Beyond Words: Daily Readings in the ABC's of Faith

by Frederick Buechner

Beyond Words n (1.) Terms or names that point to the realm of mystery and depth that lies beyond our ordinary experience. (2.) The reality that is beyond even the power of beyond words to convey, and that can be known only by experiencing it for yourself.

"A word a day to keep the demons at bay." This is how Frederick Buechner likes to describe this witty and incisive dictionary. A daily devotional from one of today's greatest spiritual writers, Beyond Words offers 366 entries from Buechner's three alphabet books, Wishful Thinking, Peculiar Treasures, and Whistling in the Dark, including a new Introduction and nineteen new entries.

Providing definitions of both sacred and ordinary words, as well as biblical characters, Buechner unabashedly brings his fresh perspective to words, concepts, and characters we thought we understood. This is a great introduction to Buechner's work as well as a library staple for those already well versed in his writing. It is Buechner at his best. Whether readers find themselves tearful from a deeply moving insight or laughing out loud at an unexpected turn of phrase, they will always feel uplifted, illuminated, and enchanted by the wisdom of Frederick Buechner.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christianity, Theology, Religion, Spirituality, Christian Non Fiction, Faith

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Frederick 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.

Reviews

[Philip Yancey]

Actually, I wanted to recommend "Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale," the first book I read by Frederick Buechner. You can still get it on Amazon, but some search engine sdidn't recognize it. No matter, as anything by Buechner is well worth your time. He's been a mentor to me for years (make that decades, as Fred is now in his 90s).

[William Sykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute favorite. Cannot recommend enough.

[Joshua Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buechner is the rare author who does not merely TELL you what he's speaking about, but SHOWS you. With a unique recipe of wit, high intelligence, and perceptiveness, Buechner has the inspired ability to bring out the wordless feelings from deep within a soul and give them voice. In this collection of short "definitions" on words both sacred and not, he erases such dialectical thinking and displays how the whole of life is shot through with beautify and truth.
If you've never read Buechner (and you should), this collection is a perfect place to begin.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! One of the best books ever conceived - deep truths from a deep thinker of our day. Buechner always provokes me to think - I appreciate his work.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of F. Buechner before receiving this book (a compilation of three books). I have savored almost every entry as a devotional tool. The 366 entries (he "defines" religious words, Biblical figures, concepts and ideas) are not to be rushed through. While I didn't always agree with everything he said, I rarely finished an entry without marveling at Buechner's eloquence, irony, humor, and turns of phrases. Even if you don't want a devotional tool, it's a pleasurable, insightful read.

[Kerith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This compendium of three of Buechner's books was really my first foray into his writing, after reading an excerpt in a Harpercollins devotional edition of the NRSV. I liked that excerpt so much I needed more. I find he really shines when the words are actually talking about God. I dogeared so many pages like that. The ones about the people in the Bible could get silly and I couldn't help but roll my eyes from time to time, even if I did laugh. But either way, I recommend this highly. Theology is words about God - and that's what this is.

[Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compilation of three books (I believe) with an alphabetical listing of biblical names and words with a description of each by Buechner using his trademark wit and wisdom. I read a few each day with my morning coffee - hence the time it took to finish it.

[Keith Dow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buechner is a joy to read, though I found the compilation of his "ABC" books left me wishing I had them separated and am now looking to get a copy of "Whistling in the Dark," which (in my opinion) contains the best "words" of this alphabetic devotional.

[Howard Lenos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is hard to define. Quirky, amusing, and often inspiring. The author uses a contemporary vocabulary and innovative turns of phrase to capture novel and often overlooked ideas and thoughts. A refreshing view on material that may have become far to familiar for many people.

[Brad Bevers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Buechner, really good daily read this year.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazingly refreshing, often witty, always insightful. This theologian's fresh take on all things human and divine, ordinary and spiritual, utterly delighted me.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most enjoyable devotionals I have ever read.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book of updated meditations related to spirituality and Bible characters/events. It was written to be read as a reflection for each day of the year. I chose to read it more like a novel. The author provides some new twists on familiar subject matter including some interesting interpretations, some good humor, some inspirational moments.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been my daily devotional book for the past year. Buechner is a Presbyterian minister and highly regarded author of fiction and non-fiction. His outlook is creative, his theology is edgy, his words are ultimately very comforting. An excellent book for exploring faith.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great newer edition of Beuchner's earlier books where he writes his own definitions or comments on words and characters in the Bible. If you're not familiar with Buechner, this is a great way to familiarize yourself with his clever use of language.

[Bill Bangham · Rating 5 out of 5]

It belongs on everyone's shelf, Nook or Kindle. Even if you aren't a person of faith, the insights — and the way they are crafted — are invaluable.

[Deborah Arvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love anything written by Mr. Buechner. This is one of those grab a portion as you go topical books. Interesting insights. My favorite is his perspective on anger: "The skeleton at the feast is you."