"The Problem of Atheism In Novak’s Analysis"

   Michael Novak, professor of philosophy and a Roman Catholic, is best known for his previous book, "The Open Church: Vatican II." He is not a cloistered academic but a man deeply concerned with real problems which must be discussed in laymen's terms. In the present volume he examines the problem of atheism in a distinctive way which is very helpful. He feels that the present period of unbelief, going back into the last century, was preceded by a period of belief. Each of these had its own vocabulary for dealing with man's experience of God, but neither of these is very serviceable today. In view of the transcendental and effable nature of God, these vocabularies are not themselves part of the nature of God but simply convenient symbols in which each period tried to think and to communicate about God.

   Today, when neither vocabulary is any longer helpful, man's experiences of God still occur, but, for lack of an adequate vocabulary, men cannot think about or discuss the problem, and, instead, get into confusion and disputes which are not concerned with God but with the choice between two obsolescent vocabularies.

   According to Novak, the task of devising a new vocabulary to deal with God is urgent, but, before it can be done, man must have a clearer idea of his very episodic experiences of God. This must be preceded by man obtaining a greatly increased self-knowledge. On this last point, many readers will be hesitant. The need for a new vocabulary and for recognition of our experiences of God is urgent, but it seems that the latter might be recognized and appreciated better if men could become less, rather than more, concerned with themselves. On the whole, an interesting and provocative book.

— CARROLL QUIGLEY.