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PDF versionFr. Richard John Neuhaus dead at age 72
Jan. 08, 2009
Fr. Richard John Neuhaus (CNS photo, 2005)
Fr. Richard John Neuhaus, a leading voice of Catholic conservatism in America, and one of those rare theologians and spiritual leaders whose influence vastly exceeded the boundaries of their religious community, has died at 72.
Neuhaus slipped away Jan. 8, shortly before 10 o’clock Eastern time. He never recovered from the weakness that sent him to the hospital the day after Christmas, caused by a series of side effects from the cancer he was suffering.
A priest of the New York archdiocese and a former Lutheran minister, Neuhaus was best known to society at large as an intellectual guru of what came to be known as the “religious right.”
From the early 1970s forward, Neuhaus was a key architect of two alliances with profound consequences for American politics, both of which overcame histories of mutual antagonism: one between conservative Catholics and Protestant Evangelicals, and the other between free market neo-conservatives and “faith and values” social conservatives.
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'A Second Brother Dies': Remembrance by Michael Novak
'The Two Neuhauses': Remembrance by Damon Linker
Remembrance by National Review Editors
Remembrance by Ross Douthat, The Atlantic
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In 2005, Time magazine took the unusual step of including the Catholic Neuhaus on a list of America’s 25 most influential Evangelicals, noting that in a 2004 session with journalists from religious publications, President George W. Bush cited Neuhaus more often than any other living authority.
“Father Richard,” the president said then, “helps me articulate these [religious] things.”
To Catholic insiders, however, it was Neuhaus’ writing rather than his political activism that made him a celebrity. From the pages of First Things, the unapologetically high-brow journal he founded in 1990, Neuhaus kept up a steady stream of commentary on matters both sacred and secular.
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In broad strokes, Neuhaus was an unabashed supporter of the papacies of John Paul II and Benedict XVI, and his commentary was prized in Rome. John Paul, for example, named Neuhaus as a delegate to the 1997 Synod for America. Yet he was no lapdog for ecclesiastical authority; he lamented the Vatican’s opposition to the Iraq war in 2003, and early in Benedict’s papacy Neuhaus voiced “palpable uneasiness” that the new pontiff was not clamping down on what Neuhaus saw as dissent from church teaching.
Over the years, even people who disagreed with Neuhaus’ politics or theology would devour his monthly essay in First Things, titled “The Public Square,” for sheer literary pleasure. His combination of epigrammatic formulae and occasionally biting satire often reminded fans of English-language Catholic luminaries of earlier eras, such as G.K. Chesterton or Cardinal John Henry Newman.
Though Neuhaus became an iconic American Catholic figure, at birth he was actually neither American nor Catholic. He was born in 1936 in Ontario, Canada, one of eight children of a Lutheran minister. Neuhaus followed in his father’s footsteps, and was ordained as a Lutheran minister himself in 1960. He served at St. John the Evangelist Lutheran Church in New York, which covered the largely black ghetto of Bedford-Stuyvesant.
During the ferment of the 1960s, Neuhaus was identified with progressive causes. Alongside the Jesuit peace activist Fr. Daniel Berrigan and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Neuhaus co-founded “Clergy Concerned about Vietnam.” Even after his later turn to the right, Neuhaus continued to admire figures such as Berrigan, saying that although he found their activism misplaced, they shared a profound conviction that public life ought to be shaped by Gospel values.
Neuhaus would later recall that the trigger for his break with the left was the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, legalizing abortion in America. He became an outspoken voice for pro-life causes, helping craft the policy of the Bush administration, for example, on embryonic stem cell research.
Neuhaus converted to Catholicism on September 8, 1990, and was ordained a priest one year later by Cardinal John O’Connor of New York. In a letter to his Lutheran friends at the time, Neuhaus said he had become persuaded that the Reformation-era logic for separation from Rome was no longer justified, and that Lutheranism no longer saw itself as a reform movement within the broader church of Christ but rather as one denomination among many.
Given his Lutheran roots, Neuhaus had a lifelong interest in ecumenism. Together with Charles Colson, an erstwhile Nixon operative turned Protestant minister, Neuhaus co-founded “Evangelicals and Catholics Together,” which was often seen as a conservative alternative to official ecumenical dialogues operated by the institutional Catholic church and mainline Protestant bodies.
Over the years, Neuhaus served either as an officer or an advisor for a cluster of neo-conservative foundations and think tanks, including the Institute on Religion and Public Life and the Institute on Religion and Democracy. He was often styled as one member of a “trinity” of prominent American Catholic neo-conservatives, the other two being the lay Catholic writers George Weigel and Michael Novak. The three men were not only political and theological allies but also close friends.
Weigel said that Neuhaus leaves behind a lasting legacy.
“Neuhaus did more than anyone since John Courtney Murray to develop and advance a critical Catholic case for the American experiment in ordered liberty,” Weigel said, referring to the American Jesuit theologian who helped provide the basis for the Catholic church’s acceptance of church/state separation at the Second Vatican Council (1962-65).
“In addition, [Neuhaus] inspired countless Christians by his theological and spiritual writings and personal example,” Weigel said. “He had the rare ability of letting his own high intellectual and literary energy level energize others, which means that his thought is likely to have an impact on the U.S. religious scene for a long time to come.”
Though keenly interested in politics, Neuhaus was at heart a theologian rather than a politician, and even critics of his social views often admired the depth of his spiritual convictions. In 2001, for example, Neuhaus published a widely praised volume of reflections titled Death on a Friday Afternoon: Meditations on the Last Words of Jesus from the Cross.
Neuhaus’ other books include Catholic Matters: Confusion, Controversy, and the Splendor of Truth (2006); The Naked Public Square: Religion and Democracy in America (1997); Appointment in Rome: The Church in America Awakening (1998); Doing Well & Doing Good: The Challenge to the Christian Capitalist (1992); and The Catholic Moment: The Paradox of the Church in the Postmodern World (1987.)
John L. Allen Jr. is NCR’s Senior Correspondent. His e-mail address is jallen@ncronline.org.
This is a man who will be
This is a man who will be sorely missed. He was almost "a missing link" to an intellectual tradition of Catholicism that has been slipping away.
Yes, he was a missing
Yes, he was a missing link...
yes, to what? since he never
yes, to what?
since he never actually attended a ROMAN CATHOLIC SEMINARY!
how is he any kind of link to Catholic thinking?
Unlike Father SChillebeeckx, Father Ellacuria, Father Curran, all trained in ROME for goodness sake
And NY Jesuit Fathers Haight and Berrigan
Now these theoligans had solid Catholic educations in the pre-Vatican II Church
are they not much stronger links?
No. They are not.
No. They are not.
They should be.
They should be.
A profound and prolific
A profound and prolific orator who was always prepared in the pulpit. Each weeekend, I would always bring an index card and a pen when he was celebrating mass. "We walk not by sight, but by faith." A remarkable contributor to this world!
God Bless Him.
Hearing Father Neuhaus's
Hearing Father Neuhaus's sermons every Sunday at his NYC chuch was instrumental in bringing back one of my friends to the Church. He truly spoke from the heart about what is good and right. Most of all, he defended the Church and protected the sanctity of all human life. May he rest in peace.
We should not speak ill of
We should not speak ill of the dead. After all,his fundamentalist and bad theology and morality were rooted in invincible ignorance. May God forgive him and rest his soul.
Tony, Ontario
Obviously, you never read
Obviously, you never read First Things.
Invincible ignorance? Are
Invincible ignorance? Are you joking? If you're not joking better defend what sounds ridiculous.
Mike, BC
Great Loss. He will be
Great Loss. He will be missed.
A Catholic Priest whom is
A Catholic Priest whom is sorely missed.
Each time "First Things"
Each time "First Things" arrived I would stop everything to read "The Public Square" or anything else Father Neuhaus had written. The Church and the nation have lost a wise man, a great leader and a faithful servant of God.
How sad for us to have lost
How sad for us to have lost Fr. Richard !!
The world will truly be a lesser place without him.
Rather read Berrigan A life
Rather read Berrigan
A life long Catholic
Extremely well trained in Roman Catholic seminaries
A powerful voice for how to live Catholic under this shadow
What years of smeinary did Neuhaus attend?
None
One Year a Lutheran minister
Next ordained a priest by the Reagainte Joe O'Connor
Read your Berrigan, especially the most recent on the
Pathology of Power
Why do we accept these late converts like the Hahns to be our Catholic voice in America?
Read our Catholics
Read the Berrigans, and Father John Dear, and Sister Joan Chittister, for starters, and pray at home in our own theology
Frere Charles is a
Frere Charles is a dissenting Catholic who frequently trolls around insulting Catholics. His comments are usually hateful & inapropriate.
To Frere Charles OSB
To Frere Charles OSB Oblate,
Progressive thinking should make you more open-minded about the voice of people like Fr. Neuhaus and Scott Hahn. Don't they have the right to speak their opinions, even if they disagree with yours? If they gain an audience then that should stimulate debate among believers. The tone of your response concerns me; it's not a healthy thing when either the left or the right wants "late converts" to keep quiet. May I remind you of Jesus' parable about the man who hired workers and paid them all the same wage, even the ones who came out later in the workday? It's a "catholic" or "universal" church, isn't it? Or is it just for cradle Catholics or other long-time converts. Speak your mind, brother, but please be civil.
-Rome's Stepchild
Would you not agree that you
Would you not agree that you would prefer an air pilot who had studied for years the science of aeronautics, and not studied rowboating instead, or a brain surgeon who had actually studied, well, brain surgery, than one who had come up in a tradition which rejects all kinds of surgery and been named chief surgeon merely as a political appointment?
I prefer my Catholic theologians to have some years studying, well, Catholic theology, and thinking and praying deeply about it for a lifetime, precisely as Father BErrigan, Father McBrien, Father Dear and Sister Joan have done.
Not some LUTHERAN who comes up in a tradition of rejection of Catholic thinking, ecclesiology and theology, who suddenly from one day gets to the next gets dressed in Catholic robes because a political Cardinal likes his politics and who dedicates his position to dividing the Church, to teaching his extreme political positions as articles of Faith, who works subversively from within to destroy our Holy Mother Church, who like Chesterton is at best an amateur Catholic with little knowledge of the depths of the Mysteries and who cannot hear the cry of the poor.
I prefer not wolves in sheep's clothing, but to read my Berrigan, and my NCR.
Why don't I read Chittister,
Why don't I read Chittister, et al? Because she and others like her have distorted and betrayed the tradition they claim to uphold. Fr. Neuhaus thought with the Church from the moment of his conversion until his death.
By the way, why does someone who is born Catholic have more legitimacy than one who converts? I am a convert, and I bitterly resent the implication that I am less of a "voice" for American Catholics, especially when you the standard you provide is Joan Chittister.
I think it is you who need to take a closer look at your reading habits, not those of us who nurture our Catholic imaginations on faithful voices such as Scott Hahn and Fr. Neuhaus.
As for 'praying at home in our own theology," just what the heck do you mean by that??
Annoying Late Converts These
Annoying Late Converts
These late converts are so annoying.
Especially that fellow Peter who spent all his life as an observant Jew. Then suddenly, without having gone to any Catholic seminary feels he can speak out for the church. What about Paul? Writing those stupid letters to everyone. Just because he had an out of body experience, he thinks he is qualified to be a Catholic. That applies to all of those so-called "apostles" too. None of them had a proper Catholic education to speak of. Don't get me started on Ambrose, Augustine, Newman...
Can't stand converts. Should all learn to remain silent.
Dear John L. Allen, Thank
Dear John L. Allen,
Thank you for your article. The love and admiration we have for him, his dedication to the Church, his intelligence, his humor and self-effacing manner at times...
Fr. Richard John Neuhaus you may not need our prayers; however we are sure that you would have requested them...we pray for you...please, pray for us.
D & M Newhard
I maintained a
I maintained a correspondence with Fr. Neuhaus for many years and even had the pleasure of sharing dinner in his apartment several summers back. His was a soul illuminated by a clarion faith the likes of which one rarely sees. May flights of angels sing him to his rest.
Dear John L. Allen, Thank
Dear John L. Allen,
Thank you for your article. The love and admiration we have for him, his dedication to the Church, his intelligence, his humor and self-effacing manner at times...
Fr. Richard John Neuhaus you may not need our prayers; however we are sure that you would have requested them...we pray for you...please, pray for us.
D & M Newhard
The Church and the society
The Church and the society has in R.Neuhaus' death lost a voice,a prophet and a pastor.He 'll be unendingly missed,not just in America,but by all who have come across him or his theologically sound,incisive and penetrating writings.
How many generations of
How many generations of Catholics will have to apologize for their brethren, who supported Bush and his countless crimes against humanity?
Bush's "crimes" included
Bush's "crimes" included liberating 50 million Iraqis from Hussein's fascism, supporting Israel against its terrorist enemies, and protecting the US from terrorist attacks for 7 years after 9/11. You trolls who falsely accuse Bush will be the ones apologizing... in Hell! See you in the Lake of Fire, you child-mass-murdering terrorist-supporting Nazi traitor! May your buddies from Hamas anally rape you with a chainsaw for tainting this comments section with your Satanic lies.
"""Bush's "crimes" included
"""Bush's "crimes" included liberating 50 million Iraqis from Hussein's fascism, supporting Israel against its terrorist enemies, and protecting the US from terrorist attacks for 7 years after 9/11. You trolls who falsely accuse Bush will be the ones apologizing... in Hell! See you in the Lake of Fire, you child-mass-murdering terrorist-supporting Nazi traitor! May your buddies from Hamas anally rape you with a chainsaw for tainting this comments section with your Satanic lies.""""
I can not believe this person actually posted this on this Catholic website. For people that do not agree with you, you say Hamas should "annally rape you with a chainsaw"... and the reason is "for tainting this comments section with Satanic lies." You are off your rocker and your comment is the voice of Satan!
You are an evil and Satanic person to suggest any such crime against any person!!!!
Please, dear friend, I pray
Please, dear friend, I pray for your release to the bondage of sinful and hateful thoughts. Remember how Jesus treated his enemies, "Father, forgive them they know not what they do." The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him your friend.
None. It is traitors such as
None. It is traitors such as yourself who'll never be able to apologize enough for their complicity with evil Every last Bush-basher is a war criminal and a mass murderer, because you are all guilty by proxy for every single murder Hussein, Osama, and the rest of the terrorists have committed.
As for the generations of you Bush-hating traitors, you won't live long enough to have any generations left to apologize for your crimes. Your terrorist buddies will soon do to you what they always do to all traitors when they take over their countries of origin: slaughter you, because they know you'll betray them sooner or later just as you betrayed your own country.
Oh what rubbish to my
Oh what rubbish to my Christian ears from the spiritually blind and deaf who still support GW Bush. How long must we put up with you?
Be gone! Satan get behind me!
Crimes against humanity??
Crimes against humanity?? What about you so-called Catholic who voted for pro-abortion babykiller Obama?? What about his impending crimes agaist humanity??
Hopefully he made his peace
Hopefully he made his peace with God before he died.
I've read First Things for
I've read First Things for years and am always stimulated to think by it.
I left the Catholic Church at 18 and became an Evangelical Christian at 21. My devout Catholic parents give us First Things every year for Christmas. Even my husband, who was raised in a somewhat pagan home and is now Evangelical Christian, enjoys reading First Things. I hope the magazine can continue, and that someone can step up to come close to filling Fr. Neuhaus' shoes. We will miss his writings. As an Evangelical Christian, I can say that Fr. Neuhaus is with his LORD now and he's happy.
not surprising Evangelicals
not surprising Evangelicals find resonance in him,
since he was trained as a LUTHERAN
I prefer to curl up with Catholic theologians like Father Daniel Berrigan
and Father John Dear
and Father Schillebeeckx
and above all with Friar Leonardo Boff
With Archbishop Romero
and all of the Catholic MARtyrs of El Salvador
These are Catholics of a lifetime, not shrill, divisive partisan political voices approved, appointed and annointed for their politics alone
Read the Church
Read Father Haight.
Surely you're joking. It's
Surely you're joking. It's not nice to be a troll.
I mourn for our loss. He
I mourn for our loss. He was an Catholic intellectual giant. I learned so much (and yet so much was over my head ;-)) from his writings!
Merciful God, receive him swiftly!
I mourn for our loss. He
I mourn for our loss. He was an Catholic intellectual giant. I learned so much (and yet so much was over my head ;-)) from his writings!
Merciful God, receive him swiftly!
This man was a good priest.
This man was a good priest. Pray for him that his soul may find peace with the Lord.
He will certainly be missed.
He will certainly be missed. However, he is not a "missing link to an intellectual tradition of Catholicism that has been slipping away"...the Catholic intellectual tradition is ALIVE and WELL!! At the higher levels of the Church, one need only read the works of the late Pope John Paul II, or those of his successor, to know that. For works "closer to earth", try reading some Scott Hahn.
Hahn like Neuhaus, and even
Hahn like Neuhaus, and even Tony Blair and Robert NOvak, are all late in life "converts" without much training at all in Catholicism, yet who claim to miraculously speak for Catholics by some sort of infused knowledge. Sort of a glorious pentecostal thing os calling oneself saved, except bringing it up a notch, and getting a whole lot of media attention.
I prefer to read those who studied hard their Catholic theology under the careful tutelage of Catholic professors.
Like the Berrigans, Like John Dear, Like Friar Boff, Like Ed Schillebeeckx, Like Hans Kung, Like Charlie Curran
Like Sister Chittister
These are strong, safe, secure Catholic voices.
Not these late converts who adorn themselves for the cameras in other's robes and have not the humility to be quiet in Church and hear the Holy Spirit at work.
The first word os Saint Benedict's ancient monastic rule is "Listen!"
Not go out before the cameras and say, "Dudes, I'm Catholic now and we believe we're just okay with US imperial war and economics which feed the wealthy and bring suffering to the poor."
That's Calvinism not Catholicism, no matter who wears the robes and what color slippers.
To be honest as one who has
To be honest as one who has been serving the Church in the area of catechesis, converts tend to know more about the Catholic Faith because they have studied it, absorbed it, and experienced a profound metanoia which often times have required them to sacrifice jobs, friends, family, etc. On the other hand the vast majority of Catholics who grew up Catholic know very little about their faith, and don't care to know more. Some people are even arrogant enough to assume that they already know it all and have nothing to learn because they went to catholic school or grew up catholic, when in reality they know very little. There are even some who, though they went to seminary or some other higher theological training assume that they know better than 2000 years of apostolic teaching handed down from Christ. Many theologians fall into that category.
So please don't assume that just because someone grew up Catholic that they must know everything. I almost assume the opposite based on my repeated experience. Scott Hahn, Neuhaus and others like them have sacrificed greatly, have humbled themselves and listened to the voice of Christ, and have a great deal of knowledge of the Catholic Faith. I really believe that it is because of this that the Holy Spirit has blest them and their words to renew the Catholic Church. I hope that you can put aside your prejudice to learn what God is saying through them.
You know, I believe that St.
You know, I believe that St. Paul would have been perceived as a late comer to the faith by the original 12 apostles. Sure seems to me that he spoke with an authoritative Catholic voice. Everyone from this neck of the woods knows that converts make the best Catholics. Must be the reflective prayer,study and reflection that went into their conversion. Give me Neuhaus and his Catholic perspective anyday over the schizmatic rantings of Chittister, Scillebeeckx and O'Brien.
I'm very sorry to hear this
I'm very sorry to hear this as just yesterday I was reading the new issue of "FIRST THINGS" and was taken aback by the news of his cancer. He wrote about the news (at the end of his usual column) and asked for our prayers and wrote in his usual elegant and inspring matter.
To hear this sad news noted on the radio on two talk shows was quite a surprise today.
I also happend to have been reading his 2006 book "Catholic Matters" from the library the last few weeks. His brand of Catholicism was part of what brought me back to the faith after years in the secular wilderness. Rest in peace, Father Newhaus.
I will miss him. He was a
I will miss him. He was a man of intelligence imbued with humility. I'm thankful that he was a writer. His body of work that teach us for a long time.
Like Cardinal Spellman, Fr.
Like Cardinal Spellman, Fr. Neuhaus bowed to Caesar.
Hopefully, he made his peace with God before he died.
Fr. Neuhaus is at peace
Fr. Neuhaus is at peace having now seen the face of God. My prayer is for you, Mr. Wise, that you find peace and freedom from your vitrole.
What a tragic loss for the
What a tragic loss for the Church and American society in general. This former Lutheran minister was a priest's priest and a passionate lover of Holy Mother Church, which he embraced as an adult. Who will now take the place of this intellectual giant? I, for one, will miss his brilliant monthly essay, "The Public Square" in "First Things," the magazine he co-founded. "Let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen"
I've subscribed to *First
I've subscribed to *First Things* for two years now (I'm actually several issues behind in my reading) and though it's normally touted as a conservative journal, there's a lot in it that a moderate liberal like me can read, consider, and enjoy. I particularly enjoyed Fr. Neuhaus's monthly ruminations at the end of the journal entitled "The Public Square".
Rest in peace...
Rest in peace father.
Rest in peace father.
Fr. Neuhaus will not only be
Fr. Neuhaus will not only be missed for his keen intellect, but especially for his engrossing voice and delivery.
Lois W.
He and will be sorely
He and will be sorely missed. Peg in Denver
This paper does not rise to
This paper does not rise to 1/10 the integrity of Father Richard John Neuhaus and goes against everything Father Neuhaus stood for. The fact that the "Newsweek On Faith" linked to the article about Father Neuhaus death from this rag sickens me (As if this magazine has ANY CREDIBILITY) and goes along way in highlighting the manipulation occurring in the media to change Christianity to comply with liberal secular values.
There are two reasons for this
1. One can assume the Editors of the Magazine have no vision of the the long term consequences of such a strategy due to stupidity, ignorance and knee-jerk emotionalism
OR
2. Worse, they very willfully know exactly what they are doing and the intended long term outcomes of their positions. Either way it won't work.
Why? Jesus Christ himself says the Church will stand forever...and Neuhaus's Law: "Wherever orthodoxy is optional, it sooner or later will be proscribed."
I look forward to continued dwindling circulation numbers of this Heretical Rag of magazine until its eventual destruction in which I will humbly do my part where I can to aid in its' demise.
Until that time I will pray for all involved with this "Effort".
wow is this a Catholic
wow
is this a Catholic stance?
Is this the Holy Spirit at work?
Is this what you learned from the Lutheran Neuhaus?
Not surprising, anon.
Read your Berrigan boy and be quiet in Church
Listen!
Congratulations. Your post
Congratulations. Your post fits right in with the personality that Fr. Neuhaus displayed: intolerant, snobbish.
I didn't care for the man, but do pray that he Rest in Peace.
To the anonymous person who
To the anonymous person who wrote in such condemning tones about NCR's reporting of Fr. Neuhaus' passing: I just sent a response to one who was a detractor of Fr. Neuhaus for having a spirit which does not respect debate. Now I share the same with you, a supporter of the good priest. Christians do the cause of Christ more harm than good when they attack other Christians who disagree with them. Enjoy debate. As I said before, give your opinion but be civil.
Also, one writer wrote that Neuhaus bowed before Caesar and hoped he made his peace with God before he died. Is such judgmentalism a good thing? I am not worthy to judge anyone's eternal destiny. Only God knows the heart and knows why a person held certain convictions. Again, civility please.
-Rome's Stepchild
RS: Thanks much for the
RS:
Thanks much for the genteel civility! Vituperous screed at a wake gives me the willies, regardless of the dead guy's behavior : it's hard to enjoy the beer if the bimbo next to me is bitching ; de mortuis indeed. The trolls above who are trashing RJN and each other bring to mind the charity wrought by Shiite v. Sunni, Huguenot v. Catholic, ad nauseum. May God have mercy on their bloody souls -- if they are wise enough to make their peace before shuffling off -- and, while He's at it, maybe He could do the same for me. RJN, you know I need that peace. And while you're at it, Father, another beer too!
O.T.
Fr. Neuhaus will be missed
Fr. Neuhaus will be missed greatly. I didn't always agree with his views. But his intellect was unsurpassed in the Church here in America.
We have lost a fair and just
We have lost a fair and just man. May he keep us in his prayers, and may he rest in peace in the arms of our Lord. Thank you, Fr. Neuhaus for your words of comfort for your suffering brothers.
ccd
Frere Charles, We mourn his
Frere Charles,
We mourn his loss, because, unlike those you cited, he actually was a faithful Catholic.
faithful to his subversive
faithful to his subversive mission to undermine the Catholic Church like a good Lutheran
But devoid of any actual Catholic training or education.
A purely political appointment by a purely political Cardinal Joe O'Connor.
No Catholic he.
Never was
Never will be.
He was a great Lutheran though.
Do you enjoy people coming into your house, declaring themselves the owners, and ordering you about and enslaving you, divinding your family, and telling you what you have done for millenium is all wrong (see? I am not talking here Palestine here), and to stop listening to the poor and oppressed of the earth but feed the rich?
Tell me what rooting in the Catholic Faith he received?
And how was this superior to a truly Faithful Catholic like the Reverend Father Daniel Berrigan?
Neuhaus was granted by the rich and powerful a bigger and bangier pulpit because they knew which way his wind blew, and it was their way.
But Dan has the true and prophetic Faith and practices it every day of his octogenarian life.
Not one day Lutheran and the next superficially and liturgically robed as a Catholic to tear the Church apart.
First Things--Last Things.
First Things--Last Things. He was perhaps the most intelligent and inspiring catholic priest I have ever read. I hope that someone can step into his big shoes. Fr. John will be sorely missed.
Fr. Neuhaus has left this
Fr. Neuhaus has left this world having being a great voice for the faithful.
He was profoundly admired in the catholic circles here in England, he was truly a remarkable soldier of Christ. What a marvellous contribution he gave to the Church, we are all so greatful for is illuminating insights and impeccable guidance. Msy his soul rest in peace and may the Lord be with hi.
England will also miss you, Fr. Neuhaus.
Ingrid Hohmann - England
too bad the Catholic
too bad the Catholic Reporter reports him as a "rightist" or conservative, when he was nothing more than loyal to the Magisterium. He will be sorely missed for his brave positons on orthodoxy. God bless him in Paradise.
Dear Steven Wise Related to
Dear Steven Wise
Related to your concern about crimes against humanity, do you agree that facilitating abortion is a crime against humanity.
Yes, I agree that abortion
Yes, I agree that abortion is a crime against humanity and God.
Invading Iraq was wrong (both times). Abortion is wrong all the time.
Mr. Anonymous you are not
Mr. Anonymous you are not doing much honor to Father Neuhaus, who was as gracious and loving to those who disagreed with him as those who agreed.
I am a former atheist and Marxist whose conversion process began when perceiving the evil of Roe v Wade and was nurtured by reading the essays of Father Neuhaus, formerly Pastor Neuhaus, for over thirty years.
Among his most endearing qualities was his humble service to God in recognizing there were no accidents of God’s demands of his time. If he were saying Mass to a group of ten people, he would still give his usual eloquent 15 minute homily on the Gospel and at the end of Mass chat individually with everyone.
Trekking into Manhattan to hear one of his Masses was a blessed event.
He was my priest and my spiritual mentor. His place in eternity will be as an advocate for our growth in grace.
ED BAKER
Honestly people! We just
Honestly people!
We just lost a bold beacon of truth and faith in Fr Neuhaus.
Unfortunately the Church has dissenters, both on the far right and far left. Fr Neuhaus stood firmly and faithfully within the Church's good graces and worked hard to help others come to that point. Deriding him, especially now, is wholly inappropriate.
Rest in peace, father; pray for us.
My prayers for Fr. Richard
My prayers for Fr. Richard Neuhaus and for those who are mourning the loss of such a great man. Sandra in Denver.
There are lots of things I
There are lots of things I admired about Richard John Neuhaus but most especially his work ethic. He really was a worker--getting out the magazine, writing that column, churning out book upon book, organizing his conservative allies, on and on he plunged. He will be greatly missed and although Ii agreed with him only occasionally I will miss his mind and the courage he had of his convictions.
But there are lots of things about him I will not miss.
Unfortunately I have to break my pledge of 'nil nisi bonum . . ." He was a merciless street fighter who took no quarter. He seemed to want to kick his opponents when he had them down. You were either for him or against him. I found no sense in him of any love for his enemies and in his mind he had a vast number of enemies. He used the Catholic church as a means to an end, not an end in itself. Thus for him there was only one Catholic position on any issue, all else was wrong and he meant to root it out. Could it be he never really trusted most of his fellow Catholics?
What happens now to the Catholic right? He was their intellectual center. It will be interesting.
"Thus for him there was only
"Thus for him there was only one Catholic position on any issue"???
Just the other way round!
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