet to have an audience with the Pope!) questions and experiences I have also shared. Highly recommended.