Penguins and Golden Calves: Icons and Idols in Antarctica and Other Unexpected Places

by Madeleine L'Engle, Leif Enger (Foreword)

Despite protests and warnings from friends and family, author Madeleine L’Engle, at the age of seventy-four, 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 readers to a deeper understanding of themselves, their faith, and the presence of God in their daily lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Religion, Faith, Christianity, Memoir, Spirituality

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Madeleine L'Engle was an American writer of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and young adult fiction, including A Wrinkle in Time and its sequels: A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters, and An Acceptable Time. Her works reflect both her Christian faith and her strong interest in modern science.

Reviews

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idols: an enticing concept, and L'Engle has sussed the situation. I felt as if she was preaching to the choir with this one, and at the same time, she had a decidedly saucy tone, as if she was looking to defend something....

It's pretty obvious that in doing all those writers' workshops and giving talks, she encountered more than her fair share of spite and contention in the name of Jesus. Her rebuttals go from near heresy and back to Biblical, all the time sifting out the lies like chaff until only the grain of truth remains.

Biblical truth? Not entirely, and L'Engle's really playing with fire here. Her view of the Father was so clearly based on her own, that I wonder if she didn't see her bias? If anyone is a genius at spiritual speculation, L'Engle certainly ranks right up there with Lewis & Tolkien.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Madeleine L'Engle, an icon herself, ruminates on iconography and idolatry, the relationship between penguins (icons) and golden calves (idols) and how such particulars have played and worked out in her own writing life story. Preaching to the choir of art, faith, and mystery as well as trying to connect and find common ground with the fundamentalist and literalist crowd. Reflections via ramblings and repetitions. Some really wonderful words of wisdom at times. Where in the world is Antarctica?

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this was scattered at a bit rambly at times, I can't deny how powerful much of its content is (especially the last third). This book was exactly what I needed at this time in my life. I love when that happens.

[Desiree Dunlap · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - I’ve yet to grow tired of Madeleine’s musings and tone, her stories or poetry or theological ramblings. She was brilliant and she was human in full and bright and beautiful ways that I’m grateful to be nourished by. This book is another that I’ll buy and be sure to re-read. Her differentiation between icons and idols is helpful and refreshing and cause for a continual posture of repentance. I also appreciate that though she does share her perspective on various “hot topics” in Christianity she doesn’t force her opinions, instead presenting them as possibilities and typically ending with a sentiment that can be summarized as “but what do I know? I am human and only know a fraction of anything!” This is what keeps me coming back to her writings. She invites the reader to ponder with her, encourages them to ponder with God, and inspires us all to live more fully with Love. A highly recommended, “read a chapter before bed” type of book!

[Kailie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“But the stars are far more than things-in-themselves; they are affirmation of the glory of the Creator; they are affirmation that all matter matters, and that this mattering is most profound in the Incarnation, the baby born in Nazareth, of a human mother, as all babies are born, and who is the greatest icon of all.” p. 147-148

[RuthAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose Penguins and Golden Calves for a re-read because my Bible study group is studying Exodus this spring, and I knew we’d get to the golden calf story eventually. I didn’t remember a lot about this book, but I knew I had read it before. Apparently, based on the inscription on my copy, my mom gave me this book for my birthday in 2006, and I’m guessing that was the first and only time I’ve read it! And yet, I think because I’m so familiar and steeped in Madeleine’s writing, it all felt known and comforting to me. There are also parts of this book from when Madeleine visited Antarctica that inspired Troubling a Star, so those passages felt even more recognizable and cozy. But the biggest thing that stood out for me as I re-read this book was how weird Madeleine’s writing about faith can be.

In this book, Madeleine focuses on the dichotomy of icons and idols: icons are objects that symbolize something about God and help us hold to it, but they shouldn’t become God. Throughout the book, she goes back and forth between discussing icons and idols in all kinds of contexts. She touches on church services, the arts, war, family relationships, and friendships. It's wandery. I am a very structured person, so it’s outside my norm to like books that are looser, but I mean, it’s my quirky Aunt Madeleine. She draws me out of my rigid, robot life, even as I kick and grasp to hold on to it. It works out in the end, because her view is always broader and more vivid and more challenging than mine would be naturally. That said, I remembered how easy it is to take an author’s words as gospel. I hope that I can hold Madeleine in her proper place as a beloved author and not the end-all-be-all. She is an icon for me of truth and storytelling, but I think it’s okay that I don’t agree with her about everything.

[Miss Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 - 2.5 stars

One of L'Engle's less powerful works. There is discussion of icons, windows into the reality of God's creation; the feminine aspect of God (which was very ... interesting); bits and pieces of her life and travels, particularly her trip to Antarctica, and reflections on our world and society.

There just wasn't much this time that touched me or resonated, helping me to look at things in a new light or reflect as I have found in some of her other works.

I won't be picking it up again and I don't recommend it. However, try Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art or The Rock That Is Higher: Story as Truth instead!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting this to be a bit more of a travelogue. I mean Madeleine L’Engle went to Antarctica for holidays at the age of 74! I want to hear about that! Sadly the frozen continent makes only a short cameo at the beginning. The exploration about icons and idols, however, was true to the subtitle. With her classic wit she explores the fine line between the two and how many aspects of our lives and creation are windows to the Creator. L’Engle writes stream of consciousness style which may seem chaotic and rambly to some, but I am here for it; it is what I find refreshing about many of her books. I feel privy to her journal, and it’s compulsively readable.

[Doug Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled to decide on a star rating for this book. 3 or 4? Somewhere in between probably. It had some beautiful moments and here core idea of differentiating between icons (things that point us to truths about God) and idols (icons we turn into 'gods') is important. I'm not on the same page as her theologically on certain important points, but I tried not to throw the baby out with the bathwater (as she discusses in the book) and the writing was frequently a little too steam of consciousness. So not a perfect book, but I book I appreciated none the less.

[Heatherjoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t quite know what to do with this book. It is no exaggeration to say it changed my life when I was 19 or 20. I was searching for a more generous and loving faith, one less sure that it knew all the answers and more taken with beauty. And this book is where I encountered that.

And yet, as I read it again about twenty years later, I feel more tension. There are sections filled with the sort of hand-wringing about the worsening world that in the present day prompt the response “okay, boomer”. Is it the inevitable outcome of age to long for the “stabler world of the past”? I hope not. Someone remind me I’ve written this in another 30 years. There are a few statements I vehemently disagree with. And there’s some rambling that I wish had been more heavily edited to hone in on the most important ideas. Still, the best material still shines and invites me into the mystery of faith that doesn’t have all the answers. The final chapter on heaven and hell must have been the start of something that is now deeply integrated in my beliefs.

So it is that I hold this book with all its tensions and awkwardness as it’s own sort of icon. Imperfect, capable of being an idol if made too much of - and an invitation into knowing a more loving God if I will allow it to be both the beautiful and broken work it is.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penguins and Golden Calves

Icons and Idols in Antarctica and Other Unexpected Places

by Madeleine L’Engle

Crown Publishing

Convergent Books

Christian

Pub Date 18 Sep 2018

I am reviewing a copy of Penguis and Golden Calves through Crown Publishing and Netgalley:

When Madeline L’Engle was seventy four she went on a rafting trip to Antarctica, her journey through this beautiful land led her to write Penguins and Golden Calves. This book is a captivating discussion on how opening yourself up to Icons or everyday Icons can become windows to God and can lead to the development of a richer relationship with God!

In this book Madeline L’ Engle explains how the ordinary everyday things such as family, friends, words the Bible, Heaven and even Penguins can become symbols but she warns us too that a window can become an idol if we let it, how a Penguin can.become a Golden Calf, when we allow it to reflect ourselves and not the good Lord.

I give Penguins and Golden Calves five out if five stars!

Happy Reading!

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Madeleine L’Engle shares details about her trip to Antarctica at the age of 74, and the things she learned about the area and penguins while there. She explains why she thinks that penguins and many other things can be icons ( windows to God which leads to the development of a rich and deeply spiritual faith) and rounds it out with her feelings about idols (those things that we see as a reflection of themselves and are worshipped that way). I often felt awe at things in nature and an incredible sense of God’s creation, so I have to say that I appreciated this observation and others like it. I also feel that she does a wonderful job of explaining why we should be careful that our icons don’t become idols.

This was an intriguing look into the thoughts of a writer who is well known for the book, A Wrinkle in Time, one of my childhood favorites. This is also the second book of hers that I have read recently, and I feel it is worthy of 5 stars.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to netgalley and Convergent Books for this ARC.

Icon versus idol. This is what L’Engle explores in this exceptional book. I quickly realized I was in more than capable hands as I delved into potentially complicated text. She skillfully explains some complex theology, but never loses sight of the great Mystery that is the heart of Christianity. And over and over she emphasizes LOVE. This emphasis on love and compassion and reserving judgment for God make Penguins and Golden Calves a timely work, though it was originally published in the ‘90’s. I can only imagine what Mrs. L’Engle would have to say about the current political/social climate. But I bet it would begin with an entreaty for us all (especially Christians!) to love.

[Andrea Humphries · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this exploration of icons and idols, Madeleine L'Engle expands the definition of “icon” beyond the classic images of the Orthodox church: “an icon...is an open window to God. An icon is something I can look through and get a wider glimpse of God…” It’s a fascinating and challenging. L’Engle was writing in the mid-nineties and her objections to inclusive language and some other ways language was changing are difficult to read twenty-five years later. I think most readers would agree that for all her wisdom, she missed the mark there. But those uncomfortable sections are fairly brief and should not be allowed to detract from the overall beauty of the book and the valuable insights L’Engle shares.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madeline L'Engle uses a series of essays to share her thoughts about God, icons, and idols. The essays, while occasionally heavy going, are contemplative and thoughtful. L'Engle clearly believes in a God of love, and has spent a lot of time studying and considering the Bible and its teachings. She spends a lot of time on the difference, as she sees it, between icons and idols. An icon should represent God and open us up to the wonder and beauty of His creations. An idol replaces God, separating us from Him. I enjoyed listening to this, slowly.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars.
Others have said that the book is a wandering mess, but for me, it was like sitting down for a conversation. L’Engle shares her observations, thoughts, and wisdom over the difference of icons and idols.

Some icons are the traditional sense, others are what L’Engle describes as “things that point her to God”. It is an insightful, though somewhat dated, look into a well known author and person of faith’s life and beliefs.

As a writer myself, I found particularly joy in her poem on Words.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that made me think about my beliefs, whether I agreed with the author or whether I understood the scriptures a different way. This is not a bad thing, we need to examine our thoughts and beliefs from time to time. Some of what she writes is very true and I was surprised her basic premise that there is a big difference between icons and idols. I had not looked closely at the topic before now as previous teachings were not fond of icons. So this is worth a read if only to stir up thoughts until you are clear on your beliefs.

[Kimberly Patton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This title is very misleading. The book was largely philosophical and theological in nature. I did enjoy the plunging of my mind into deeper concepts and interesting, thought provoking subjects. I really respected her wise opinions and observations. The theology confused me, but that’s pretty normal for me! I definitely want to read more non-fiction from her because she is an important literary author.

[Gail Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is not one to be read in one sitting; so I started it and then put it down to think on, and picked it up bit by bit to work my way to the end. Her thoughts on religion vs belief in God are very thought provoking. I especially loved to read when she wrote that Jesus was not poor, he was a carpenter, and his father had been a carpenter, so they were middle class people. I like that because once you understand skilled labor that becomes self evident.

[C.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

L'Engle lives deep and writes honestly, and her liveliness intertwines with the abstract to create reflections that move from head to heart, heart to head. Sometimes they miss the line the mind makes, and wander. But she never errs in honesty, and often hits heart spots no mind could meet without the living she's done. She is, as ever, an excellent writer as well. Icon and Idols delves deep without losing its feet on the steep inclines of the mystery of human existence.

[Louisa]

disappointing. meanders far more than I would've liked her to. useful to compare these essays to calhoun's - both are sketch-y but this set doesn't coalesce in any pleasing way, or at least none that I can see. felt like she could've done without the antarctica setup, or stayed with it a bit longer. veiled barbs at fundamentalists that didn't quite hit their mark. haven't read her other books on religion but if this is a good example of it then I would much rather read her fiction.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one for book club. We were in agreement that after 2 of L’Engle’s adult novels, it was nice to get back to her theology. L’Engle’s discussion of icons/idols was of most interest to me — what constitutes something that draws you to God and what are those things that, while perhaps having enormous appeal, draw you away from God. I also enjoyed the descriptions of her trip to Antarctica, and other personal anecdotes, some of which were familiar from other L’Engle books.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as many penguins as you'd think!

A rambling, sometimes beautiful, sometimes cringe-worthy loose collection of L'Engle's reflections on religion, theology, writing, human nature, and aging.

h/t: Vox

[Shannon Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

L'Engle's thoughts were a little scattered and disjointed at times, making the book hard to follow. However the nuggets of absolute wisdom she provides are worth the read. Even 20 years after it's first publication, this book is so relevant today.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I adore Madeleine L'Engle, but did not realize going in how much this would be a meditation on her Christian faith, and I identified less with this than her other works. I had hoped for more of an antarctic travelogue. I still wish she had written that!

[Dora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although full of beautiful writing and insights we’re familiar with from Madeleine L’Engle, I felt it wasn’t as tight as past books I’ve read by her. I still loved it, but it seemed a bit rambling at times.

[Armelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short, but rambling, this little book is full of the author’s (rather repetitive) thoughts about the theological differences between icons -broadly defined as windows to the Creator - and idols.

Not nearly enough penguins!

[Janelle Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful application of what points to God and what steers us away without being pious.

[Rose Lafreniere · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her stories reflect her love for God. She talks about the difference between an idol and a icon. I like how she describes certain things as symbols of God on earth

[Janet Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

her definition of icon is interesting but well explained