In "Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC," Frederick Buechner explores the complexities of faith and belief, emphasizing the challenges of proving God's existence. He draws an intriguing parallel, suggesting that just as it would be futile for even the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes to prove the reality of his creator, Arthur Conan Doyle, so too is it impossible for humans to definitively demonstrate the presence of God. This analogy highlights the inherent mystery of divine existence.

Buechner's assertion invites readers to reflect on the nature of belief, where faith often exists outside the realm of empirical proof. Both Sherlock Holmes and God, while fascinating, belong to different kinds of reality; one is a fictional character crafted by a writer, while the other is a profound theological concept. This exploration suggests that belief may be more about personal experience and understanding than rigorous demonstration.