The second book in the Time Quintet by Madeleine L’Engle is called A Wind in the Door. We learn more about Mr. Jenkins the school principal in this book. A nerdy and annoying man, Meg has no patience for him, and it appears he has no patience for her either. But as fate would have it, (or is it more than fate?) they end up saving the world together. In this story Meg, Calvin, Progo (a cheribum) and Mr. Jenkins find themselves quite literally inside of Charles Wallace.
The lessons I learned from this book are probably more numerous than in any of the others. For instance, Meg learns her own Pride and Prejudice story with Mr. Jenkins. Another reoccurring theme is that size doesn’t matter. They are fighting to encourage the tiniest of organisms in Charles Wallace to “deepen” and to take root rather than becoming irresponsible and just fulfilling their selfish desires. She often speaks of stars and farandolea as having the same amount of importance.
I’ll never forget the day, as a young woman and years after reading this book, when I heard the word mitochondria on the news. I thought Madeleine had made all those words up. As an adult, I found out that in her search for God, Madeleine began to study new science discoveries…it’s interesting, but studying current science findings led her closer to God not farther from Him.
journeytoepiphany.wordpress.com 
I remember that book. 🙂 It was interesting trying to picture what was going on. XD
It was one of the first inner person voyage books, I believe…
We’ve had some great conversations about the relationship of science and theology over at
http://www.afrankangle.wordpress.com. In particular, how a knowledge of science, or in my experience a life dedicated to science, can actually reinforce religious beliefs. Interesting!
You certainly have. I love that blog site!
My daughter loved that series. I’ve never read them, but maybe I should go back and find them at some point. Thanks!
Lisa
You should. They are very deep and rewarding. Thanks for coming by!!!
That isn’t the impression we normally get with science and theology in the same sentence.
True and so unfortunate. Christians, historically have made mistakes in our response to science. Scientists, historically have made mistakes in their findings. Time usually tells….
While a student at the very Catholic, Sacred Heart High School, I pondered the discrepancies between the teachings in science class and religion class. After trying to discuss Darwinism vs. Adam and Eve once with my best friend, I found that it was easier to just ponder such things – and not try to discuss them in a Catholic school.
I’m going to take a chance and give you my honest opinion – for what it’s worth. I believe that studying science can lead you closer to God. What an amazing world God is letting us occupy! And, through scientific findings, we can figure out how to preserve it for future children of God.
ThirdHandArt- There is a saying from Albert Einstein (which I always manage to mangle): “I don’t study physics to find God. I study physics to learn how God made things work”. And some of the most staunch believers I have found were among the physicists at the American laboratory Fermilab, in Batavia Illinois, where they search for the building blocks of all existence. For e, that’s a good enough support for the co-existence of science and faith! 🙂
johncerickson
I agree!
-Theresa
That is so encouraging John..especially when we’re led to believe that science is at odds with Biblical Christianity.
I love your words here…what an amazing world God is letting us occupy!!! pondering is always good. When we seek Him, we find Him, in everything, and everywhere.
What an interesting post and followup discussions here! I loved this book, and I want to have another read of it this summer. I’m also planning on reading the CS Lewis books – not the Narnia series – for his take on religion. I love the way these authors gentle us into religion instead of beating it over our heads and I agree with the above point that science can bring us closer to religion instead of taking us away, as so many fear.
I love all things C S Lewis, except maybe the scholarly book on Midevial literature…way over my head. 😀 As you mentioned, these authors gentle their viewpoints about Christianity into their books, something I’d like to do in my fiction.