Frederick Buechner has long been a kindred spirit to those who find elements of doubt as constant companions on their journey of faith. He is a passionate writer and preacher who can alter lives with a simple phrase.
Buechner's words, both written and spoken, have the power to revolutionize and revitalize belief and faith. He reveals the presence of God in the midst of daily life. He faces and embraces difficult questions and doubt as essential components of our lives, rather than as enemies that destroy us. "Listen to your life!" is his clarion call. This theme pervades this definitive collection of sermons, delivered throughout Buechner's lifetime. Presented chronologically, they provide a clear picture of the development of his theology and thinking. Reflecting Buechner's exquisite gift for storytelling and his compassionate pastor's heart, Secrets in the Dark will inspire laughter, hope, and bring great solace. Turn the pages and rediscover what it means to be thoughtful about faith. See why this renowned writer has been quoted in countless pulpits and beloved by Americans for generations.
Review Summary: Intelligent, Thoughtful and Beautiful
Date: 2008-09-21
Details: This book is a great find. It appeared one day on my Amazon recommendation list and I impulsively bought it. I am glad I did because Buechner has quickly become my new favorite Christian writer.
The sermons are beautifully written and as relevant today as they were when he preached them decades ago. His reflections are thoughtful and his thoughts original. I have given this book to several friends who would characterize themselves as unbelieving intellectuals and they have appreciated his wisdom and insight. This book is both food for the intellect and the soul.
Review Summary: Biased opinion
Date: 2007-08-11
Details: I am an unabashed fan of Frederick Buechner. His use of stories enforces my personal conviction that doctine preached is less effective than Christ lived...inside or outside the church. I love his style and he is one of "those" three or four that I wish I could share a meal with and literally watch him tell his stories.
Review Summary: Secrets in the dark
Date: 2007-07-03
Details: Frederick Buechner is a warm, loving, witty, intellectual whom I greatly admire. After reading this book I have grown even fonder of him and I like to think grown in my faith a great deal too. It was my church service every morning. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I loved it.
Review Summary: Amazing, essential collection of sermons
Date: 2007-03-27
Details: Frederick Buechner is an extremely honest and emotional preacher and this is a book of over thirty of his best sermons. It is easy to identify with his readable, inspiring and imaginative sermons. Buechner is optimistic and never boring--he speaks of a gospel of love that invites to confront and continue to engage our doubts; he speaks of a gospel that isn't overly literal but speaks truth in stories and emotion. He finds ways to engage his audience and certainly these ways are not lost on the page. Surely, a book for every Christain to have, a guide for the path.
Review Summary: Secrets in the Dark: A Life in Sermons
Date: 2007-02-17
Details: I believe that this collection of sermons by Fredrerick Buechner is profoundly rich in sensitivity and wisdom, proclaiming without a hint of judgment and with authentic humility and integrity, the good and reassuring news of God's mysterious and redeeming presence in this world, including to believers, non-believers, non-believers-who-wish-they-could believe, and the indifferent.