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Norbert Bufka

Author  ยท  Historian

About Norbert Bufka

This is what Yahweh asks of you: this only, to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

The three directives lead to a harmonious life. To act justly flows from an understanding that everything belongs. Love binds this relationship of everything and and God is right there beside me, if I just pay attention. My writing reflects the above as much as possible whether I am writing local history of Leelanau County or some aspects of religion or commentary about the American or world situation. 

I believe that in all areas of life the goal is progress. There is no standing still as that actually means regressing. Progress is at the very heart of the word “progressive”. I am progressive in the church and in society.  In the best meaning of the word, it means that all people have “inalienable rights” and we must constantly seek new ways to make them real in every day lives.

Conservative in the best sense of that word means to conserve what is best from the past.

 

My interest in writing began with words and their meaning. At a young age I was excited to find a book entitled Increase Your Word Power.  It taught me new words, their meaning, and how to use them From then on I was fascinated by using words effectively.This showed up in my school work, writing letters to the editor, composing op-ed columns for the Midland Daily News, and finally researching and writing books.

My five main interests are local history, religion, language, genealogy, and civic life. Most of my books incorporate many of these areas of interest, but each one usually is mainly one of those interests.

I was born and raised on  a farm in Leelanau County Michigan. I attended the local public school, including a one room school, until I entered St. Joseph’s Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan , from which I graduated in 1961. I subsequently earned a BA in history at Aquinas Colege in Grand Rapids, a MA in Latin from Illinois State University, and a Master of Pastoral Studies degree from Loyola University New Orleans.

Along the way I met my wife and live in Midland Michigan.