In God's Underground

This book touched me and changed my whole view of the term 'martyr'. I have since become a great fan of Wurmbrand, his books never fail to stun one into a deep, reverential silence.

No matter your (ir)religious beliefs, you will be astounded by this account of life, endurance, perseverance, faith, and love in the worst possible conditions and suffering. An astounding witness to the strength and love the living Christ imparts, and an indictment of the horror and hollowness of atheism. Not for the faint of heart or closed of mind, and brimming over with insight and depth of thought; especially fascinating are his theological and philosophical conversations with a myriad of colorful characters, from (formerly) powerful politocos and military figures, to "lowly" farmers and thieves.

Mystic. Philosopher. Loving husband. Worried father. Proud member of the Jewish race. Creature with nerve ending that ache when you hit them and who hungers when you starve him. Social being who hallucinates apart from human voices, and hungers for sex and companionship as well as food. Martyr who stands up to tyrants and warns them to repent. Lutheran pastor with a weakness for jokes. Richard Wurmbrand may have been a "voice of the martyrs," but after reading this sensitive, deeply honest autobiography, what impresses me the most is the degree to which his voice is also the voice of humankind. I found it challenging to see how, as a well-read Christian in tough times who faces all the temptations I do, he integrated the various facets of his humanity with his faith. In a literal sense, faith made Wurmbrand a free-thinker. Embracing a religion that fits the full complexity of life, miracles as well as madness, and sharing a broad and often painful experience with a knowledge of several spiritual traditions, he was free to think on many questions and come to unexpected conclusions both whimsical and sober. There are many modern names that could be added to the list of heroes of the faith of Hebrews 11. Wurmbrand tells us some of their stories, including his own.author, Jesus and the Religions of Man

Truth is stranger than fiction, so a trite saying goes, but that definitely came to my mind when I read Richard Wurmbrand's book. Subsequently I came to know the author personally. I have no doubt the story is true and told truthfully.

"In God's Underground" is a hugely compelling account of gross persecution and great spiritual truimph. Wurmbrand's style is lucid, naturalistic, and enjoyable, and his stunning portrayals of life in communist prisons are effective without being maudlin or lurid. While his subject-matter is gripping in it's own right, Wurbrand's spiritual insight and his portrayals of his own, vibrant relationship with the Almighty are what make this book truly great. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys great autobiographies, and I especially recommend it to anyone who has ever wondered why someone would choose to suffer for their Faith.