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The Hungering Dark by Frederick Buechner
In the first essay in this beautiful collection of reflections on biblical themes, Frederick Buechner reminds us of a famous scene in the film La Dolce Vita : a helicopter is flying overhead, and suspended below it is a statue of Jesus. It flies over a swimming pool where a group of girls lounge; the men flying above circle back, trying to get the girls' phone numbers. All of this is immensely amusing to everyone in the audience, Buechner writes, until the camera zooms in on the statue itself, "until just for a moment the screen is filled with just the bearded face of Christ. For a moment, he continues, the theater was silent, "as if the face were their face somehow, their secret face that they had never seen before but that they knew belonged to them." This, he concludes, "is much of what the Christian faith is." We catch a glimpse of something true, Buechner tells us, and after that glimpse we are never again the same, try as we might to forget it. And the point of these essays, of course, is to remind us. --Doug Thorpe
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First published May 8, 1985
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About the author
Frederick Buechner
92 books1,229 followersFrederick Buechner is a highly influential writer and theologian who has won awards for his poetry, short stories, novels and theological writings. His work pioneered the genre of spiritual memoir, laying the groundwork for writers such as Anne Lamott, Rob Bell and Lauren Winner.
His first book, A Long Day's Dying, was published to acclaim just two years after he graduated from Princeton. He entered Union Theological Seminary in 1954 where he studied under renowned theologians that included Reinhold Niebuhr, Paul Tillich, and James Muilenberg. In 1955, his short story "The Tiger" which had been published in the New Yorker won the O. Henry Prize.
After seminary he spent nine years at Phillips Exeter Academy, establishing a religion department and teaching courses in both religion and English. Among his students was the future author, John Irving. In 1969 he gave the Noble Lectures at Harvard. He presented a theological autobiography on a day in his life, which was published as The Alphabet of Grace.
In the years that followed he began publishing more novels, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist Godric. At the same time, he was also writing a series of spiritual autobiographies. A central theme in his theological writing is looking for God in the everyday, listening and paying attention, to hear God speak to people through their personal lives.
His first book, A Long Day's Dying, was published to acclaim just two years after he graduated from Princeton. He entered Union Theological Seminary in 1954 where he studied under renowned theologians that included Reinhold Niebuhr, Paul Tillich, and James Muilenberg. In 1955, his short story "The Tiger" which had been published in the New Yorker won the O. Henry Prize.
After seminary he spent nine years at Phillips Exeter Academy, establishing a religion department and teaching courses in both religion and English. Among his students was the future author, John Irving. In 1969 he gave the Noble Lectures at Harvard. He presented a theological autobiography on a day in his life, which was published as The Alphabet of Grace.
In the years that followed he began publishing more novels, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist Godric. At the same time, he was also writing a series of spiritual autobiographies. A central theme in his theological writing is looking for God in the everyday, listening and paying attention, to hear God speak to people through their personal lives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 19, 2022
Reposting in honor of Frederick Buechner, prolific novelist and theologian who passed away on Aug 15, 2022. He was 96. His writing left an indelible impact on my life. I will miss him.
My favorite Buechner quote:
"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meets."
Date of review: June 17, 2015
It is almost impossible to write a review of "The Hungering Dark" that will do it justice. The issues are deep; the discussion is profound and moving; the language is sublime.
Buechner contemplatively expressed the unutterable. He has an exceptional facility with words - incisive, moving. felicitous. His prose which reads like free verse points us to the heart of reality.
In this book, he wrote intelligently and reflectively about the quest for truth ("How do we know whether or not this truth is true?"), the layers or mystery of the self, the essence of eros and agape, happiness versus joy, the search for a worthy vocation, the darkness that is our inevitable lot in life, and finally hope.
Buechner wrote "I know of no time...when the dark is hungrier." In measured observations and arguments he directed our thoughts to the Light that the shepherds glimpsed centuries ago that first Christmas and that continues to transform "the hungering dark".
One of my favorite readings discussed the choice of a vocation: "..the voice that we should listen to most as we choose a vocation is the voice that we might think we should listen to least, and that is the voice of our own gladness. What can we do that makes us gladdest, what can we do that leaves us with the strongest sense of sailing true north and of peace, which is much of what gladness is?"
The second is a delightful chapter on "The Killing of Time" that described an eloquent lesson that was conducted in silence while Buechner and his students sat and watched a spectacular sun setting.
Each chapter ended with a prayer - words I did not have but was thankful for.
"The Hungering Dark" enlightens and edifies.
My favorite Buechner quote:
"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meets."
Date of review: June 17, 2015
It is almost impossible to write a review of "The Hungering Dark" that will do it justice. The issues are deep; the discussion is profound and moving; the language is sublime.
Buechner contemplatively expressed the unutterable. He has an exceptional facility with words - incisive, moving. felicitous. His prose which reads like free verse points us to the heart of reality.
In this book, he wrote intelligently and reflectively about the quest for truth ("How do we know whether or not this truth is true?"), the layers or mystery of the self, the essence of eros and agape, happiness versus joy, the search for a worthy vocation, the darkness that is our inevitable lot in life, and finally hope.
Buechner wrote "I know of no time...when the dark is hungrier." In measured observations and arguments he directed our thoughts to the Light that the shepherds glimpsed centuries ago that first Christmas and that continues to transform "the hungering dark".
One of my favorite readings discussed the choice of a vocation: "..the voice that we should listen to most as we choose a vocation is the voice that we might think we should listen to least, and that is the voice of our own gladness. What can we do that makes us gladdest, what can we do that leaves us with the strongest sense of sailing true north and of peace, which is much of what gladness is?"
The second is a delightful chapter on "The Killing of Time" that described an eloquent lesson that was conducted in silence while Buechner and his students sat and watched a spectacular sun setting.
Each chapter ended with a prayer - words I did not have but was thankful for.
"The Hungering Dark" enlightens and edifies.
October 7, 2023
Buechner has a unique skill to turn old thoughts on their heads and engage the Bible in new and refreshing ways. In this series of philosophical and poetic essays, he explores important themes of the Bible, but with a genuineness and originality that is both inspiring and edifying. Also, he ends each essay with a prayer that never fails to be expressive and beautiful. I doubt this will be the last book by Frederick Buechner that I’ll be reading.
November 2, 2014
If I were ever to recommend a book to be used as a "devotional," this would be one of few. Buechner has a way of perceiving a dark and complex world and find ways to point towards hope and beauty and mystery. He speaks my language. Or, the language I wish I spoke.
March 10, 2025
Freddie can do no wrong. Short sermons/stories starting with a scripture and weaving in real life. Love the perspectives and reflections. Would’ve given more stars but tbh some mornings I just got distracted
“So either we do nor speak, or we speak not to reveal who we are but to conceal who we are, because words can be used cither way of course. Instead of showing ourselves as we truly are, we show ourselves as we believe others want us to be. We wear masks, and with practice we do it better and better, and they serve us well- except that it gets very lonely inside the mask, because inside the mask that each of us wears there is a person who both longs to be known and fears to be known. In this sense every man is an island separated from every other man by fathoms of distrust and duplicity. Part of what it means to be is to be you and not me, between us the sea that we can never entirely cross even when we would. "My brethren are wholly estranged from me," Job cries out. "I have become an alien in their eyes."
“So either we do nor speak, or we speak not to reveal who we are but to conceal who we are, because words can be used cither way of course. Instead of showing ourselves as we truly are, we show ourselves as we believe others want us to be. We wear masks, and with practice we do it better and better, and they serve us well- except that it gets very lonely inside the mask, because inside the mask that each of us wears there is a person who both longs to be known and fears to be known. In this sense every man is an island separated from every other man by fathoms of distrust and duplicity. Part of what it means to be is to be you and not me, between us the sea that we can never entirely cross even when we would. "My brethren are wholly estranged from me," Job cries out. "I have become an alien in their eyes."
June 2, 2011
I love Buechner's work. As with the majority of his non-fiction books that I've read, he beautifully fuses personal anecdotes with Scripture and movingly simple spiritual insight that comes to mind again and again long after I turn the last page. I could quote the guy incessantly, and I do.
I enjoyed 'The Hungering Dark' primarily because it deals with doubt, that ever-present anathema within those who ascribe to the Christian faith - in short, in one form or another, we all wrestle with doubt, uncertainty, and a lack of words when it comes to Christ, to salvation, to living the life of the Kingdom, to coming to grips with the darkness and pain that is not only inescapable in our own lives but exists as a constant in the world around us. However, we tend to avoid discussing doubt, as if talking about our uncertainties somehow undermines the strength and worth of Christianity itself. Buechner seeks to challenge this preconception, identifying doubt and darkness as impetus for hungering for God. The reality of doubt can drive us toward hope in the very present and impending reality of God's holiness, love, mercy, and grace. In this book, with prayer following every chapter, Buechner stands to the side, hidden slightly among the Vermont trees, reminding us quietly "to not fall in love with the night that covers us", choosing instead to "dream and hunger in the dark" for the light of God.
A wonderful book, as everything I have read by him has been.
I enjoyed 'The Hungering Dark' primarily because it deals with doubt, that ever-present anathema within those who ascribe to the Christian faith - in short, in one form or another, we all wrestle with doubt, uncertainty, and a lack of words when it comes to Christ, to salvation, to living the life of the Kingdom, to coming to grips with the darkness and pain that is not only inescapable in our own lives but exists as a constant in the world around us. However, we tend to avoid discussing doubt, as if talking about our uncertainties somehow undermines the strength and worth of Christianity itself. Buechner seeks to challenge this preconception, identifying doubt and darkness as impetus for hungering for God. The reality of doubt can drive us toward hope in the very present and impending reality of God's holiness, love, mercy, and grace. In this book, with prayer following every chapter, Buechner stands to the side, hidden slightly among the Vermont trees, reminding us quietly "to not fall in love with the night that covers us", choosing instead to "dream and hunger in the dark" for the light of God.
A wonderful book, as everything I have read by him has been.
August 19, 2014
In these musings on spiritual matters, Frederick Buechner takes a metaphor or paradox or turn of a phrase and uses them to get to the heart of some matter in truly luminous and profound ways. Philosophical, moving, full of wit and grace, these writings will renew your faith in life, love, the search for truth and meaning, as well as the significance of the doubt and despair and loneliness that are part of our journey as well. Whether talking about Christmas, sunsets, graffiti, sex and sacrifice, John Donne, Noah’s face, our own hidden faces, the killing of time, that one wedding at Cana, monkey-gods, communion or hand grenades, Buechner strings together genuine, heart-breaking, beautiful words, and urges us to look at God and life and ourselves from new angles and with fresh eyes.
August 3, 2025
Buechner is a wordsmith, but this collection of messages/meditations/sermons on hope is my least favourite of his writings so far. Some of these meditations seem too nebulous to really give much hope beyond a distant glimmer. Personally, I like his novels much better.
June 11, 2024
Buechner writes in a way that makes you experience even familiar Bible passages in a whole new way.
February 23, 2024
Truly, truly beautiful, these readings are especially appropriate for holy week, lent, or advent contemplation. Each excerpt is a little long for a standard devotional read and perhaps a little loose in their logic and associations, but no less meaningful for it. I personally appreciate that it does not succumb to soundbites and five minute wisdom.
If you liked A Ray of Darkness by Rowan Williams, you should enjoy this work. And if you liked this work, I highly recommend Williams, a more concise voice. I also recommend Khalil Gibran, whose reflections are no less poetic for their brevity.
I'll be keeping this to revisit on at least an annual basis.
If you liked A Ray of Darkness by Rowan Williams, you should enjoy this work. And if you liked this work, I highly recommend Williams, a more concise voice. I also recommend Khalil Gibran, whose reflections are no less poetic for their brevity.
I'll be keeping this to revisit on at least an annual basis.
February 19, 2015
Often intoxicated by his own words. Often shrinks from the certainties bought for us by Christ, preferring instead the safer environs of doubt. So Christ's death is alluded to as "releasing life into the world" in some vague and nebulous way, but he doesn't touch the resurrection because, one suspects, that would mean having to publicly admit that he believes in something he knows is risible to most modern readers.
But on occasion, some acute and beautifully expressed insights.
But on occasion, some acute and beautifully expressed insights.
February 27, 2012
A beautiful collection of Buechner's sermons. He has a novelist's way with words and a preacher's heart, and the combination of the two made for a faith-enriching read. I'd love to return to this book someday soon.
Currently reading
March 26, 2009Little essays on theological notions like vocation, identity, grace, fear. Very beautifully written, quite meditative.
December 28, 2024
Buechner is unpredictable, and that's what makes his books so enjoyable. This book is very similar in style to The Magnificent Defeat. I think I like the Magnificent Defeat more, but that may only be because I read it first and it was my first experience with Buechner, which was amazing. You think you know what he's going to say because he opens each chapter with Scripture verses that read like a devotional so if you have any experience with the Bible you kind of get an idea, but then he ties in the truths of life with the truths of Scripture in such a beautiful and profound way that you didn't expect at all. The books are deceivingly short. I say deceivingly because the books are only 120 pages, but the thoughts are dense (in a good way). It reads like a devotional but I use that devotional idea with hesitation because all too often devotionals leave you with a simple thought and you move on, Buechner's chapters will leave you pondering them for many days, and this man seems to understand the complexities if life in a way that everyone can relate.
August 29, 2017
Buechner #2 and I'm already a better human for having another of his under my belt. As true today as it was when he wrote it in 1969...
"It is fantastic that in a world like ours there should be something in us still that says at least maybe, maybe, to the fantastic possibility of God at all. So, in Christ's name, I commend this madness and this fantastic hope that the future belongs to God no less than the past, that in some way we cannot imagine holiness will return to our world. I know of no time when the world has been riper for its return, when the dark has been hungrier."
"It is fantastic that in a world like ours there should be something in us still that says at least maybe, maybe, to the fantastic possibility of God at all. So, in Christ's name, I commend this madness and this fantastic hope that the future belongs to God no less than the past, that in some way we cannot imagine holiness will return to our world. I know of no time when the world has been riper for its return, when the dark has been hungrier."
February 21, 2024
This is a set of 13 devotional readings, most 8-10 pages +/- in length, organized into Part I: The Search and Part II: The Sought. If you are a seeker, it is worthwhile. Buechner is a gifted writer, and I am glad to have finally, at age 81, "discovered" him, although I have been hearing respected sources recommending him for years.
February 28, 2020
Buechner remains my favorite faith-based author, and this book is no exception. It’s a collection of essays so it is a bit hit or miss, but when it is good, it’s just great. The Sign by the Highway is one of his best.
August 7, 2022
Worth keeping among my preaching resources although the last essay in particular is heartbreaking because of the date: so much hope we had back in the late '60s, and what a comedown to where we are now!
November 11, 2017
Not quite as powerful a collection as "The Magnificent Defeat," but don't miss "The Sign by the Highway" and "The Face in the Sky."
July 2, 2022
Not as strong as his previous collection, the magnificent defeat. But still has some gems—“the face in the sky,” “the sign in the highway,” “the killing of time”
September 15, 2023
A special book by a unique and gifted author. A book I'll come back to often. Took a star off for a bit of dubious theology.
October 25, 2024
So beautifully written
November 13, 2024
No writer has ever gotten at the heart of what it means to be human quite like Buechner. I'm always blown away when I read his work.
October 27, 2011
A good writer has the ability to simply say the truth in a way that I would never have thought to say it, but in a way that makes perfect sense.
That's the way I feel after reading almost any of Buechner's works, and The Hungering Dark is no exception.
One of the last sermons (and therefore fresh in my memory) speaks of the powerlessness of language in comparison to experience:
"If the meaning of life is just a string of theological words, then who cares about it one way or another and what difference does it make and why bother to say the words at all, even if in some sense they are true? But if it is a reality, then words cannot contain it, you can know it only when you experience it, and if life in general has meaning, then every part of live also has meaning and you can experience it perfectly well by watching the feathers fall to the ground or seeing the teacher walk away in silence" (99).
He later prays that "Thy whole creation [...] which though hast made with thy hands in all its beauty, and every creature of this earth whom thou hast given life, all of them shout forth in joy and praise of thee, save only man whose mouth is stopped with words" (103).
Lord, may my mouth not be stopped with words, that I may shout forth in joy and praise.
Buechner ends his title sermon with a plea that resounds with my own heart: "In Christ's name, I commend this madness and this fantastic hope that the future belongs to God no less than the past, that in some way we cannot imagine holiness will return to our world" (125).
That's the way I feel after reading almost any of Buechner's works, and The Hungering Dark is no exception.
One of the last sermons (and therefore fresh in my memory) speaks of the powerlessness of language in comparison to experience:
"If the meaning of life is just a string of theological words, then who cares about it one way or another and what difference does it make and why bother to say the words at all, even if in some sense they are true? But if it is a reality, then words cannot contain it, you can know it only when you experience it, and if life in general has meaning, then every part of live also has meaning and you can experience it perfectly well by watching the feathers fall to the ground or seeing the teacher walk away in silence" (99).
He later prays that "Thy whole creation [...] which though hast made with thy hands in all its beauty, and every creature of this earth whom thou hast given life, all of them shout forth in joy and praise of thee, save only man whose mouth is stopped with words" (103).
Lord, may my mouth not be stopped with words, that I may shout forth in joy and praise.
Buechner ends his title sermon with a plea that resounds with my own heart: "In Christ's name, I commend this madness and this fantastic hope that the future belongs to God no less than the past, that in some way we cannot imagine holiness will return to our world" (125).
November 9, 2012
In this small volume of essays, Buechner writes about personal and universal spiritual truths in a style evoking John Steinbeck’s rich, descriptive prose effortlessly blended with Mark Twain’s economic necessity of word. When Buechner expands on an idea, such as using the Biblical story of Noah and the ark to symbolize the relationship of Jesus to His church (and the relationship believers share as the church), every sentence is needed. I have begun praying the prayers Buechner so brilliantly pens at the close of each essay because I cannot find words to illuminate the hungering dark parts of my heart more perfectly than his apt expressions. Frederick Buechner is one of those writers that has been on my "must read" list for months, and I am beyond thrilled to discover a new favorite theologian I plan to read again and again.
December 3, 2025
I looked on my shelves and found several books by Frederick Buechner that I hadn't read recently. Someone mentioned this one in a Sunday sermon, so I started with this one. Our hope rests in the future which is in God's hands. We must hope through the darkness of the day/our times to find the possibilities of God where we may least expect Him to be.
12/3/2025 - Once again our country seems to be on the edge of uncertain times. Frederick Buechner tries to point us in the direction of Jesus. No matter who we are or where we are. Maybe we are like Pope Pius XII looking in the crowd for that face that he was seeking when Buechner was in Rome and the Holy Father passed him in the crowd. Maybe we, too, are waiting and looking for His Kingdom to come. We are now in the season of waiting, Advent.
12/3/2025 - Once again our country seems to be on the edge of uncertain times. Frederick Buechner tries to point us in the direction of Jesus. No matter who we are or where we are. Maybe we are like Pope Pius XII looking in the crowd for that face that he was seeking when Buechner was in Rome and the Holy Father passed him in the crowd. Maybe we, too, are waiting and looking for His Kingdom to come. We are now in the season of waiting, Advent.
July 23, 2015
A friend recommended this book to me as one I would love. They were right and they were wrong. This was a book of short but deep reflections. Ones that you need to spend time reading and digesting.... Going to back to re-read sentences and enjoying the insights gained. I usually enjoy deep thought stuff (it may be a matter of timing as is everything in life) but can't say I loved it though I am glad I read it.
February 26, 2008
A collections of meditations on random pieces of Scripture. I suspect they may be sermons. If you are looking for exposition, you will be disappointed, but if you are looking for interesting insights, good writing, and spiritual encouragement you will find it. The only organization is between two parts: The Search and The Sought. Very quotable. Very good writer.
September 24, 2011
A collection of messages (sermons, essays, etc.) that follow the same theme: doubt. The collection as a whole is hit or miss; the good ones are really powerful, and the bad ones are pretty lame. However the beauty and elegance of his style matched with just how powerful the good essays are make for an overall good read.
July 3, 2013
Buechner is one of my favorite authors. He has an amazing ability to look inside the the human soul and ask the questions we all dare to ask, but perhaps we do not have the depth of words to express our search as well as Buechner. His gift is to describe the search and not transgress into easy answers.
He not only invites one to think, but to stand in awe of the Holy One.
He not only invites one to think, but to stand in awe of the Holy One.
January 29, 2015
Caution! Buechner (pronounced, as he is quick to note, "Beekner") will awaken your heart. He'll point a gentle finger at your selfishness, a trait he freely admits he shares. He'll speak to that hunger inside you and leave you hungry for more. Buechner is, in my limited experience, the human face of our faith. He's gentle. He's humble. He's a poet in prose.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews