Nearer My God

This is the story of one man's faith told with unrivaled reflection and candor. William F. Buckley Jr. was raised a Catholic. As the world plunged into war and as social mores changed dramatically around him Buckley's faith -- a most essential part of his make-up -- sustained him. In Nearer My God Buckley examines in searching detail the meaning of his faith and how his life has been shaped and sustained by religious conviction. <p/>In highly personal terms and with the wit and acuity for which he is justly renowned Buckley discusses vital issues of Catholic doctrine and practice and in so doing outlines for the reader both the nature of CathoLic faith and the essential role of religious belief in everyday life. In powerfully felt prose he contributes provocatively and intelligently to the national interest in the nature of religion the Church and spiritual development. Nearer My God is sure to appeal to all readers who have felt the stirrings of their own religious faith and who want confirmation of their beliefs or who are seeking a guide to understanding their own souls. <p/>The renowned social and political commentator William F. Buckley Jr. turns to a highly personal subject -- his faith. And he tells us the story of his life as a Catholic Christian. Nearer My God is the most reflective poignant and searching of Bill Buckley's many books. In the opening chapters he relives his childhood a loving funny nostalgic glimpse into pre-World War II America and England. He speaks about his religious experiences to a world that has changed dramatically. He is unafraid of revealing the most personal side of his faith. He describes in his distinctive style the intimacy of a trip to Lourdes the impact on him of the searing account by Maria Valtorta of the Crucifixion the ordination of his nephew into the priesthood and gives a moving account of his mother's death. And there is humor as Buckley gives a unique hilarious view of a visit to the Vatican with Malcolm Muggeridge Charlton Heston Grace Kelly and David Niven. Personal though this book is Buckley has gone to others to examine new perspectives putting together his own distinguished 'Forum' and leaning on the great literature of the past to illustrate his thinking on contemporary Catholic and Christian issues. <br>