Neuhaus

Like many people who are interested in theology, philosophy, and public life, I was surprised and saddened to hear of the death of Richard John Neuhaus.

Neuhaus was, among other things, the editor in chief of the journal First Things. Although a Canadian by background, he spent his life as a Lutheran Pastor, and later Catholic Priest, serving in the United States. Sometimes his writing was too occupied with his take American politics for my taste. On occasion I would wince at some of his comments. But he was always stimulating; never boring. And sometimes his theologizing was genuinely challenging and thought provoking.

I am thankful that I had the to meet Neuhaus. In fact, through the kind invitation of David Schutz, I had the chance to lunch with the man, attend an public interview, and then spend some time in conversation with him (and Adam Cooper and Thomas Pietsch) at the presbytery of St Patrick's Cathedral.

One day I will get writing down my memories of the conversation. But for now I simply want to put up a post to mark his passing.