Episode 48 with Joseph Pearce
His Early years
Joseph lives in England and describes himself in his youth as an angry, racist, nominal Anglican and anti-Catholic.
In his younger days he was a member of the National Front - a group that wanted to ban all non-whites from England. He was editor of "The Bulldog" - a newspaper whose sole purpose was to invoke racial hatred.
The Downhill Progression Continues
As time went on he became more prone to violence and associated with more radical groups.
He traveled to Northern Ireland and rioted with Protestant groups because of his anti-Catholic fervor. He was a member of the Orange Order - a secret anti-Catholic group prone to violence.
Sent to Prison
He eventually was sent to prison for his racist literature that was felt likely to incite racial hatred. He felt he was a political prisoner.
A few years later he went to prison again, and was sentenced to 12 months in prison for his writings.
Searching for Truth
Like his father who was an avid reader, Mr. Pearce gradually began reading the works of great Christian literary figures, such as G.K. Chesterton and C.S. Lewis, and their writings played a role in his conversion from a radical racist to joy filled and peaceful Christian.
God works in Mysterious Ways
Mr. Pearce eventually became a Catholic and years later his father did also.
He stated his father had a peaceful death and the two prayed the rosary together at his father’s deathbed.
God’s mercy is everlasting!
