I can't remember the last time I enjoyed reading philosophy this much. L'Engle was a beautiful, elegant writer, and I think this reissue is very timely for those in a crisis of faith with our current climate.

First sentence: A small ship—a freighter—on a very large sea.

Premise/plot: And It Was Good is the first in a reflective trilogy by Madeleine L'Engle. The reflections are inspired by her reading--rereading perhaps I should say since I'm sure she read it more than once--of the book of Genesis. The book is a collection of her thoughts on God, on faith, on religion, on the world we live in, on belief and doubt. L'Engle also reflects on the times: the threat of nuclear war, the threat of war-war-and-nothing-but-war, the lack of compassion we show each other as human beings.

Throughout the book, she uses EL as the name for God. There is no he or him. It's always "God," "El," "Jesus," or "Spirit."

For those looking for LITERARY devotions, this one might suit. My criticism is not of her literary style or technique, the way she crafted words into sentences that make you pause or puzzle. My criticism is of her theology.

My thoughts: L'Engle's theology is…in my opinion…dangerous. Dangerous for at least three reasons: first because she has a way of crafting half-truths into beautiful sounding truths; second, because her approach to practicing faith is becoming more and more mainstream and common; third, because it is such a mixed-bag. There are sentences you agree with completely; sentences you agree with somewhat; sentences you are just plain confused about what she actually might have meant; and fighting-sentences where you just call her out as WRONG. Sometimes it isn't sentences so much as ideas and concepts. L'Engle is way more mystical and mantra-driven than I'm comfortable with. Also L'Engle advocates for a God who is always changing and very open, also dependent on us in some ways. She also does not believe that hell is forever. She proclaims there's second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. chances. We never run out of chances to repent and turn to God. Ultimately no matter how long it takes--everyone, everything will be redeemed and restored.

And It Was Good

Reflections on Beginnings



by Madeleine L'Engle

Crown Publishing

Convergent Books



Christian

Pub Date 23 May 2017

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of And It Was Good through Crown Publishing/ Convergent Books and Netgalley:

In this book Madeline L Engle gives us a glimpse of what it may have been like during those early years of humanity, she talks about what it must have been like for Adam and Eve both before and after the fall.

And It Was Good would be perfect addition to your personal study on Genesis.

I give And It Was Good five out of five stars.

Happy Reading.