And It Was Good: Reflections on Beginnings (The Genesis Trilogy)

Description

Book #1 of The Genesis Trilogy. This special reissue of a classic work of spirituality from the author of A Wrinkle in Time offers life-transforming insights on the rich heritage of the Bible and shows how the characters of this ancient text are relevant for living the good life now. Includes a new reader's guide. In the first book of her Genesis Trilogy, beloved author Madeleine L'Engle casts long, loving, and perceptive glances not only at the created universe but also at its Creator. L'Engle often crafted stories that dealt with the complexities of the universe, navigating time and space, religion and science, with uncanny ease and insight. This skill--most famously demonstrated in A Wrinkle in Time--is showcased in this nonfiction work, And It Was Good, through her ability to see the connection between Made and Maker at every level. She examines the vast beauty, order, and complexity of our world with enthusiasm and reverence, illuminating the characteristics of God, the first poet. Madeleine L'Engle possesses the same ambidextrous skill of storytelling as other literary giants, including C.S. Lewis and George MacDonald. Her fictional stories appeal to generations of readers, and are equally embraced in both the secular and religious markets. But it is her ability in her nonfiction to engage with the historical text of the Bible through a dynamic unpacking of protagonists, antagonists, and matters of faith that establishes The Genesis Trilogy as a highly treasured collection of spiritual writings. And It Was Good beautifully approaches both the biblical text and creation itself with an intelligence and sensitivity that appeals to all seekers looking for a fresh communion with God in the natural world. Review: THE TITLE SAYS IT ALL - I live in Grace Presbyterian Village in Dallas, Texas. This is a retirement community like no other. I happened to see this book on a table one day when I was in the main building for my noon lunch. It was there again the next day after I was leaving Bible Study. When it was still there another day I decided that it had not just been forgotten by someone but was one of the many books available for the residents to read. Not knowing who it belonged to and intrigued by the title I took it home to read. I thought at first that it was just a book on Genesis, which to a certain extent it was, but it was more than that. It was more like a journey of the author which she was sharing with her readers. In reading the book of Genesis in the various bibles (mostly Gideon's left in rooms or cabins she happened to be in) L'Engle reveals as much about her life as she does about God's creation of the universe. When I finished the book I began to read it again which is something I have never done with a book before. I decided to see if I could get a personal copy for myself as I felt guilty taking something that I didn't know who it belonged to. The young man who was waiting on me at Barnes and Noble and checking to see about the availability of the book remarked that she was absolutely his favorite author however he was not familiar with this book. He was the one who suggested that I might be able to find it through this source. I asked if he had other books by her and he took me to the Young Readers section (a surprise to this 81 yr old "young" reader) where a boxed set of books including His personal all time favorite "A Wrinkle in Time" was the only one on the shelves. I bought it thinking that some of my young readers (grand and great grandkids) might like as birthday or Christmas gifts. The book I ordered arrived one day as I was talking with the Village Chaplain, Tom Tickner, who was about to start his vacation. We had just finished a study on Prayer which I thought he might find interested in L'Engle' comments and so I suggested if he had time to take the book to read when he had more opportunity. He had heard of her but not read any of her work. He returned this week and the first thing he said to me was that he loved the book. He asked if he might keep it awhile in order to make notes for when he begins our next study which will be on the "Lord's Prayer". I myself have begun reading the "Swiftly Tilting Planet" which is mentioned in the book and is definitely a little different style of writing but is thought provoking as well. I will tackle "A Wrinkle in Time" next to see if it is equally as different style of writing. It may be my younger generation relative readers will find it more their cup of tea. I think my daughter in law will like it for sure. It is probably obvious by now why I titled this review as I did. Unless I had thought that is was good I would not have read it the second time so quickly nor would I have recommended it to my friend Pastor Tom whose opinion I value greatly His reaction that he loved the book is all the reason I need to feel that my take on the book was valid. Review: Understanding - This book allowed me to see more that there doesn't have to be a separate theological way of looking at things and a secular. You can say with more conviction of self you are a Christian and still show appreciation and respect for science.