Furman Buchanan is an Episcopal priest, author, and teacher. He serves a congregation in South Carolina and is committed to celebrating and sharing the gifts of God through worship, learning, and compassionate care and service. Furman’s latest book is Honest to Goodness, the latest Lenten offering from Forward Movement. Learn more about Furman and his work in this author Q&A.
What inspired you to write Honest to Goodness?
I was inspired to write this book while reading through the Old Testament as part of one of those “Read the entire Bible” programs. In addition to some familiar first-person quotations attributed to God, I also came across many unfamiliar quotations. Some of these were hilarious, while others were just incredible.
I began to jot down my favorites and quickly discovered just how direct and honest God’s words are. Moreover, I realized just how passionately God cares about all the goodness God created in the beginning, and how much God wants us to enjoy, share, and spread this gift throughout the world.
I became inspired by the idea that it is possible with only about fifty short quotations for any reader to clearly see the truth and beauty of a loving God as presented through the Old Testament and Gospels.
What is your hope for this book?
My hope for Honest to Goodness is that readers will discover (or re-discover) the goodness of a loving God by paying attention to God’s own words.
I also hope those who may fear that the Old Testament features an “angry God” will see more clearly how our loving, heavenly Father is completely One with Jesus, the beloved Son, through the power and presence of God’s own Holy Spirit.
Where do you usually write?
My favorite place to write is at a small desk that belonged to my grandmother. It is just large enough to hold a Bible, a coffee, and a small laptop (in that order). I face a large window that offers up close views of an active bluebird house and a Sabal Palm Tree whose fronds rustle in the breeze. I must push myself to look down and not just out!
How was this writing process similar or different from your previous book for Forward Movement?
I wrote my first book, The Gifts of God for the People of God, to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Holy Eucharist through a narrative approach. So that book involved a fair amount of personal storytelling.
Honest to Goodness is a closer look at the existential questions we all ask about God, and so the reflections I wrote about each of God”s quotations involve more biblical storytelling.
Both kinds of stories can be helpful ways of teaching. This, of course, is not my original idea. Jesus does some of his best teaching through parables.
What is your favorite prayer?
Must I pick just one?
Okay, the General Thanksgiving is a favorite because it is a daily reminder of the good gifts of God, and our faithful response in the form of gratitude.
Another favorite prayer is one I learned from my daughters many years ago when they attended a Lutheran preschool. This blessing features a litany of goodness for which to be thankful at any meal.
Apples, carrots, pears, and peas.
Meats and beans and eggs and cheese.
Bread and cereal and rice
Milk from cows as cold as ice.
These are gifts God gave to me.
Help me God to thankful be!
Honest to Goodness is available on the Forward Movement website. Read a sample or order your copy today.