Customer Reviews

Whistling in the Dark: A Doubter's Dictionary

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A great starting place if you want to explore Buechner's non-fiction. He has a way of making the deep attainable and the mundane deep. His way with words is remarkable and moving.

In this and other writings, Buechner shares with us his own fallibility in a way that is both touching and disarming and in doing so helps us to deal with our own foibles in a remarkable new way. He never condescends or assumes the spiritual state of the reader.

Start with this wonderful volume, go on to read some of his fiction like 'Godric' or 'On The Road WIth The Archangel', move on to the Bebb Quadrology (?) and then come back to his autobiogrphical books.... heck, then get everything else you've missed.

Buechner is quoted in John Irving's 'A Prayer For Owen Meany' as saying 'Not the least of my problems is that I can hardly even imagine what kind of an experience a genuine, self-authenticating religious experience would be. Without somehow destroying me in the process, how could God reveal himself in a way that would leave no room for doubt? If there were no room for doubt, there would be no room for me." Indeed. This Frederick Buechner is a man who gets us as close to that religious experience as possible without being destroyed.

Buechner is one of the great theological minds of our time, but his writing is accessible without being condescending. In this classic lexicon, he captures the dichotomy of faith and doubt in God. If you enjoy C.S. Lewis' work but have a sometimes irreverent sense of humor, you are sure to want your own copy of Whistling in the Dark!

The third and final installment in Buechner's lexicon-style expositions, Whistling in the Dark looks at words that might not be considered "religious" but that deal with the topic nonetheless. Hitting topics such as abortion, this book hits a bit more into politics than the previous two. Be forewarned that some of the entries are somewhat darker and even a little depressing. Although not as good as "Wishful Thinking", it is on par with "Peculiar Treasures" and superior to most "religious" books available today. This is another one to read and ponder again and again.

Yet again Buechner displays his amazing wisdom though an ingenious little book that is easy to read (even one a day if you like) and yet hard to put down. If you've read and enjoyed "Wishful Thinking: A Seeker's Dictionary", then this "Whistling in the Dark: ABC Theologized" is a must-have. If you haven't read either - get them! You'll never see a more even-handed, honest, and insightful take on religion and life as we know it.

A hospital chaplain read the passage "Dreams" at a morning meditation. It was a very moving, spiritual reading which gives you much to think about. I came home and ordered a copy from Amazon, express delivery. Look forward to reading the other chapters.

Whistling in the Dark definitely came at a needed time in my spiritual journey. My Sunday School class introduced me to this work, and I am amazed that we have such honest intellectual spiritual help as found in this book. I highly recommend it.

WHistling in the Dark is Frederich Buechner at his best. As a companion with Wishful Thinking and Peculiar Treasures, this volume is essential reading for the brave of heart. They capture the every day essence of a real God. Ripped from the sterile world of church and stained glass windows, Buechner's Jesus/God walks dusty roads, touches pustulent fly covered lepers and caresses the face of broken hearted prostitutes. He introduces us to doctrines and Biblical figures who belched at the table, scratched where it itched and talked with God.

Not recommended for the faint of heart who only worship a tame God.