A Man Born Again: St. Thomas More

by John E. Beahn

Many volumes have been written about St. Thomas More: some from the viewpoint of his historical significance in England and the Church, some about his works, others about his brilliance as a scholar and author, and still others about the man himself - his family life, his friends, his wit and humor, his successes and failures, his great holiness. This new book differs from all the rest, both fictional and biographical, in that it treats More's life entirely from the standpoint of his sainthood. All other aspects of his life are subordinated to the fact - just as St. Thomas himself found it necessary to subordinate all else to his pursuit of sanctity. Because the theme of the book represents so faithfully the ultimate goal of the man, "A Man Born Again" offers one of the most intimate and believable portraits of St. Thomas More ever presented creatively. Actually it is both fiction and nonfiction. Careful historical research and a close study of the life and writings of the Saint give this book factual substance. But the presentation is fictional in form, enlivened by the author's skill in imaginative characterization and his ability to recapture sixteenth-century England as seen through the eyes of one of its foremost figures. Written in the first person in the manner of an autobiography and in an style suggestive of the English prose of More's day, the story is convincingly realistic. It begins in the gloomy Tower of London where More is imprisoned for his refusal to take the Oath of Supremacy whereby Henry VIII made himself head of the Church in England. Alone in his cell, abandoned in his beliefs by those he loves, fully aware that he will be executed soon, More reflects on his life in a sort of soliloquy. Only the most significant details from the many known about his life were chosen for this book. These are intuitively correlated to reveal the dramatic final struggle of choosing between life and death, between Henry and God. More's desire to become a writer and then a priest, his dislike of, but inescapable genius for law, his love of learning, all are shown to lead to the ultimate realization that pride is his worst enemy, the main obstacle in the way of the discovery of God's will for himself.

Genres: Catholic

212 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

John Edward Beahn (1910-1990) was born in Philadelphia, served in the United States Army during World War II, and became a business executive who discovered his writing gifts later in life. He contribute articles to several Catholic magazines and wrote popular biographical novels of the saints.

Reviews

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction is a great way to learn more about a person in a readable way. I already knew quite a bit about Thomas More and would say that the author's recreation of conversations and internal monologues rang true to me. It was an easy read about an inspiring man and a great Saint!

[Stephen Heiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A work of historic fiction about the life of St. Thomas More. For those familiar with Tudor rule, particularly the bright hopes that Henry VIII first nourished in his countrymen, and then in Europe, the background and setting will be familiar. For those not familiar with the interior and devotional life of St. Thomas, somewhat alluded to in the play by Robert Bolt, A Man for All Seasons, you'll find much more meat here.

"'You do not appreciate the superiority of your talents and, therefore, neither do others.'" (p. 29)

"Father Paul smiled and shook his head. 'You must learn first to walk in God's ways and in His service before you can run. You must first train and strengthen your muscles. Be content for the present with prayer and fasting - the life of the spirit is born from the death of the flesh.'" (p. 61)

"'There is one great vocation for all of us,' Father Paul continued. 'And that vocation is the same for all of us. Our blessed Lord lived it for us that all of. us would known what it is: to know the will of God as it pertains to each one of us and to fulfill that will.'" (p. 85)

"'Men begin against the clergy, Son Roper, but end by throwing themselves against the whole Church.'" (p. 210)

(quoting from Utopia) "'Invariably, kings' councillors are either so learned themselves that they need not consult with others, or are of that sort who think themselves so learned that they will not consult with others.'" (p 225)

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so approachable. I learned many things about St. Thomas More and have a greater appreciation for the complexity of his faith journey and story. A saint for our times!!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly readable account of St Thomas More.

From chapter 15 book II page 184

“The day drew to an end, the last bill was read, I spoke the formal invitation as to new business preliminary to adjournment, before the aged Bishop of Rochester asked to be heard.

‘My Lords! you have heard the bills delivered here from the Common House.’ His voice was hard as the voice of a man with confidence in the cause he proclaims.’What they sound in some of your ears, I cannot tell. In mine, they sound all to this effect - that our Holy Mother the Church, preserved in the most perfect and peaceable freedom by our forefathers, shall now be brought into thraldom and driven out of our country.”

[Erik]

Suggested by Susanne Rodrigue