The Magnificent Defeat [Paperback]

Frederick Buechner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 8, 1985

In The Magnificent Defeat, Frederick Buechner examines what it means to follow Christ, the lessons of Christmas and Easter, the miracles of grace, and "the magnificent defeat" of the human soul of God.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

As a novelist and memoirist, Frederick Buechner brings to these meditations on biblical passages a keen eye for narrative and detail. He brings as well an artist's love for language. As he says of James Weldon Johnson's poetic rendering of the creation story, this "is the language that man always uses when he tries to talk about the real mysteries of existence." So too is it the language Buechner brings to these reflections, which similarly explore the real mysteries. Written simply and directly (their original audience was a group of students at the private school where the author was a minister), Buechner delves into topics ranging from Jacob's wrestling with the angel (this is the "magnificent defeat" of the title) to the annunciation and birth of Jesus and beyond. Whatever the topic, Buechner writes with clarity and honesty. He does not present himself as among the saints so much as among the seekers. He doubts and questions but always comes back to the central place of beauty and of joy: here, he suggests, is where we must place our faith. Here is the true miracle of life, inviting us to "open our arms, our lives, to the deepest miracle of reality itself and call it by its proper name, which is King of kings and Lord of lords, or call it by any name we want, or call it nothing, but live our lives open to the fierce and transforming joy of it." --Doug Thorpe

From the Publisher

Meditations on key passages of the Old and New Testaments examine what it means to follow Christ, the lessons of Christmas and Easter, and the miracle of grace.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne (May 8, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006061174X
• ISBN-13: 978-0060611743
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #223,625 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Frederick Buechner is the popular author of such nonfiction titles as Telling the Truth, Wishful Thinking, and Peculiar Treasures. The New York Times Book Review described his recently published memoir, The Sacred Journey, as a "beautifully successful experiment." In addition to The Final Beast, which was originally published in 1965, Mr. Buechner is the author of ten other novels, including the bestselling A Long Day's Dying and, most recently, Godric. He makes his home in Rupert, Vermont.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Winsome insight into the giftedness of life and grace of God, April 19, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Tyler, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Magnificent Defeat (Paperback)

This collection of sermons by one of America's most talented writers provides the reader with profound insight into not only the challenges of the human predicament and the foibles of endless human striving, but, more importantly, the giftedness of life and the grace of God. In his peculiarly winsome manner, Buechner reveals to us that the most extraordinary things in life are available to us not as a result of our own efforts, but as pure gift.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Simply a masterpiece, April 4, 2001

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NYJ (Atlantic Coast, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Magnificent Defeat (Paperback)

Originally intended (as per Buechner's Introductory Note) for congregations consisting of predominantly young people, this compilation of 18 essay's speaks to every Christian who would sit down and read them. The Magnificent Defeat is broken down into 3 parts. I - The Challenge to Surrender , II - The Triumph of Love, III - The Mystery and Miracle of Grace. Each essay starts with a quote from scripture and then continues on with Buechners typical introspective point of view on the life of Christ, and in turn our own life as a result. While Buechner does touch on some theological points, a lot of his essays deal with the search for the Truth. Given the fact that it was originally intended for young people it does touch on the matters of the legitimacy of God (He does exist!) and why the person of Jesus Christ makes sense. As an apologetics resource, I think Buechner touches the most basic of subjects in an easy to understand AND relateable manner. These essays are powerful, and can also serve as a good topic of discussion during particular Christian seasons (i.e.: 2 essays on the Birth of Christ, 2 essays on the Death of Christ) as well. I highly recommend this book, along with all the other Buechner works. His style is unique, but just as relevant and just as strong as other great Christian writers, such as C.S. Lewis.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, February 23, 2008

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Mommyshopper - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Magnificent Defeat (Paperback)

This is a great collection of sermons. It's a great gift especially for young people. I have given this book as a graduation gifts to college students and have led book discussions with college students. Buechner is not only a beautiful writer but he understands human pain, struggles, and triumphs.