“Race with the Devil: My Journey from Racial Hatred to Rational Love”
by Joseph Pearce, Scholastic St. Benedict’s Press, Charlotte, N.C., 248 pages, Grades 10 and Higher
Joseph Pearce is one of the foremost biographers in the Catholic world. In his books about the lives of important people, we learn much about their thoughts and decisions. In the book “Race with the Devil,” Pearce turns to autobiography.
Autobiography is the story of a person’s life recounted by himself. As a result, autobiographies are usually intimate accounts of a person’s past. When done honestly, autobiographies give readers a truthful examination of the subject’s actions. In this type of autobiography, the writer does not glorify himself but gives us an unvarnished narrative of his life. This will mention his strengths and weaknesses. Because of this, the autobiography has authenticity. In this brutally frank autobiography, Pearce tells us of the spiritual movements in his life from that of a racist bigot to that of a faithful Catholic.
Born into a normal family, Pearce has an ordinary childhood. His parents are firm but kind and provide a safe home. When the family moves to London from the countryside, his life changes. He feels out of place and soon finds companionship with racist groups. He shaves his head and becomes a skinhead, spouting racial hatred and anger. His literary talents quickly become evident and Pearce edits a magazine named “The Bulldog.” Filled with hatred of immigrants, nonwhite people, Jews and others, Pearce supports the expulsion or elimination of many groups.
After a series of brutal rallies and imploding relationships, English authorities twice sentence him to prison. During his second imprisonment, in the prison library, he discovers famous Catholic authors like Chesterton and Belloc. They have a completely different worldview from his own. Whereas he has based his life on hate, they have based their lives on the love of Christ. As he reads in his prison cell, Pearce discovers that their ideas bring him peace of heart. Joseph then realizes the peace that comes from Christ’s love. With awkward steps, Joseph opens himself to grace and is drawn to the light of Christ. How does he do it?
How will God’s love and grace turn Pearce from a skinhead spouting racial hatred to a committed Catholic seeking his neighbor’s good? Why is Joseph Pearce today one of the finest writers of biography in the literary world? How does God’s grace turn a hardened sinner into a man striving for holiness? To find the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out Joseph Pearce’s powerful autobiography, “Race with the Devil: My Journey from Racial Hatred to Rational Love.”
The life story of this man is incredible to read. Pearce himself states that he will find no peace until he submits to God’s grace. This grace allows him to write numerous excellent biographies of others; to date, more than 30 books. If you are looking for an account of a man striving for conversion, this is the book. I encourage you to read it or any of the other fine books that he has written. You will not be disappointed.
