Penguins and Golden Calves

Icons and Idols in Antarctica and Other Unexpected Places

By: Madeleine L'Engle, Charlotte Jones Voiklis - foreword

Narrated by: Pamela Almand

Despite protests and warnings from friends and family, author Madeleine L’Engle, at the age of 74, embarked on a rafting trip to Antarctica. Her journey through the startling beauty of the continent led her to write Penguins and Golden Calves, a captivating discussion of how opening oneself up to icons, or everyday “windows to God,” leads to the development of a rich and deeply spiritual faith.

Here, L’Engle explains how ordinary things such as family, words, the Bible, heaven, and even penguins can become such windows. She also shows how such a window becomes an idol - a penguin becomes a “golden calf” - when we see it as a reflection of itself instead of God.

With delightful language, insightful metaphor, and personal stories, L’Engle brings listeners to a deeper understanding of themselves, their faith, and the presence of God in their daily lives.

©1996, 2003 Crosswicks, Ltd. (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the King James Version. Scripture also taken from the New King James Version. © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Saint L’Engle

Ooh, I wish I would have started reading Madeleine L’Engle’s non-fiction a long time ago! I have never read anything that matches so closely with my beliefs. I started with the first two books of Genesis trilogy, I just finished Penguins and Golden Calves, and now starting the third book of the Genesis trilogy. Reading her books are a bit different than listening; you truly get to focus on what she is saying when you read whereas with the audio book I kept finding myself rewinding because I wasn’t paying close enough attention to her stream of conscience. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the audiobook!! It is just one of those books that you need to pay attention to closely in order to follow along. Once you zone into her voice and words, it almost feels as if L’Engle is speaking to you! There were many times as I was driving where I wanted to just talk back. My 13-year-old really started tuning into the last 30 minutes (after her Nintendo switch died) too, and she didn’t once complain or ask to listen to music!!

The book itself is very eye opening. I have always been able to see God through nature or through different events or things that remind me of a story in the Bible. I had never truly understood the difference between icons and idols until I read this book. L’Engle’s explanation of fundamentalists and people that take the Bible too literally (AKA the fundalits) is the BEST I have ever come to understanding a lot of Christians. Her love for the purification of words is awe-inspiring. We really do need to cleanse our vocabulary because we have become so very loose with denotation and connotation. I recommend this book to ANYONE that believes in God. I would say this is a good book for even those who do not believe in God; simply because L’Engle is not preachy whatsoever and has one of the most open minds I’ve ever encountered.

Wise words from a wise woman

Madeleine L Engle is best known dipe A Wrinkle In Time but she is wiser and more profound in her non fiction books although many will criticize her views today. This was well thought out but still down to earth and witty and warm and it will give you answers and possibilities to many questions of faith. It is almost required reading for any Christian on a journey of faith who is open minded and truly seeking God in a real and personal way. L'Engel's wisdom and spiritual intellect really come thru in the narration of this book and several others I've read. I'd be interested to hear her read all of L'Engle's books on faith. It seems she is able to understand and channel the author's dry wit and ability to laugh at herself just as well as her deep thoughts and serious concepts.