Waking the Dead: George MacDonald as Philosopher, Mystic, and Apologist
by Dean Hardy
by Dean Hardy
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Interest in George MacDonald, a 19th century Scottish writer, has flourished in recent decades. Known primarily as a pioneer in fantasy literature, he is equally revered as a Victorian sage whose sermons greatly influenced C.S. Lewis. However, while literary studies on MacDonald abound, there are few attempts to explore MacDonald’s philosophical thought. Because MacDonald avoided being stereotyped – he often eludes classification in the fields of theology and philosophy. Moreover, his style of writing can border on the mystical. But was MacDonald truly a mystic? He shares the Romanticist’s interest in intuitive knowledge and borrowed freely from Neo-Platonists and mythic writers and poets of the past. In Waking the Dead, author Dean Hardy offers a pioneering study of MacDonald’s theological and philosophical foundations as well as his methods as a Christian apologist. In doing so, this book presents MacDonald as a successful model for Christians today. .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Dean Hardy is the Christian Philosophy and Apologetics teacher at Charlotte Christian School in North Carolina and the director of the Youth Apologetics Conference, a conference dedicated to helping students understand and defend the Christian faith.
Interest in George MacDonald, a 19th century Scottish writer, has flourished in recent decades. Known primarily as a pioneer in fantasy literature, he is equally revered as a Victorian sage whose sermons greatly influenced C.S. Lewis. However, while literary studies on MacDonald abound, there are few attempts to explore MacDonald’s philosophical thought. Because MacDonald avoided being stereotyped – he often eludes classification in the fields of theology and philosophy. Moreover, his style of writing can border on the mystical. But was MacDonald truly a mystic? He shares the Romanticist’s interest in intuitive knowledge and borrowed freely from Neo-Platonists and mythic writers and poets of the past. In Waking the Dead, author Dean Hardy offers a pioneering study of MacDonald’s theological and philosophical foundations as well as his methods as a Christian apologist. In doing so, this book presents MacDonald as a successful model for Christians today. .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Dean Hardy is the Christian Philosophy and Apologetics teacher at Charlotte Christian School in North Carolina and the director of the Youth Apologetics Conference, a conference dedicated to helping students understand and defend the Christian faith.
Dean Hardy
ENDORSEMENTS
This is an excellent primer for anyone wishing to go deeper into MacDonald’s thought. Hardy considers important questions that shine a light on the philosophical and theological underpinnings of his writings. Scholarly, yet practical and accessible for all admirers of MacDonald’s work.
Michael Partridge, Co-Editor of Informing the Inklings: George MacDonald and the Victorian Roots of Modern Fantasy.
Dean Hardy’s well-researched and lucidly written book illuminates key philosophical contexts and questions pertaining to George MacDonald’s literary creations. Hardy’s careful nuance honors the ambiguities, shadows, and richness of MacDonald’s insights and approach. In this way he reflects MacDonald’s dynamism, wisdom, and power.
Dr. Kerry Dearborn, author of
Baptized Imagination: The Theology of George MacDonald, and Drinking from the Wells of New Creation.
This is an excellent primer for anyone wishing to go deeper into MacDonald’s thought. Hardy considers important questions that shine a light on the philosophical and theological underpinnings of his writings. Scholarly, yet practical and accessible for all admirers of MacDonald’s work.
Michael Partridge, Co-Editor of Informing the Inklings: George MacDonald and the Victorian Roots of Modern Fantasy.
Dean Hardy’s well-researched and lucidly written book illuminates key philosophical contexts and questions pertaining to George MacDonald’s literary creations. Hardy’s careful nuance honors the ambiguities, shadows, and richness of MacDonald’s insights and approach. In this way he reflects MacDonald’s dynamism, wisdom, and power.
Dr. Kerry Dearborn, author of
Baptized Imagination: The Theology of George MacDonald, and Drinking from the Wells of New Creation.
