The Transfigured Hart

“The mythology of unicorns is cleverly interwoven with the modern elements. This, combined with a strikingly beautiful and simple style, leave the reader with the feeling of having experienced something magical. And the real magic lies in the mastery of Yolen's storytelling.”—SF Site Is what Richard saw in the woods really a unicorn? Beloved fantasy legend Jane Yolen (The Devil's Arithmetic; Sister Light, Sister Dark) offers an unexpected answer in this perfect jewel of a coming-of-age story. The Transfigured Hart bridges the wondrous in-between world where adults rediscover childhood wonder and children discover new favorite tales.

At first glance the Markan transfiguration scene (Mk. 9:2-8) is all about light, sound and spectacle. Commentators see revealed in this scene a sparkling vision of God's glory-the light that banishes the shadow of incomprehension and by which the hidden truth of the Gospel finally becomes clear. But have commentators been blinded by their dazzling evaluations of Mark's theology? For, despite all the splendor and sparkle, the Markan transfiguration remains a difficult scene to interpret. Transfigured asks what would be seen if one were to squint past the sun-like glory that dominates this vision. Wilson focuses on the problematic elements, the gaps and inconsistencies of the scene, and re-evaluates them in order to re-read the transfiguration from an altered perspective. The theoretical work of Jacques Derrida, particularly his notion of "otherness," which draws together and realigns the reader (subject), the reading (method), and what is read (text), will be central to the orientation of this re-reading. Ultimately, the transfiguration story can be seen ably to accommodate readings that challenge traditionally prescribed metaphysical structures and presuppositions. In the end, the application of Derridean theory issues its own challenges to traditional scholarship in such a way that the approach to the Markan transfiguration and the theology one inevitably brings to it, require a certain amount of reformulation.

Most people would agree that human perfection is unattainable. Indeed, theologians have typically expressed ambivalence about the possibility of human perfection. Yet, paradoxically, depictions of human perfection are widespread. In this volume, Robin Gill offers an interdisciplinary study of human perfection in contemporary secular culture. He demonstrates that the language of perfection is present in church memorials, popular depictions of sport, food, music and art, liturgy, and philosophy. He contrasts these examples with the socio-psychological concept of 'maladaptive perfectionism', using commercial cosmetic surgery as an example, as well as the 'adaptive perfectionism' suggested in the lives of Henry Holland, Paul Farmer, and, more ambivalently, Ludwig Wittgenstein. Gill then provides an in-depth analysis of New Testament and Septuagint usage of teleios and theological debates about the human perfection of Jesus. He argues that the Synoptic accounts of the Transfiguration offer a template for a Christian understanding of perfection that has important ecumenical implications within social ethics.

They live! -- in the heart of every true believer, in the untamed wilds of the imagination, and in the pages of this collection of stories and poems from master unicorn chronicler Bruce Coville. A thief braves a deadly maze to steal healing waters from a unicorn's well... A princess must choose between her love of a silver colt and her love of her father, the king... A young unicorn is given a mission to heal a girl who is not sick, but who has decided to die... Bringing together the singular talents of Madeleine L'Engle, Jane Yolen, C. S. Lewis, Myra Cohn Livingston, and many others, The Unicorn Treasury reminds us that as long as we can dream, there will be unicorns. Book jacket.

These books are about listening. It addresses the wisdom already within you. It was there before you were born, and it will be there after you leave. It is beyond the distractions of the body, conflicts with the emotions, and the contradictions of the mind. It is about you, who you are, and listening to who you are. It is to help you to find your own direct knowledge with your energy and truth in creating abundance and balance in your life. It is about the stillness of your soul and all its inner harmonies that are your spiritual expression. It brings forth your innocence, truth, blessings, miracles, consecration, grace, and living love. You are a creative being whose keys to your emergence lies deep within you. This emergence is beyond space and time and its plays as your inner verse. You are poetry of being. It is time for you to claim it and to love yourself and all others with the sources within you. It is your soul awareness.

All three Synoptic Gospels tell the story of Jesus's transfiguration. Yet there has been surprisingly little written about this key event, and many readers struggle to understand its significance and place in redemptive history, let alone how it might be applied. Here, Patrick Schreiner provides a clear and accessible study of the transfiguration with an eye toward its theological significance and practical application. Namely, this event points to Jesus's double sonship, revealing the preexistent glory of the eternal Son and the future glory of the suffering Messianic Son. Further, the transfiguration points to Christians' own formation and transfiguration. Schreiner traces the transfiguration theme through Scripture and employs hermeneutical, trinitarian, and christological categories to assist his exegesis, thus challenging modern readings. This enlightening study will be of interest to students, pastors, and serious lay readers.

Readers of all ages can learn all about the magnificent unicorns of the past and the charismatic creatures of today with this beautifully illustrated treasure trove of unicorn lore and history from Penelope Gwynne and Katie O'Neill. Unicorns have changed a lot through the ages, but some things have stayed the same: They’re still magical and mysterious, elusive and entertaining. And they’re still the most fascinating mythical beasts in the world. Vibrantly illustrated by Eisner Award winner Katie O'Neill, For Unicorn Lovers Only tells fans everything they need to know about unicorns of yesterday and today—when and where the legends came from, how unicorns have influenced pop culture, and much more. Find new ways to express your unicornimania through crafts, clothes, and activities, and experience unicorn magic through retellings of legends and history with this unique combination of fact and fiction.

“This collection is Jane Yolen at her best. This is magic.”—Patricia C. Wrede, author of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles Fantasy icon Jane Yolen (The Devil’s Arithmetic, Briar Rose, Sister Emily’s Lightship) is adored by generations of readers of all ages. Now she triumphantly returns with this inspired gathering of fractured fairy tales and legends. Yolen breaks open the classics to reveal their crystalline secrets: a philosophical bridge that misses its troll, a spinner of straw as a falsely accused moneylender, the villainous wolf adjusting poorly to retirement. Each of these offerings features a new author note and original poem, illuminating tales that are old, new, and brilliantly refined.