Customer Reviews

The Magnificent Defeat

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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.

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.

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.

This book contains a number of insightful sermons concerning the Christmas story. Frederick goes into great detail in explaining what might have went on inside the lives of the people involved in the "Christmas" story.

Somehow, he is always able to help the reader relate to the characters in the story. He does it by bringing in everyday life illustrations, and helps us see the characteristics in the characters to be very much like ourselves. One example is the way he describes the innkeeper who only gave Joseph and Mary a barn to spend the night.

The author is like Max Lucado in that he writes in very easy-to-read language but provides much food for thought.

Our book club just finished reading this book. Everyone enjoyed it. As fate (or God) would have it, each woman brought to the discussion a chapter that had meaning to her - and in a room with 8-10 people, each had a different "favorite" chapter! The whole book was great and I plan to read this book over and over again for years to come.