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When the Saints Go Flying In: Stories About Faith, Life, and Everything in Between
A Love Letter to God, the best of Christianity, the Saints, and Pop Culture
Stories have the ability to transport us to different times and places. They have the power to inspire, challenge, distract, and transform lives. We tell stories to entertain, change minds, and share experiences. Methodist-turned-Episcopalian priest, Joseph Yoo, uses the power of stories — both ancient and contemporary — to remind us how we are often unexpectedly intertwined with one another and with God.
For example, Yoo seamlessly connects the story of St. Catherine of Bologna, the patron saint of art, with the troubled life of Vincent van Gogh. In so doing, he encourages readers to ponder how Starry Night could be viewed as a sharp commentary on the modern church. He tells the story of St. Dymphna to help de-stigmatize mental health. Yoo’s refreshing theology asserts that it’s more than okay to love Jesus and have a therapist.
As Joseph shares his personal journey, he tells stories that are irreverent and relevant to inspire you to dream and invite you to join him on this journey of discovery, calling, and faith.
When the Saints Go Flying In…
- Is a resounding testament that there is no separation between the so-called secular and religious realms.
- Reminds us that God’s love and mysterious presence are found in every corner of our world.
- Is for anyone who may be struggling on their journey of faith or seeking the affirmation that they matter to God even if God may not matter to them, yet.
- Is for anyone looking at the world today and asking questions that may not have clear, precise answers.
- Is for those who feel overwhelmed when confronting the messiness of the world.
- Offers an invitation to not be afraid of the mess but courageously enter it, for it is precisely in the messiness and brokenness of this world that God is found.
- Is an invitation to search for God, only to discover that God has been with us this entire time.
Stories have the ability to transport us to different times and places. They have the power to inspire, challenge, distract, and transform lives. We tell stories to entertain, change minds, and share experiences. Methodist-turned-Episcopalian priest, Joseph Yoo, uses the power of stories — both ancient and contemporary — to remind us how we are often unexpectedly intertwined with one another and with God.
For example, Yoo seamlessly connects the story of St. Catherine of Bologna, the patron saint of art, with the troubled life of Vincent van Gogh. In so doing, he encourages readers to ponder how Starry Night could be viewed as a sharp commentary on the modern church. He tells the story of St. Dymphna to help de-stigmatize mental health. Yoo’s refreshing theology asserts that it’s more than okay to love Jesus and have a therapist.
As Joseph shares his personal journey, he tells stories that are irreverent and relevant to inspire you to dream and invite you to join him on this journey of discovery, calling, and faith.
When the Saints Go Flying In…
- Is a resounding testament that there is no separation between the so-called secular and religious realms.
- Reminds us that God’s love and mysterious presence are found in every corner of our world.
- Is for anyone who may be struggling on their journey of faith or seeking the affirmation that they matter to God even if God may not matter to them, yet.
- Is for anyone looking at the world today and asking questions that may not have clear, precise answers.
- Is for those who feel overwhelmed when confronting the messiness of the world.
- Offers an invitation to not be afraid of the mess but courageously enter it, for it is precisely in the messiness and brokenness of this world that God is found.
- Is an invitation to search for God, only to discover that God has been with us this entire time.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2023
40 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 25, 2023
Excellent book- very spiritual and real. I’m not someone who knows a lot about specific saints, but I like the idea of praying with them. Each chapter of the book has a saint in it, but the book isn’t just focused on their backgrounds. It’s full of personal stories, pop culture references, and discussion relating to our spiritual lives today- very readable and approachable, very welcoming and full of God’s love.
March 6, 2023
Such an enjoyable read!!!
I really enjoyed reading When the Saints Go Flying In! When I started this book, I decided it would be included in my meditation time every morning. However, I found my self opening it up in the early evenings as well.
I experienced many of these stories for the first time while reading this book, and I found myself wondering why I had never made an effort to learn more about these saints. One of the things I enjoyed most was the significance to your lives and faith journeys demonstrated with each story.
At times, many of the stories with which I was already familiar (Parable of The Prodigal Son, Parable of The Lost Coin) took on new significance with the author’s insight.
Highly recommended!!!
I really enjoyed reading When the Saints Go Flying In! When I started this book, I decided it would be included in my meditation time every morning. However, I found my self opening it up in the early evenings as well.
I experienced many of these stories for the first time while reading this book, and I found myself wondering why I had never made an effort to learn more about these saints. One of the things I enjoyed most was the significance to your lives and faith journeys demonstrated with each story.
At times, many of the stories with which I was already familiar (Parable of The Prodigal Son, Parable of The Lost Coin) took on new significance with the author’s insight.
Highly recommended!!!
May 21, 2025
I have been raised Baptist but I visit Methodist, non denominational, Church of Christ, etc so I’m eager to learn differences in Christian teachings.
I love Joseph’s TikTok videos, for the most part. This book did not hit the mark. There were a few cringy parts but about page 110 he starts getting extremely political. Snide remarks about JK Rowling (seriously?), white supremacy and all other white washing, etc that the whites today are blamed for because based on skin color we are a bad person. I understand to an extent but again, how is accusing whites today for historical sins going to repair any sort of tension or relationships?
We can define secular things, where Christ is not, and aknowledge things we shouldn’t do because hello, it’s called sinning, and still love our friends and family who are into those secular things. But Joseph desperately places much blame in church going Christian’s. I have met some who are as he describes but not for the most part. Maybe being so deep in church I have to take his word for it.
The most I can say is I learned some interesting things about saints. I wouldn’t recommend this book for anyone without extremely loose Christian beliefs. I was generous with 2 stars.
I love Joseph’s TikTok videos, for the most part. This book did not hit the mark. There were a few cringy parts but about page 110 he starts getting extremely political. Snide remarks about JK Rowling (seriously?), white supremacy and all other white washing, etc that the whites today are blamed for because based on skin color we are a bad person. I understand to an extent but again, how is accusing whites today for historical sins going to repair any sort of tension or relationships?
We can define secular things, where Christ is not, and aknowledge things we shouldn’t do because hello, it’s called sinning, and still love our friends and family who are into those secular things. But Joseph desperately places much blame in church going Christian’s. I have met some who are as he describes but not for the most part. Maybe being so deep in church I have to take his word for it.
The most I can say is I learned some interesting things about saints. I wouldn’t recommend this book for anyone without extremely loose Christian beliefs. I was generous with 2 stars.
July 17, 2023
Yoo has an easy to read and humorous style of writing. He interweaves the stories of saints, the Bible, and his personal life to give the reader a chance to reflect on themselves. This book is informative on the saints, but it also calls the reader to examine themselves and find their own sainthood. The last chapter is some of the best writing on joy I have ever read. I have no doubt I will come back to it again and again. I highly recommend this book.
July 17, 2025
REALLY enjoyed this book! Learned a little about some of the saints but a LOT about faith as it is applied through these tales. Loved hearing the stories surrounding these people of faith, but Yoo brings them right off the page to our everyday lives and shows how their stories intersect with ours!! Author is funny and personable. I'd love to sit and have "tea" - I don't do coffee - and listen to more!
February 10, 2023
Joseph Yoo writes authentically about his struggles with faith and so much more! I found myself smiling and laughing when he described episodes trying to “fit in” as a mainstream pastor, so thankful he will never fit that mold. Pearland and Mosaic Church are fortunate to have Joe and his family!
June 16, 2025
I loved this book enough to pay for it twice
Reading this book filled me with joy. I highly recommend it. I loved it so much that I paid for it twice... Once as a gift, the other for myself. The person I bought it for loved it too! Do yourself a favor and read it. ☺️
Reading this book filled me with joy. I highly recommend it. I loved it so much that I paid for it twice... Once as a gift, the other for myself. The person I bought it for loved it too! Do yourself a favor and read it. ☺️
January 30, 2024
The rambling writings of a former United Methodist turned Episcopalian minister of an open and affirming church, When the Saints Go Flying In is a wonderful and touching read. Between the stories of the saints are musings and words of both wit and wisdom that tell the tale of how a life continues to be transformed. There was a great deal in this book that resonated with me. There is even more to reflect upon.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews