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In God's Underground

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Mystic. Philosopher. Loving husband. Worried father. Proud member of the Jewish race. Creature with nerve ending that ache when you hit them and who hungers when you starve him. Social being who hallucinates apart from human voices, and hungers for sex and companionship as well as food. Martyr who stands up to tyrants and warns them to repent. Lutheran pastor with a weakness for jokes. Richard Wurmbrand may have been a "voice of the martyrs," but after reading this sensitive, deeply honest autobiography, what impresses me the most is the degree to which his voice is also the voice of humankind. I found it challenging to see how, as a well-read Christian in tough times who faces all the temptations I do, he integrated the various facets of his humanity with his faith.

In a literal sense, faith made Wurmbrand a free-thinker. Embracing a religion that fits the full complexity of life, miracles as well as madness, and sharing a broad and often painful experience with a knowledge of several spiritual traditions, he was free to think on many questions and come to unexpected conclusions both whimsical and sober. There are many modern names that could be added to the list of heroes of the faith of Hebrews 11. Wurmbrand tells us some of their stories, including his own.

author, Jesus and the Religions of Man

"In God's Underground" is a hugely compelling account of gross persecution and great spiritual truimph. Wurmbrand's style is lucid, naturalistic, and enjoyable, and his stunning portrayals of life in communist prisons are effective without being maudlin or lurid. While his subject-matter is gripping in it's own right, Wurbrand's spiritual insight and his portrayals of his own, vibrant relationship with the Almighty are what make this book truly great. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys great autobiographies, and I especially recommend it to anyone who has ever wondered why someone would choose to suffer for their Faith.

This book touched me and changed my whole view of the term 'martyr'. I have since become a great fan of Wurmbrand, his books never fail to stun one into a deep, reverential silence.

No matter your (ir)religious beliefs, you will be astounded by this account of life, endurance, perseverance, faith, and love in the worst possible conditions and suffering. An astounding witness to the strength and love the living Christ imparts, and an indictment of the horror and hollowness of atheism. Not for the faint of heart or closed of mind, and brimming over with insight and depth of thought; especially fascinating are his theological and philosophical conversations with a myriad of colorful characters, from (formerly) powerful politocos and military figures, to "lowly" farmers and thieves.

Truth is stranger than fiction, so a trite saying goes, but that definitely came to my mind when I read Richard Wurmbrand's book. Subsequently I came to know the author personally. I have no doubt the story is true and told truthfully.

That's one of the logical questions that Mr Wurmbrand posed to his audiences in jail. This man is one of the most intelligent men I have read. An intellectual. A hero of the Christian faith. A man of integrity. Blessed with a long and beautiful life as a reward for all his pains spreading the Good News in Romania during the long Communist dictatorship. years in prisons, being tortured physically and mentally. And never giving up his faith, which was the prize the commies were looking for. It was amazing to see how many, almost all, the commies who had a chance of talking intimately with Mr Wurmbrand would eventually open up their hearts and crack. That tells a lot for the influence of evil spirits on people, people whose soul is naturally Christian -as Wurmbrand says.

A man well-learned, who can talk of science, Shakespeare, Dostoyevsky, ancient history, or almost anything without hesitation, who can give a quick and wise response to any questioner who's trying to ridicule the faith. The book is full of lessons on how to live as sheep "in the midst of wolves... therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Mat. 10:16) This was Mr Wurmbrand.

Reading him is learning to be wiser. There is priceless advice on how to face situations that can compromise your faith in Christ. It is not an idealistic, theological treatise, it's simple and handy advice on how to respond to the test of atheists.

Here's one pearl of his philosophy: "A real disciple does not seek gifts but Christ himself, and so is ready for self sacrifice to the end. They were not followers of Jesus, but customers."

Since the persecutions of Christians in ancient Rome, there has been no such hellish scenario up to the communist era in the 20th century. The book is not pessimistic though. It is a wonderful story of victory of faith against all odds. When faith in the Christian God of Israel was put to the test real bad, and boy did it come out alive!

This is an awesome book which gives the account of Richard Wurmbrand, a Jewish, Lutheran pastor, who endured suffering and torture in a Communist prison while being a Christ-like example to the many people around him. This book will inspire you (as it did to me) to walk closer to the Compassionate and All-loving God who used Wurmbrand to lead many prisoners to Christ and the grace that flows freely from the Cross to ALL who will accept it.

I haven't read Wurmbrand's Tortured For Christ, so I'm not sure the difference.

This book is an autobiographical account of Wurmbrand's life from just before he was arrested for his faith to after he got released fourteen years later. The book is basically a chronological account of anecdotes filled in between with descriptions of the political an prison climates.

Wurmbrand was courageous, strengthened by Christ, and very smart. He stood up for his faith over and over again against heinous tortures and beating by different communist regimes that kept him imprisoned for his faith. When he had a chance to speak he would quote his attackers own literature in argument against them. He led people to Christ through tapping on prison walls with a cup (and learned Morse from a radio operator in another cell by tapping cups!). Though he struggled immensely in prison yet was able to depict the kind of person we (atleast I) would want to be under such circumstances; standing by the faith, leading people to Christ, loving enemies, and having intellectual discussions with those at hand.

The book is very inspiring and a very enjoyable read. I generally read more intellectual/doctrinal Christian books, and this was a nice break from that sort.

If I were going to be stranded on a desert island I'd definately want this book with me. If you get a chance, it's a must read, triumph of the human spirit type book, but completely real and honest.

You'll want extra to hand out to friends, co-workers and family - esp with Christmas coming up. This is not just a book for followers of Christ, but for everyone to read. I cannot put into words the impact this book will have on you. Only Jesus can give someone a heart like Mr.Wurmbrand's and I long to have his faith and understanding about God. If you don't know Christ, this book will inspire you to want to know Him. Truly amazing.