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As I Lay Dying: Meditations Upon Returning

richard john neuhaus

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Several years ago, a ruptured tumor almost killed Richard John Neuhaus. During a series of complicated operations, weeks in critical condition, and months in slow recovery, he was brought face to face with his own mortality. As he lay dying and, as it turned out, recovering, he found that despite his faith he had been quite unprepared for the experience. This book traces his efforts to understand his own reactions and those of his friends and family, and explores how we as a culture understand and deal with death. As I Lay Dying testifies that dying is-and is not-part of living. We can and should live our dying. Neuhaus interweaves his own story with thoughtful inquiry, circling through philosophy, psychology, literature, theology, and his own experiences to create provocative meditations that explore the many aspects of dying: the private and public experience, the separation of the soul from the body, grief, surrender, and mourning. The result is a book that shakes the foundations of our being-and yet is oddly and convincingly tranquil.

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,2002

This edition

Format
176 pages, Paperback
Published
April 1, 2003 by Basic Books
ISBN
9780465049318
ASIN
0465049311
Language
English

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About the author

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richard john neuhaus

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Richard John Neuhaus was a prominent Christian cleric (first as a Lutheran pastor and later as a Roman Catholic priest) and writer. Born in Canada, Neuhaus moved to the United States where he became a naturalized United States citizen. He was the founder and editor of the monthly journal First Things and the author of several books, including The Naked Public Square: Religion and Democracy in America (1984), The Catholic Moment: The Paradox of the Church in the Postmodern World (1987), and Catholic Matters: Confusion, Controversy, and the Splendor of Truth (2006). He was a staunch defender of the Roman Catholic Church's teachings on abortion and other life issues and an unofficial advisor of President George W. Bush on bioethical issues.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 14 votes)
5 stars
6(43%)
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5(36%)
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3(21%)
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14 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
dawnblk
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Richard John Neuhaus's "As I Lay Dying" is a beautifully crafted memoir that details the author's encounter with death. The book is written with grace and elegance, making it a pleasure to read.

Neuhaus's account is often compelling, drawing the reader in and holding their attention. However, his narrative does meander at times, moving between theology, philosophy, and literature. This can make his search for understanding seem somewhat diffuse.

Despite this, Neuhaus does offer an intimate look at the journey of a believer. He shares his thoughts, feelings, and experiences with honesty and vulnerability, allowing the reader to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to face death with faith.

Overall, "As I Lay Dying" is a thought-provoking and engaging memoir that offers valuable insights into the human experience of death and dying.
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Ssargtodees
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is a book that I will definitely re-read.

To me, it contains numerous actually quite funny moments. However, it is also extremely comforting as Neuhaus vividly talks about his close encounter with death.

Surprisingly, it is not at all weird. Instead, it is highly illuminating and makes one deeply thoughtful.

"Everything is ready now." This simple sentence seems to carry a profound meaning, as if it is a conclusion drawn from Neuhaus's life experience and a hint for us to reflect on our own lives.

The book as a whole offers a unique perspective on life and death, and I believe that each time I read it, I will gain new insights and a deeper understanding of these fundamental aspects of our existence.
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Half-MagePrince
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I gave this 5 stars, because while it does not deserve 5, it certainly deserves a higher overall rating than what it currently has. I would say, a solid 4.5.

I do not agree with everything in this book. At times, it feels like Neuhaus is rambling. On occasion, I am reminded of an old man shaking his fist at the sky. All is filtered through the lens of his Catholic faith. I stress to other heathens like myself to keep an open mind and not dismiss it out of hand because of his conservative ideas and beliefs.

For whatever ideological faults I may find with this text, it is moving and beautifully written. There are turns of phrase that force me to pause, accountings that have me tingling with wonder, and ruminations that cry for a rearrangement of thought. I would not go so far as to call this book perfect, but you get the feeling that it is earnest, heartfelt, and in some ways, urgent. Besides that, for whatever faults or disagreements I find, I also find that I could not put it down. In fact, I could not even sleep until I had turned the final page. It is a rare book that demands that of me, and it is for that reason it has earned such high praise.

This book, despite its flaws, has a certain charm and power. It makes you think, feel, and question. It challenges your assumptions and broadens your perspective. It is a work that engages the reader on multiple levels and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you agree with Neuhaus or not, you cannot deny the impact that this book has had on you. It is a testament to the power of words and the importance of literature in our lives.
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Digassmen
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This review presents an interesting perspective with some good points.

It starts by acknowledging that the work in question is interesting to a certain extent, but there is a hint of doubt as to whether it is interesting enough to merit a re-read.

The reviewer gives it a rating of most likely 3.5 stars, but decides to round up.

The reason for this rounding up is the deep contemplation that the reviewer anticipates having on some of the author's points.

This shows that although the overall experience may not have been completely captivating, there are aspects of the work that have managed to engage the reviewer on a deeper level.

It also implies that the author has made some thought-provoking arguments or presented ideas that are worthy of further consideration.

Overall, this review provides a balanced assessment of the work, highlighting both its strengths and areas where it may fall short in terms of pure entertainment value.
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mangadicted
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The article is extremely well written and is of a very philosophical nature.

However, it is not the type of NDE (Near-Death Experience) book that I was in search of.

It seems to explore deeper philosophical concepts rather than focusing specifically on the details and accounts of near-death experiences.

Perhaps for those interested in philosophical musings and profound thoughts, this book would be a great read.

But for someone like me, who was specifically looking for a book that delved into the fascinating world of NDEs, it fell short of my expectations.

Nevertheless, the quality of the writing cannot be denied, and it may still hold value for others with different interests.

Overall, it is a well-written piece that just didn't meet my specific requirements for an NDE book.

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blcktor
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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An interesting book caught my attention. I was filled with curiosity about his Near-Death Experience (NDE) and what profound insights he had to share about it. The concept of an NDE has always been a fascinating topic, and I couldn't wait to delve into the details. As I started reading, I was immediately drawn into his account. He described the vivid and otherworldly sensations he experienced during that moment. It was as if he had stepped into a different realm, one that was both mysterious and enlightening. His words painted a picture that left me in awe. I found myself completely immersed in his story, eager to learn more about what happened to him and how it had changed his perspective on life. This book truly opened my eyes to the possibilities that lie beyond our physical existence.

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Danneo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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As I lay there, my thoughts churning like a stormy sea, Neuhaus, who was once a Lutheran pastor from Canada and had long since become a Roman Catholic theologian, an advisor to bishops, and a circumscriptor of the public square, shared his intimate experience with death in this small book.

He starts with words that are truly meant to be lived by: "We are born to die. It's not that death is the purpose of our birth, but rather we are born with death as our destination, and in each of our lives, the process of dying has already begun. The task of dying well is, for the most part, the task of living well." And, since the end is also the beginning, he discovers that "... Every day is a good day to be born; every day is a good day to die. Everything is now ready."

Neuhaus has since passed away due to a recurrence of the cancer that inspired this meditation, but he left this mark and others - just as we all would - for the living to pause and reflect upon and then carry forward. For some, that mark might be to inscribe "Kilroy was here." For others, the inscription could read "Love conquers all."

His words and his experience serve as a reminder to us all that life is precious and that we should strive to live it well, while also being prepared for the inevitable end.
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Malhavok
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book is a collection of profound reflections penned by a highly regarded theologian and author.

He steps away from his typical analytical stance and instead offers us an extremely personal account of his battle with cancer and his near encounter with death.

Drawing upon his entire life as a parish priest and a dedicated student of literature and theology, he shares his innermost thoughts and emotions.

Surprisingly, I initially found the book to be somewhat depressing. It was a heavy read that delved deep into the darkness of his experience.

However, upon finishing the book, I am glad that I persevered.

For within its pages, there are valuable insights that can benefit all of us when we eventually face our own mortality.

It forces us to confront our fears, question our beliefs, and ultimately find meaning and hope in the face of death.

This book is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are willing to engage with the difficult topics it presents, it can be a truly transformative read.

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