A Christian is one who is on the way, though not necessarily very far along it, and who has at least some dim and half-baked idea of whom to thank.

— Frederick Buechner (1926–2022), Schriftsteller, Theologe und Pfarrer

Source: Peculiar Treasures: A Biblical Who's Who (1979), Eintrag „Christian“

Topics: Joy & Gratitude, Discipleship, Humility & Pride

Frederick Buechner

Carl Frederick Buechner (1926–2022) war ein US-amerikanischer Schriftsteller, Theologe und presbyterianischer Pfarrer, der überwiegend im US-Bundesstaat Vermont lebte und wirkte. Bekannt wurde er durch Romane, Memoiren und theologische Essays, in denen er Gottes Gnade und Gegenwart mitten in alltäglichen Brüchen, Schmerz und Zweifeln thematisierte. Für Bibelleser heute eröffnet sein Werk einen literarisch feinsinnigen Zugang zu biblischen Texten, der existenzielle Verwundbarkeit ernst nimmt, auch wenn sein erzählerischer Ansatz mitunter Kritik an mangelnder dogmatischer Strenge aufwarf.

All quotes by Frederick Buechner (38)

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When you see a child, you catch God in the act.
Martin Luther

I asked God for many things so that I could enjoy life. God gave me life, so that I could enjoy all things.
Gertrud von le Fort

Man is unhappy because he doesn't know he's happy. It's only that.
Fyodor Dostoevsky

Go forth, my heart, and seek joy in this lovely summertime, in the gifts of your God. Behold the beauty of the gardens' adornment, and see how they have decked themselves for me and for you.
Paul Gerhardt

Great are you, Lord, and highly to be praised. Man, this tiny part of your creation, wants to praise you. You yourself stir him to delight in praising you, for you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.
Augustine of Hippo

For all that has been - Thanks. For all that will be - Yes.
Dag Hammarskjöld

The world is more than its burden, and life is more than the sum of its gray days.
Alfred Delp

A good sleep is grace and so are good dreams. Most tears are grace. The smell of rain is grace. Somebody loving you is grace. Loving somebody is grace.
Frederick Buechner

All quotes · lumen.bible