Key facts
- JD Vance's new book, 'Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith,' is being released.
- The book chronicles Vance's spiritual path from Protestantism to atheism and his eventual conversion to Catholicism.
- Vance discusses his views on the intersection of religion and public life.
- The memoir touches on his experiences in the Marine Corps, his time at Yale, and his career in finance.
- Vance recounts a near-death experience and his encounter with Peter Thiel's ideas as influences on his faith.
- The book is released ahead of the midterm elections and the potential start of Vance's presidential campaign.
Vice President JD Vance's new book, 'Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith,' explores his personal religious journey, detailing his transition from Protestant Christianity to atheism and ultimately to Catholicism. Published by Harper, the book delves into the role of faith in public life and could be seen as a foundational narrative for a potential future presidential campaign.
Vance recounts how his grandmother's death led to a decline in his religious observance, and he describes a near-death car accident as a profound experience. During his atheist phase, influenced by Ayn Rand, Vance focused on self-interest. His relationship with his wife, Usha Vance, also played a role, particularly in discussions about the afterlife. A pivotal moment came after attending a talk by Peter Thiel, a Christian investor, which challenged Vance's assumptions about intelligence and faith.
The book follows Vance's earlier success with 'Hillbilly Elegy,' which established him as a national figure and coincided with Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. Vance notes how his first book captured a sentiment of the 'hillbillies' being left behind, resonating with the political climate of the time. He was baptized a Catholic in 2019, a year after visiting a French cathedral with his wife and son, where he felt a sense of belonging.