Michael Novak Joins The Patheos Stable Of Bloggers

Some big news—and a very welcome addition:

While introducing readers to a new Patheos Catholic blogger, particularly one who has great writing chops but may have flown under the radars, biographical information can sometimes be a little thin; sometimes research is required.

This is not the case with Michael Novak, whose new blog, Coming Down to Earth debuts today with a reminiscence of Lithuania and the Divine Mercy. In Michael’s case, the biographical material is so plentiful it needs its own editor, or I’ll get nothing else done today!

For those unfamiliar with Novak — or who, more likely, “know the name, but am not sure, is he the guy…” — yes, he’s the guy who:

Acted as human rights ambassador under Ronald Reagan.

Served for over a decade on the boards of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty.

Wrote or edited more than 45 books, including novels and a book of verse. These have been translated into every major Western language, as well as Bengali, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese.

Covered the Second Vatican Council from Rome and wrote what is considered a landmark report on the second session, The Open Church.

Has taught at Harvard, Stanford, SUNY Old Westbury, Syracuse, and Notre Dame, and currently lectures at Ave Maria University.

Has worked with and for (or has been publicly credited for his thoughtful influence) by world leaders and movers-and-shakers as disparate as Bobby Kennedy, Eugene McCarthy, George McGovern, Sergeant Shriver, Saint Pope John Paul II, Mikhail Gorbachev, Lady Margaret Thatcher — name someone who has, over the past 6 decades, traveled through the rough halls of political thought, the marbled ones of the Vatican, or the hushed corridors of letters; the raucous sports arenas (or the much rougher ones involving broadcast debate) and you will find that Michael Novak has made a mark or changed a mind.

Yes, he’s that guy.