Charles Merrill Smith (1919–1985)

I read this book by Charles Merrill Smith years ago, before I discovered that I had become a clergyperson. This is a really funny work on Smith's part. He hits the mark in so many places. The chapter on hymns might be the best though the ones on the minister's car and the minister's wife were very funny and right on target too. The "good hymns" Smith said were not the ones that expressed sound theology and took people to a deeper level but the ones that make people feel good. During my long career I have thought of Smith's comments often. He was often absolutely right and always very funny. His mystery novels with the Rev. Con Randall, a former NFL Quarterback, as the detective were also very good.… (mere)