Penguins & Golden Calves
Book Description
At seventy-four, acclaimed author Madeleine L'Engle defied concerned loved ones to venture on an extraordinary rafting expedition to Antarctica. This bold journey across a landscape of breathtaking wilderness became the catalyst for profound spiritual insights that form the heart of this remarkable exploration of faith.
L'Engle invites readers to discover how the ordinary elements of daily existence can serve as sacred portals to the divine. Through her thoughtful examination, she reveals how family relationships, language, scripture, concepts of eternity, and even the charming penguins she encountered can function as spiritual windows that connect us more deeply to God's presence.
Yet L'Engle also offers an important caution about the delicate balance between reverence and idolatry. She demonstrates how these same meaningful symbols and experiences can transform from sacred windows into spiritual obstacles when we begin worshipping the symbol itself rather than the divine reality it represents. Her penguin metaphor illustrates how easily our "windows to God" can become modern golden calves.
Written with L'Engle's characteristic warmth and wisdom, this book weaves together personal narrative, thoughtful theology, and practical spirituality. Through engaging storytelling and illuminating metaphors drawn from her Antarctic adventure, she guides readers toward recognizing the sacred dimensions already present in their everyday lives, fostering a more authentic and vibrant spiritual journey.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~5 hours)
📄 Length: 187 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Idols and images, worship
- ✓ Explore Icons
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Spiritual life
- ✓ Explore Miscellanea
- ✓ Explore Spiritual life, christianity
- ✓ Explore Idolatry
- ✓ Explore Anglican authors
