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Paperback
Publisher: HarperOne
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.
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| sad really |
| Customer Rating: 1 out of 5 |
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Sad really, are the reflections of doubt and faith from a man that has clearly lived well as a writer, and lecturer gliding through the halls of the bastions of the ivy league, and enjoying the laud of the liberal elite. To be ordained as a presbyterian minister from a liberal seminary, and to live life walking gingerly through these bastions of pompous intellectualism avoiding persecution, not willing to confront these strongholds, are truly not the earmarks of a born again defender of the faith. Faith in Jesus Christ (the Word) is not an intellectual pursuit, it is a spiritual pursuit. The Lord said, "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." John 3:7 Can you intellectualize your way to that child-like faith the Lord spoke of? "Seek and ye shall find", begins with putting away everything you hold dear, and putting the Lord first, above all. Dear poor old Fred has had a long and illustrious career according to this world, but how will that stack up with the true defenders of the faith in the next world... the martyrs, the saints that gave all? Poor dear Fred is still plagued by doubts for this very reason. "Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15 I would allow for the possibility that dear Fred uses doubt as a literary device, except for the fact that this is supposedly a collection of his best sermons, and the subject of doubt comes up way too often. I would not recommend this work as a piece for the budding evangelist to seek guidance and to be lifted it up. If your desire is to seek and save the lost, rely on the Word of God, and leave ramblings such as these alone. The doctrine of Fred is woefully lacking, only the doctrine of Christ found in the inspired Word, brings about the fellowship needed to bolster faith, and win souls. "But without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6
In His service,
by His mercy and grace,
Porter
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| Intelligent, Thoughtful and Beautiful |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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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.
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| Biased opinion |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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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.
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| Secrets in the dark |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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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.
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| Amazing, essential collection of sermons |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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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.
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