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Hidden in Plain Sight: The Secret of More

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It is always so helpful when an author points his finger at a passage of Scripture that has probably gone unnoticed by most of us, but is a treasure that has been waiting all along. Buchanan accomplishes that in his explication of a detailed statement on living in the good in 2 Peter. Inside is a list of virtues based on authentic faith--so they are not merely good intentions, but real virtues. The book is a pleasure to read, moving between vivid storytelling and principle.

With his fifth book, Buchanan proves to be one of the best Christian authors you've never heard of. He writes with humor and grace. He makes a lofty promise in "Hidden in Plain Sight," offering "the secret of more." More what? More rules to Christian living?

Buchanan states up front that this book is about practicing virtue. However, he quickly sidesteps Victorian stereotypes and invites us to explore dark, haunting, beautiful, and life-changing truths contained in a few verses from II Peter. He leads us through these precepts, connecting the dots of virtue, building one upon the other, until we have a clear picture of what it means to have godly love. Along the way, Buchanan gives us insights into this outspoken disciple. Peter is more human than we remember--and more godly than we might assume. Peter shows us an example of what to do and what not to do.

Buchanan uses this example to great effect. He offers hope for those who feel discouraged in their Christian progress, as well as correction for those who have lost their focus, or become spiritual workaholics. He raises questions. He deals honestly with life's difficulties. In a deceptively light 200 pages, he gives meaty bites of practical theology, bites that require thorough chewing to produce the most efficient nourishment. Don't rush through these pages. Mull them over. Enjoy each savory word picture. These concepts are ones to live by.

Mark Buchanan is my favorite author for a solid reason. He tackles tough subjects ... here taking on the whole subject of godliness (not real trendy), yet he always captures my imagination and propels me toward more lofty goals with his vivid writing. His real life examples are gripping. I can relate to this writer. And I end up better as a human and closer to God for the journey. After "Holy Wild," "Your God is Too Safe" and "The Rest of God" I wondered if he might lose steam. No way. I can't wait for the next book.

Mark Buchanan is a unique writer. He writes in a style that is "out of the box" thinking. He keeps me off balance in a good way. As a result I find myself actively engaged with the message he is seeking to convey.

As a thinking Christ-follower, I struggle with the delicate balance between faith and works. I understand and appreciate God's grace, but He must be impressed by my efforts at piety...mustn't He?

With his usual deftness, Mark Buchanan presents a flowing exegesis of 2 Peter 1:1-9 that actually gives me hope in my aforementioned struggle. Buchanan is my favorite Christian author. He is a gifted wordsmith with a winsome delivery, yet his work presents a functional practicality and I reference it often. "Hidden in Plain Sight" is different than anything Buchanan has done before and he seems to be maturing as a writer. I especially enjoyed "The Petrine Diaries," behind-the-scenes glimpses into Peter's soul which added insight and context to his exhortation. When I finished the last page, I found myself looking forward to Mark Buchanan's next offering. I am certain it will be another cherished gift to the church.

The writer Diane Ackerman once wrote that for too many people, "Life is something that happens to them while they wait for death." In HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT, Mark Buchanan explores seven ancient virtues that are found in the writings of the apostle Peter. In doing so, Buchanan invites us to pay attention to our lives, to really live, not just exist.

The life we've always wanted, Buchanan reminds us, is already here. It's not later, like after the kids are grown, or we've gone to counseling, or gotten a degree. It's now. We have everything we need. And there are seven virtues that, according to the Apostle Peter, if we add to our lives will make us more fruitful and productive. But first we have to search out these virtues and apply them.

What are the virtues? We need knowledge, the key to efficiency and productivity, and for it to be detoxified by goodness, which renders knowledge beneficial and not impressive. Add self-control; learn to pray. Persevere. Become Godly (Godliness, he notes, is "beautiful when it is authentic, and revolting when it's pretense.") Be kind. Love each other. Virtue's "groundwork" is faith, he writes. Its lifeblood is the Spirit.

As in his previous books, such as THE REST OF GOD and THINGS UNSEEN, Buchanan crafts lovely prose and careful word choices to get his message across. "...the Spirit is a wind. I'm learning to run with his gentle pummeling on my back, keeping me from growing weary. Some days, I spread my arms like wings and catch that wind beneath them, and for moments I fly. I fly."

Buchanan's vulnerability, often poignant personal stories, careful incorporation of scripture, illustrations and quotes from such diverse writers as Annie Dillard, G.K. Chesterton, and Pat Conroy enrich and illuminate his message. Every page is a challenge if we take it to heart. And we can't be proud of these virtues; rather, each virtue must come with an underlying humility.

In one interesting passage of the book, Buchanan wrestles with a concept that I've always struggled with. When we know that whenever we make a decision, the fallout of it might have negative consequences, how do we move forward? For example, we send care packages with toothbrushes in them to impoverished children in Africa, and the local toothbrush vendor loses his business. Or the church decides to invest in new choir robes, and the local food pantry can't feed 30 families because they are short on funds. It can make you crazy! Buchanan's advice, riffing on Martin Luther's "sin boldly," is helpful: "Don't anguish over every little thing. Do what needs doing and leave the outcome to God."

Something different: Buchanan integrates "The Petrine Diaries," 11 entries drawn from the life of Peter plus three short fictional stories that are tagged onto each section of the book, which he includes to "stir up your imagination." Although his nonfiction is stronger than his fiction, these short stories help flesh out the person of Peter on which the book revolves.

This is a message that will go straight to your heart if you let it, make you ask yourself questions about the way you are living, if you are risking enough, if you really want enough of God. I love Buchanan's hope for his book: "May it disrupt us, turn us upside down in order to live right-side up.... May it help us live with such holy vigor that when we're gone, our epitaph will be, "They really lived." May we say, "God, I want more of you." Amen and amen.

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby

I love Mark Buchanan's mind, the way he delves into Scripture, mining it deeply, then penning words about his discoveries beautifully. But more than that, I love his heart for Jesus. Spending time in a Mark Buchanan book is like sitting next to my savior, savoring His presence, reveling in His nearness, earthiness, and beauty.

What a wonderful book! This is the fifth of Buchanan's books and the second I've loved. Buchanan has a way with words and stories that make his books a pleasure to wallow in. They are not books to be read quickly, but books to be pondered. While he sometimes loses track of himself in his vocabulary, he always comes back; and comes back wonderfully!

This book is a study of the Apostle Peter, of Christian virtue and of 2 Peter 1:1-9. Buchanan walks through Peter's life and his Scripture text and explores them for all they're worth. The book is obviously Scripture soaked and driven, and yet Buchanan also allows his mind to quite pleasantly wander a bit from time to time. His reflections and stories bring his arguments to life in lovely ways.

I have always loved the Apostle Peter. I love the highs and sometimes almost comical lows of his life (i.e. "Let's build some tents and stay here on the mountain!") I love the idea that we know what we know of Peter's flaws and struggles because Peter himself probably made sure we remembered them! I love the quite obvious imperfections of the man; his imperfection gives me hope that my own imperfections will also be met with grace and glory. This book, much like Ortberg's "If You Want to Walk on Water, Your've Got to Get Out of the Boat," makes me love Peter even more. And in loving Peter more, I find I also more deeply love the Savior who loved him.

This book is well worth a Saturday afternoon or two. Virtue demands it...

Mark Buchanan has penned an insightful book with "Hidden in Plain Sight". Taking a passage from 2 Peter 1, Buchanan puts the spotlight on the progression of faith and how it evolves in the life of the believer. According to Buchanan, the fact is that we as believers have everything we need, we just need to appropriate it.

I was please with my purchase. I was also greatful to have received it in a timely manner and as advertised. DW