The Eternal Identity (S1 E9)

In 'Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art,' Madeleine L'Engle delves into the intricate relationship between faith and art. She argues that creativity is not merely an artistic endeavor but a divine gift that springs from one's spirituality. Through personal anecdotes, theological musings, and reflections on her own writing process, L'Engle illustrates how art can be a powerful expression of faith. She challenges readers to view the act of creation as a holy, transformative practice and emphasizes the importance of seeing divine inspiration in everyday creative acts. The book encourages artists to see their work as a spiritual exercise, one that requires dedication and openness to divine inspiration, and argues that good art, regardless of its creator's faith, speaks to the glory of God.

The Call of the Wild follows the story of Buck, a Saint Bernard and Scotch Shepherd mix, who is abducted from his comfortable life as a pet in California and sold to work as a sled dog in the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. Buck faces brutal treatment and harsh conditions but eventually finds kindness with John Thornton. As Buck navigates his new life, he is torn between his loyalty to Thornton and his growing desire to answer the 'call of the wild'. The novel explores themes of survival, individualism, and the conflict between nature and nurture, reflecting London's experiences and observations during his time in the Yukon.

The novel follows Jane Eyre from her childhood at Gateshead Hall, where she is mistreated by her aunt and cousins, to her education at Lowood School, and later her employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she falls in love with her enigmatic employer, Edward Fairfax Rochester, but discovers a dark secret about his past that forces her to make a difficult choice. The novel explores themes of love, independence, and social justice, and is known for its realistic portrayal of the inner life of a woman during the Victorian era.