NYT gives Neuhaus' new book a fair treatment

From the New York Times, a suprisingly even-handed book review by Patrick Allitt. I guess I can't say I'm really all that amazed, though - people can be rightfully terrified of taking on Neuhaus in print. But whatever the reasons, it did turn out nicely:

The Zeal of a Convert

IS it possible to be a dogmatic Catholic yet still enjoy intellectual freedom? Richard John Neuhaus, a leading Catholic commentator and editor of the ecumenical journal First Things, says yes, by "thinking with the church." In his new book ["Catholic Matters"], he argues that American Catholics can emerge from the confusion that has afflicted their church in recent years and rediscover "the splendor of truth." They must, however, welcome the guidance of the old Pope, John Paul II, and the new one, Benedict XVI, while taking their church's doctrines and traditions as their starting point.

... Neuhaus defends his vision of Christianity with wit and sure-handed confidence. I doubt whether many Catholics of the type he criticizes will be convinced, but he makes an erudite case for the old teachings, while humanizing them in the context of his own biography."

Read the rest.

I was able to hear the great "RJN" speak recently. It was a very powerful experience - his often-lauded skills as an orator and a wordsmith are not in the least bit exaggerated.

And yes, even RJN has a blog (other people post as well, so just look at the beginning to check who it is).