Richard John Neuhaus: A Life in the Public Square

Boyagoda (Beggar’s Feast), a novelist and professor of American studies at Ryerson University in Toronto, explores the fascinating life of Richard Neuhaus, a man not shy about sharing his opinions or taking controversial positions on public issues. From Neuhaus’s humble childhood in Canada, through his tenure as a Lutheran pastor, to his highly public conversion to Catholicism and ordination to the priesthood, the author investigates all facets of his subject’s life and the profound effect he had on people around the world. While Neuhaus could be a very polarizing figure and was referred to as the Theocon in Chief, the man encountered in these pages is also faithful, generous, and focused on doing God’s work. Most fascinating is Neuhaus’ transformation from civil rights activist and darling of the Christian left to spokesperson for conservative Catholicism as editor of the journal First Things; he was also consultant to presidents and popes. Anyone interested in the history of Catholicism in the 20th century will enjoy this stellar biography. (Feb.)