The Best of "The Public Square": Book Two

by Richard John Neuhaus

Since its inception in 1990, the journal First Things has concluded each issue with Richard John Neuhaus’s “The Public Square.” His column has attracted the attention of America’s most influential journalists, opinion-makers, and intellectuals. All who read it appreciate its serious discussions of religious and social topics, its lively prose, and its occasional dash of wicked humor. This volume presents a sampling of the best of “The Public Square” from 1996 to 2000, making it indispensable for those familiar with the column and a great introduction for those who should be.

Genres: Cultural

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Richard John Neuhaus was a prominent Christian cleric (first as a Lutheran pastor and later as a Roman Catholic priest) and writer. Born in Canada, Neuhaus moved to the United States where he became a naturalized United States citizen. He was the founder and editor of the monthly journal First Things and the author of several books, including The Naked Public Square: Religion and Democracy in America (1984), The Catholic Moment: The Paradox of the Church in the Postmodern World (1987), and Catholic Matters: Confusion, Controversy, and the Splendor of Truth (2006). He was a staunch defender of the Roman Catholic Church's teachings on abortion and other life issues and an unofficial advisor of President George W. Bush on bioethical issues.

Reviews

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a collection of all of Neuhaus' essays in his journal First Things. Some are quite good. The scope of topics is very large. I found the ML King, Jr article interesting. The one on Vegetarianism is the only solid Christian analysis of the ethics of this "lifestyle" that I have come across. And it is not your typical "God made animals to eat" or "God says all killing is bad." Finally, the book captures an intense time in history - the essays are dated across 9/11. Neuhaus was in NYC, of course, at the time. It is interesting to read his first reactions, given our vantage point many years later.

This is a good book to read to get a picture of the practical outworking of his philosophy of religion in the public square as expressed in his classic, "The Naked Public Square".

[Christopher Raffa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great material for preaching