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Nearer, My God: An Autobiography of Faith

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I wanted to get a glimpse of contemporary conservative thinking. After Mr. Buckley passing away I heard that he was a sort of beacon for modern Conservative political thought. There's no better way to get a lowdown on this than to get under conservative skin, i.e. going into the subject of faith, since this is a sort of underlying building block for conservative thought.

Referring to the subtitle "An autobiography of faith", there is very little "autobiography". We get just a glimpse of Mr.Buckley's privileged childhood in the beginning of the book. But the major body of the text is a commentary on someone else's religious writings, filled with very generous quotations. From the initial premise of the book - "autobiography of faith" - I got an impression that it's going to be a personal account of how someone like Mr. Buckley comes to Catholic faith and what strengthens him in his beliefs. What you get instead is a very referential analysis of certain developments in the history of Catholicism and some current religious concepts. For example, Vatican abandoning the Latin liturgy in favor of modern languages (the author strongly disagrees with it), issues of contraception, the influence of church on the state, etc. In general, it leaves a strong impression that this book is written by a journalist, who wanted to mull over the current agenda, not by a person, who wanted to explore and share his personal relationship with God.

Written in a gentle way without any super big words pushing you to the nearest dictionary. A statement of faith and belief. But spiritual questions remain which even the super intelligent can not totally figure out. This reviewer found the book enlightening.

I'm suprised he's a Mr. Buckley instead of a Dr. Buckley.
His philosophical defense on Christianity are as complex and as detailed as other leading doctorate Christian Apologetic defenses by such professors as William Lane Craig and Peter Kreeft.
His book is more than just intriguing; it's a work of deep thought and faith.
Although the extravagant words that Mr. Buckley uses (Many of the words he use are unfamiliar to Microsoft Word!) can be quite confusing, it's logical structure is superb.
Mr. Buckley must have some very good knowledge on formal logic.
I personally like how he seperates his defenses of Christianity and Catholicism, allowing this book to be tolerated for even the most evangelical Christian.
That's another great aspect of the book, in my opinion. (I am not an evangelical) Mr. Buckley is obviously a conservative Catholic, seperated by the popular Christian evangelism that is sweeping through churches. Buckley put's aside the evangelical dogma, and shows Christianity on how it really is.
Not by saying that every religion is wrong except for Christianity - the evangelical approach
but by saying why Christianity is the right religion, and how he possibly could be wrong.
Christian apologetic books like this make Atheists, like Sam Harris, beg for a chance to slow down and let them organize their thoughts.
So instead of having Rick Warren and Sam Harris debate on Newsweek, let's see Sam Harris and William F. Buckley bust out their beliefs. But I do believe Mr. Harris would plead for a Dictionary somewhere in the middle of such a debate.

The book is superb and I recommend it for those Christians who feel their faith lacks intellectual and rational standing.

Great Book

As with any Buckley book, I relished in his command of the English language. I thoroughly enjoyed what he had/s to say. However, I find that the full title is not a sufficient, nor correct title. I refer to "An autobiography of Faith", not "Nearer, My God."

This was more of an academic exposition of Catholicism in the 20th century rather than a full experience of Buckley's journey as a Catholic. Being Catholic is very much more than being an academic about it. Catholic spirituality is very much an interplay between the mind and the heart - dislocate one from the other and only half, or even less, of what Catholicism is is irretrievable.

As a Catholic, I did find it very enlightening to encounter a person (or his writings) with regards the changes of Vatican II. I found much of apologetics very intriguing throughout the book. However, it really cannot touch St. Augustine's Confessions (and one can hardly expect even Mr. Buckley to attempt to).

It is a good book from which to learn but it sheds only a little light on William F. Buckley Jr. the Catholic. The best example a Catholic can give is not simply what is known about the faith, but, rather, how one lives that faith. Truly, an intellectual pursuit of the faith is vital but not all there is to it.

This book should appeal to Most Buckley fans such as myself, Here we see a Different WFB. A Defender of the Catholic Faith while he does miss the Old Latin Mass and Not Eating Meat on Fridays as well other Pre-Vatican II Traditions he nonetheless Has Plenty of Praise for The Mother Church,Here you have Quotes and Responses from Bill's Friends most who in this book are Catholic Converts and Not Cradle Catholics:
Whittaker Chambers,His Nephew Little Brent(Fr.Brent Bozell), The Great Fr.Neuhaus,Fr.Rutler, among others. He Goes through the Controversies such as So-called Modernity and other enemies of The Church and in Closing the book is a tribute to His Mother, a Very Sad Thing to read in the last Chapter,the Book Is Typical CLASSIC Buckley, A Book for WFB And Catholic Enthusiasts Alike.