Under the Mercy

Rating:
Summary: Chronicles a remarkable spiritual journey
Review: As documented in "A Severe Mercy", Mr. Vanauken had a marriage eHarmony would love to guarantee its clients. He and Davy enjoyed one of the most unique and intimate matrimonial relationships that I know of, Christian or secular. Unfortunately, he lost his beloved to a mysterious illness after only a couple years of marriage. "Under the Mercy" is the sequel to "A Severe Mercy," and it's the chronicle of his life from Davy's death in mid-century to his Catholic conversion in the early 1980s.

"Under the Mercy" recaps some of "A Severe Mercy" to brief those who haven't read it. But I'd recommend checking out "A Severe Mercy" first so you can appreciate where Mr. Vanauken's coming from. Indeed, his life as documented in both books is quite fascinating. I enjoyed reading how his relationship to God, along with his presuppositions, are refined or altered throughout the years. He also includes some excellent essays on topics ranging from women's lib to a Turtledoveish look at a Southern victory in the Civil War. His gradual shift from the Anglican Church into the Catholic tradition is quite intriguing as well, especially since the writings of C. S. Lewis influenced his decision. Overall, I found his sense of grace and humor to be exemplary. He is a true gentleman in an age where few can claim that title.

However, Mr. Vanauken works out his salvation in ways that might tweak some conservative readers. For example, his experimentation with pot and LSD in the sixties won't win him many points with many in the Dobson crowd. He also demonstrated against the Vietnam War, albeit in a peaceful and reasonable fashion. But for those who have issues with Mr. Vanauken's actions, who among us is able to cast the first stone? He did serve as a naval officer during WWII, and was in Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. Also, all through his life he displayed compassion and grace towards friends, students, and others who crossed his path. That, combined with his formidable intellect, enabled him to touch the lives of a great many people. The two "Mercy" books are the most visible examples of his godly character.

I admit I do struggle with some of his theological conclusions. For example, his rationale for converting to Catholicism implies that Protestantism is a form of rebellion against God's true Church. But overall, I respect Mr. Vanauken and consider his life to be an inspiring Christian witness. Whether you share my opinion or not is your privilege, but give "Under the Mercy" a try before making final judgment either way.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, complex mix of memoir and essay
Review: This book is a sequel to A SEVERE MERCY. It does not possess the writing unity of the first book, but is more like a collage or scrapbook. It will be interesting reading for all those who loved A SEVERE MERCY. I do not recommend reading UNDER THE MERCY, though, unless you have read A SEVERE MERCY first.

Rating:
Summary: A sequel to A SEVERE MERCY
Review: This book is a sequel to A SEVERE MERCY. It does not possess the writing unity of the first book, but is more like a collage or scrapbook. It will be interesting reading for all those who loved A SEVERE MERCY. I do not recommend reading UNDER THE MERCY, though, unless you have read A SEVERE MERCY first.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, complex mix of memoir and essay
Review: Under the Mercy, a sequel to A Severe Mercy, is a fine mix of memoir and essays from the times discussed. Stylistically, it is less like a straightforward memoir (as A Severe Mercy was), and more like Newman's Apologia. The style is complex, and in the middle of the book the writing loses some of its quality (though the book revives for a very stirring ending). That said, the work displays a razor wit and stunning satirical ability that A Severe Mercy did not suggest Mr. Vanauken possessed. It shows a new side of Vanuken, and shows him developing as an author. The book also has Vanauken's accustomed emotional power, and if it is not quite as perfect as A Severe Mercy, it certainly has greater range in theme, tone, and style. A worthy work in its own right.