This week we discuss the delightful conclusion to George McDonald’s classic children’s novel, how it compares to classic fairy tales, why books like this matter more than ever, and much more.
Your discussion helped me understand why I'm loving the films from Studio Ghibli. All the adults recognize the reality of the supernatural, whether it's good or evil or neither, and that is so refreshing, spiritually, even if the films aren't "christian."
What a wonderful episode! In addition to your discussion on the content of the book, I especially loved the discussion about why we read “pagan” and other “non-Christian” literature. I’ve shared it with two of my book clubs so far :)
Yes! I actually had to go back and type up most of what Sean and Heidi said about that. I especially had an “ah ha” moment when Heidi said (approximately): “We're saying this is a cohesive vision of the reality of the world whether you believe it or not. So to write any enduring, compelling, true story, you are going to be writing about the nature of the world as it is, which is intrinsically Christian. ... People who try to write stories that are in defiance of that don't end up enduring. … Nobody likes that story because that doesn't actually reflect the reality of the world which is that we are all yearning for the union of love in a world of broken communion.”
Totally agree. Sean’s explanation of the Christian life as “us against us, not us against them” was so humbly profound, I’m still thinking about it. I love this podcast.
Loved the broader discussion!
This is lovely to listen to & to feel a part of. I’ve loved C.S. Lewis & then George MacDonald my whole life.
So fun to revisit a childhood favorite.
Has the QandA/“Ask us anything” thread been started yet?
Yes! It's in the chat. Scroll back to last Monday and it's there. :)
Your discussion helped me understand why I'm loving the films from Studio Ghibli. All the adults recognize the reality of the supernatural, whether it's good or evil or neither, and that is so refreshing, spiritually, even if the films aren't "christian."
So you can’t do the one without the other!?! When are we doing the Sequel?
Wonderful podcast! I’ve been thinking a lot about the themes you discussed lately and this helped clarify my thoughts. Thank you all!
What a wonderful episode! In addition to your discussion on the content of the book, I especially loved the discussion about why we read “pagan” and other “non-Christian” literature. I’ve shared it with two of my book clubs so far :)
Yes! I actually had to go back and type up most of what Sean and Heidi said about that. I especially had an “ah ha” moment when Heidi said (approximately): “We're saying this is a cohesive vision of the reality of the world whether you believe it or not. So to write any enduring, compelling, true story, you are going to be writing about the nature of the world as it is, which is intrinsically Christian. ... People who try to write stories that are in defiance of that don't end up enduring. … Nobody likes that story because that doesn't actually reflect the reality of the world which is that we are all yearning for the union of love in a world of broken communion.”
Totally agree. Sean’s explanation of the Christian life as “us against us, not us against them” was so humbly profound, I’m still thinking about it. I love this podcast.
*MacDonald 😎
I wonder why you noticed that….