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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. 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.
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.
Frederick Buechner, author of more than thirty works of fiction and nonfiction, is an ordained Presbyterian minister. He has been a finalist for both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, and was honored by the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His most recent work is Beyond Words: Daily Readings in the ABC's of Faith.
Presbyterian minister Buechner (Beyond Words: Daily Readings in the ABC's of
Faith) has authored and compiled this collection of 37 sermons, many of them
previously unpublished. Each sermon, which spans eight to ten pages, calls for
readers to examine their behavior and reminds them that there is more to this
life than just this world or even this known universe. Buechner writes, "For
a human being to say that the cosmos is all there is strikes me like a worm in
an apple saying that the apple is all there is." Using similar analogies, he
leads readers on an introspective journey wherein he discusses faith, love,
hope, the church, and forgiveness, among other topics. Yet the text is not
rife with deep theology or hermeneutics; it does not ask that the reader
understand doctrine or accept dogmas. It is instead written for the lay
reader, who can find enlightenment and goodness and possibly hope for the
future in these sermons. A foreword by theologian and storyteller Brian D.
McLaren (A New Kind of Christianity) introduces this poignant, practical,
deeply philosophical, and powerful work. Highly recommended.-Wesley A. Mills,
Empire State Coll., SUNY at Rochester Copyright 2006 Reed Business
Information.
Novelist and Christian writer Buechner (Brendan; The Alphabet of Grace)
delivered a number of memorable sermons in more than four decades of service
as a Presbyterian minister. This collection contains 37 of them, all featuring
the intricate stories, fascinating connections and personal touches that are
Buechner's signature. By presenting them chronologically, the evolution of
his favorite themes of listening to your dreams, finding your calling and the
importance of home are evident. Most touching are the sermons directed at
youthful audiences (Buechner was a chaplain at two private boys' schools),
such as "The Calling of Voices," in which he pleads with young people to pay
attention to the deep gladness in their lives, following it to their life's
vocation. For instruction on how to read the Bible, readers should turn to
"Love," which recommends that the rule of love, found in the "great
commandment" (Matthew 22:36-38), be used as a guide for biblical
interpretation and perspective. In "Faith and Fiction," Buechner considers
what it means to be a saint-not one who necessarily lives an exemplary life,
but who is a "life-giver." Many of these sermons have been published
elsewhere, but bound together, they become an elegant and life-giving memoir.
(Mar.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Availability: Available to ship on or about 12/07/09. You may order this item now and we will ship it to you when it arrives. If you are charging this purchase to a credit card, you will not be charged for this item and its portion of your shipping charges until it is shipped.
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