Richard K. White

"Phaedo", also known to ancient readers as "On the Soul", is one of the best-known dialogues of Plato's middle period, along with the "Republic" and the "Symposium". The "Phaedo", which depicts the death of Socrates, is also Plato's fourth and last dialogue to detail the philosopher's final day. In the dialogue, Socrates discusses the nature of the afterlife on his last day before being executed by drinking hemlock.

Award-winning author Jessica Hooten Wilson explains that learning to hear the call of holiness requires cultivating a new imagination-one rooted in the act of reading. Learning to read with eyes attuned to the saints who populate great works of literature moves us toward holiness, where God opens up a way of living that extends far beyond what we can conjure for ourselves. Literature has the power to show us what a holy life looks like, and these depictions often scandalize even as they shape our imagination.

In Volume 2, protagonist, Thomas Wingfold, continues on his journey of soul-searching and theological questioning, and begins facing real tests of what he believes and what he’s learned. Finding that there are sometimes vast differences between what he’s held to be true and what is evident in reality, Wingfold struggles with more doubt, insecurity, and real consequences. He comes into contact with more characters whose own beliefs and conversations with Wingfold serve as catalysts for his growth in understanding and conviction.

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 ...