Personally, I’m one who owes a great deal to RJN. It was his “keen intellect and powerful moral vision” that helped me recognize my own over-steering toward relativism several years ago when I was seeking a way out of the hyper-fundamentalism of the SBC. Via the pages of First Things, I realized that intellect and conservatism are not only not mutually exclusive, but can be complementary. He will be missed.

This is a significant loss and particularly so given that Cardinal Dulles, so important for so many orthodox Catholics (and also a frequent contributor to First Things) passed away less than a month ago.

A friend introduced me to First Things about 6-8 years ago and I have been a subscriber/reader consistently since then. I will miss RJN’s insights and intellect, and also his humor, particularly when aimed at the New York Times.

Indeed a great loss, Fr. Neuhaus was very much respected in the catholic circles here in England. He possesed a mighty intellect and his orthoxy was most inspiring. Reading his articles was a cause of great delight. A great defender of the faith !
May the Lord be with him and his soul rest in peace.
His legacy and memory will remain forever.
Ingrid Hohmann

This is sad news, but I’m sure he’s in the presence of Christ. I’ll lift up his family, friends and closest supporters. I’m more moderate politically, so I’ve often disagreed politically with Neuhaus. Yet, as an editor-in-chief, he has published for 18 years the best periodical I own. I love Christian Century, Christianity Today, Books and Culture, etc. but would gladly set any of them aside in order to read the latest First Things.

Sorry, but I must dissent. RJN’s columns were too often filled with intemperate comments dismissive of those who disagreed with him. I don’t say he wasn’t intelligent or capable of writing good things, but too often, he sounded like Ann Coulter. In the course of his career, like many secular neo-cons, he moved all too easily from the self-righteous left to the self-righteous right.

I loved attending mass on 14th street, NYC, with Fr. Neuhaus as his sermons were always insightful and inspiring. He had a great love and commitment to the poor, like St. Vincent de Paul.
He will be sorely missed.

Rest well now good and faithful servant, the door of Heaven was swung open. What a great welcome in Heaven you must have had. You will be missed. RIP.
I cannot help but say poor…poor Patrick!!! If you have not something good to say, do not say it. A little wisdom!
Rest in peace Father John.
A servant of Mary.