Nearer, My God: An Autobiography of Faith by William F. Buckley, Jr. A Review by Steve Silver

William F. Buckley, Jr., while not sailing the Atlantic, writing spy novels, running for mayor of New York, or playing the harpsichord, has been sharing his thoughts, arguing his positions and delighting — or infuriating — readers for decades. Buckley, a truly protean author, has written on subjects far and wide. However, with his latest book Buckley returns to a topic that engaged him in his first authorial effort, religion. And, after reading "Nearer, My God" your reviewer is convinced that it is not as a writer or polemicist or political thinker that Buckley wishes to be remembered, but as a Christian.

"Nearer, My God" is not the easiest book to read; it does not proceed like the traditional autobiography. Scenes from the life of Buckley are interspersed with exchanges between his "Forum" of believers (more below) and excerpts from other books. Despite this fact, however, the reader does come away with a well limned portrait of how Buckley understands his faith and why it is important to him.

Buckley's unorthodox approach to the autobiography stems from his conviction that if someone else has adequately said what he believes, there is little reason for him to restate the idea in different words. A long, awkwardly written passage on the crucifixion, for example, could never have come from the pen of Buckley. The familiar turn of phrase is missing, the lexicographic pyrotechnics all but absent. Yet, there is a passion to the quoted passage and its inclusion in Buckley's book conveys to the reader the importance that ascribes to this central event in the Christian faith.

In an exploration of various matters of faith, Buckley chooses a device that he calls his "Forum." The participants are all converts to Catholicism. Of greatest interest to your reviewer were not the thoughtful ruminations of Michael Novak, Jeffrey Hart and others on topics like the Crucifixion or the ordination of women but rather the what seemed to be the wistfulness of Buckley — he has always been Catholic. Buckley clearly believes that those who convert enjoy an extra dimension to their faith, one he will never experience. He seems to envy them their dis-covery of a new world, the only one he has ever known.

The most touching parts of the book are, not surprisingly, the personal vignettes. I especially enjoyed reading about Buckley's audience with the Pope (take comfort, all — even the "Master of Words" is capable of malapropisms!) and the ordination of his nephew. Particularly moving was Buckley's epilogue on the death of his mother.

One seemingly inapposite subject is Buckley's extensive review, in an appendix of the state of religion at a number of top drawer prep schools. Yet, considering that his very first book was titled God and Man at Yale, this excursion is not all that surprising. Each of the schools to which Buckley turns his attention, can trace its roots to one Protestant denomination or another. Religion has been all but exiled from many of these places and that troubles Buckley. However, like many who have "prepped," Buckley, whether or not he liked it, was defined by his years at school. That the Millbrook School, which he attended, has changed and moved away from what he considers to be of elemental importance is quite clear. It disturbs him and Buckley explains why. The notion of a value-neutral society, one in which all ideas compete freely and amicably, is one of those ideas that has no basis in reality. Buckley believes that multiculturalism, rather than being an idea which allows for the expression of many beliefs, is actually a new belief system in and of itself. Given the choice between it and Christianity, Buckley goes with the latter.

Bill Buckley writes about what he believes to be important. He doesn't spend his time discussing the pros and cons of abortion or the ordination of women (though time is given to these matters in one chapter) because he wants his book to be about his faith, not politics disguised as faith. One may not agree with all that Buckley says — or how he says it — but one should still listen. Buckley has an interesting story to tell and should be commended for his willingness to witness, in print, to his faith. +