Vintage Saints and Sinners: 25 Christians Who Transformed My Faith Hardcover – September 12, 2017

In “Vintage Saints and Sinners: 25 Christians Who Transformed My Faith,” Karen Wright Marsh tells the stories of Christians across the centuries who have shaped her faith. Part biography, part memoir, and even part devotional, the book stands as a solid introduction to both well-known and lesser-known Christians as well as a testament to the impact Christians can have on fellow believers separated by both time and geography.As she points out in the introduction, all of can remember the stories we heard in Sunday School – stories of both Biblical characters and Christians who are rightly known as heroes of the faith. But as she grew and matured, Marsh discovered distraction, fear, and doubt. And here, too, she found examples from across Christian history.Many of the people whose story she tells as she tells her own story are well known – St. Augustine, C.S. Lewis, Flannery O’Connor, Martin Luther, Mother Teresa, Thomas Merton, John Wesley, and St. Francis of Assisi. She also includes the lesser-known but just as meaningful – Amanda Berry Smith. Fannie Lou Hamer, Mark Paik Lee, Aelred of Rievaulx, and Sophie Scholl.The narrative for each individual is roughly the same. Marsh begins with a personal story, moves quickly to the character, provides a brief biography or general background, explains how each came to faith and the impact each had, and then moves back to the personal, applying the lessons of the individual’s life to her own circumstances and faith. Many of the stories I had heard or read before, but I was unfamiliar with many of them except by name only.But I learned things even about the better known, like why Mother Teresa believed God had stopped speaking to her for decades; the role Fannie Lou Hamer played in the Civil Rights struggle; and how Brother Lawrence came to wash up on the shores of faith – blocked from his chosen calling of being a soldier because of a crippling injury.Marsh is the cofounder and executive director of Theological Horizons, a university ministry focused on theological scholarship “at the intersection of faith, thought, and life.” She teaches students in programs and classes, writes curriculum, and speaks at a wide array of meetings, seminars, and retreats. She received degrees in philosophy and linguistics from Wheaton College and the University of Virginia. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, with her family.“Vintage Saints and Sinners” offers history, biography, theology, understanding, and faith, but its stories offer one thing above all – encouragement. People from the past have experienced what you are going through; they knew doubt, despair, and fear. Their stories tell you to have courage and take heart.

If I learned anything from Vintage Saints and Sinners it's that the lives of the Saints we know are not what we think. What we think in the sense of how they lived as people, like you and I. On the road to sainthood we all start from the same place. Times are hard, times are easy. Sometimes we morally fail, but by God's grace we overcome. Well did these Saints float in the air? Who knows. But one thing for sure they had a purpose, driven not only by a love of God but a desire to be enveloped by God. Some of these people I knew about, some I did not, but because of Karen Wright Marsh I know God better through them.

Outstanding, well-researched and well-written book on 25 Christians throughout history who had an impact on their world during their lifetime and in the years that followed. Each short biography (8-9 pages) is focused on a specific aspect of that person's life and how it affected the way he/she chose to live their life in relation to Biblical principles. In each chapter the author asks herself the question, How does this relate to my life today? How should my life be different? Also other thought provoking questions.Ida Morris Bell

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, rereading this book and then leading a study of this at my Presbyterian Church. Karen’s biographical and anecdotal style led my group on a wonderful journey. We looked at how we define saints and how our definition changed as we progressed through the chapters. In addition, after talking about Karen’s interactions with her saints, we talked about our own interactions with saints. It was a wonderful book study for a faith community.

This is my new gift giving book! Vintage Saints and Sinners introduced me to many vintage writers that I had either not heard of or only heard of by name and now have a glimpse into their lives. Karen writes beautifully and I found inspiration throughout the reading of this book. This is not a book to be read just once. I believe we can find encouragement and inspiration in each thoughtfully written chapter to transform our lives as well.

My new go-to gifting book! The perfect balance of intellectual and personal- great book for academics, wonderers, and casual readers alike. Personal, reflective, and interesting, this is a book that sticks with you. As I encounter new questions in life I find myself drawn back to certain chapters to revisit wisdom from Karen and what she has learned from the vintage saints and sinners. Thank you, Karen, for sharing these wonderful stories!

Beautifully written and personal account of one seeker's collection of (mostly) nontraditional saints. I found myself admiring her choices and learning about some interesting lives. A great example of how important it is to draw inspiration from where you are!

If you need "friends' not heroes for your spiritual journey this book is for you. Each saint/sinner presented honestly and with integrity. Karen's deep knowledge and understanding of the content of their writings is beautifully synthesized into a gem of truth. This book can be read for personal encouragement, in a book club, small group or around the dinner able with your family. It will leave you hungry for more.

Interesting selection of "saints" encourages the reader to do further reading/research. Author has an easy-to-read writing style.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Helped me to see faith lived out in normal people whose belief made them extraordinary. Very encouraging