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Under the Mercy
Paperback, 263 pages
Published
September 28th 1988
by Ignatius Press
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May 02, 2008
Sarah
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fans of A Severe Mercy
Recommended to Sarah by:
Kevin
Sheldon Vanauken is always a pleasure to read. Nothing beats A Severe Mercy, of course, but I wasn't expecting it to--rather, it fills in some blanks which the first book had left me wondering about, and gives a glimpse into Vanauken's heart after Davy's death. Quite a trip it is, too. It's very interesting to see how he ends up questioning or repudiating much of his '60s radicalism (with the exception of his Civil Rights involvement), and whether or not the reader agrees with his later stance o...more
Very different from A Severe Mercy, but also thought-provoking. Vanauken faces his own shortcomings as a disciple and confronts them with what seems to me to be gentle honesty. The lesson I drew from this is his understanding that the only real question for a Christian to be asking is "What is God's will for me?" and then following that. Deceptively simple, and often incredibly difficult. He is intellectually honest about the struggle to do that, and doesn't shy away from it, whatever the diffic...more
This is a 3 star book, but I'm giving it 4 because it made me think about several different issues I've either never given much thought or taken for granted that my assumptions were true. Definitely read A Severe Mercy first, and don't come to this book expecting something similar. This is a collection of essays and meditations on topics from feminism and civil rights in the 60's to the choice between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Even if you don't agree with his conclusions, it will chal...more
You can find my full review at Quieted Waters.
Fans of Vanauken’s first work, A Severe Mercy, will find the same light, honest writing in Under the Mercy, but this book lacks the emotional draw of the original....more
Under the Mercy takes the same introspective memoir approach, but the writing is more concerned with issues than with the relationships and narrative that carried the original. The strongest and most compelling chapters are on Vanauken’s view of the roles of men and women, and on his shift
Another beautiful piece of prose. Nothing lives up to its prequel, A Severe Mercy, of course, but great nonetheless. Vanauken's progression into 60s radicalism and feminism, and the subsequent transition back into theological conservatism, is a fascinating account. He describes his time of error eloquently, and ably defends the truths he ultimately affirmed. I was also surprised and challenged by his embrace of Catholicism. A provocative and soul-enriching memoir of a life well-lived by sucking...more
Feb 02, 2009
Karen L.
marked it as to-read
In our adult Sunday school we have been discussing
The Shack
and of course that book delves much into suffering and understanding suffering in light of God. Our book discussion leader used this book also to aid to thoughts in the discussion, and it sounds amazing! It really seemed to deal with good and evil and suffering.
A memoir that comprises "the examined life" - a Christian scholar and navy man reflects on a very long and eventful life, including his encounters with CS Lewis, Anglicanism and Catholicism, and some very insightful discussions of his roles in the Civil Rights movement and as an architect (and later critic) of the Feminist Movement in the U.S. Five Stars and Two Thumbs Up!
I did not enjoy this as much as A Severe Mercy, but it was still worth reading and did explain some things from the first book.
Aug 22, 2007
bronwyn
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Christians wanting to expand their thinking
This book is not at all like a Sever Mercy, but is well worth the read in its own rights. It is mostly a book on theological perspectives (Vanauken's opinions to be exact). I appreciated the read because his perspectives and arguments challenged me. I'm not sure yet that his points have caused me to change any of my positions, but they have definitely helped me to see and understand other opinions, whether or not I agree with them. His arguments are well thought out and presented. I have the utm...more
This book is the sequel to "A Severe Mercy". Once I discovered it, I was eager to read it. The book provides additional details to the original story, as well as commentary on the author's life.
This is a good read, but those, like me, who are looking to relive the brilliance of "A Severe Mercy" will probably find it somewhat disappointing. Vanuakin is cursed with the fabulous success of the previous work. Which is too bad, because this book is probably strong enough to stand on it's own, even i...more
This is a good read, but those, like me, who are looking to relive the brilliance of "A Severe Mercy" will probably find it somewhat disappointing. Vanuakin is cursed with the fabulous success of the previous work. Which is too bad, because this book is probably strong enough to stand on it's own, even i...more
Follow up to one of my favorites, A Severe Mercy.
Some say this one isn't as good as A Severe Mercy, and I'll agree that they are very different books. But, this is a powerful and moving book. Very good. :)
Not as good as "A Severe Mercy", but then again Sheldon Vanauaken focuses on being a Christian and living in this world.
not nearly as good as the first one, but still good. Vanauken is a wonderful writer
Not nearly as good as A Severe Mercy
Jun 16, 2013
Lisa Turgeon
marked it as to-read
Apr 24, 2013
Joshua Barber
marked it as to-read
Apr 23, 2013
Valerie
marked it as to-read
Apr 19, 2013
Chantelle
marked it as to-read
Apr 14, 2013
Nick Schuetze
is currently reading it
Mar 21, 2013
Becbec
marked it as to-read
Mar 10, 2013
Jaco Rossouw
marked it as to-read
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Jul 03, 2011 04:29pm