Penguins Golden Calves: Icons Idols

Madeleine L'Engle uses the rich and startling beauty of Antarctica as a backdrop for her discussion of icons and their role in a deeply spiritual faith. She explains how ordinary things -- family, words, the Bible, heaven, even penguins -- can become icons, windows revealing the glory of God. She also shows how an icon, if it becomes a mirror reflecting itself instead of a window on God, turns into an idol -- a penguin becomes a golden calf. Using the interplay of icons and idols, L'Engle challenges us to open up our understanding of ourselves, our faith, and everyday life.