Bøger af Neill Reilly

"In the pursuit of an understanding of Mary that is undertaken in this book, it is clear that we are dealing with events beyond the reach of our normal faculties. Without effort on our part and help of some kind, Mary remains one more unsolvable mystery, to be dismissed as just some nice myth with no reality to be granted to Mary. In the activity of our striving to be open and reverent in our devoted pursuit of knowledge of these mysteries, we begin to tread the path of the Marian Way of Heart Knowledge." -- J. Bruce Murphy (from the foreword)This book guides the reader into and through the mystery of Mary as she appears in the New Testament, especially her equanimity and affirmative openness to life--both its gifts and its sorrows. As J. Bruce Murphy points out in his foreword: "The theme of this book is to show that these holy mysteries are not allegory, poetry, or simple fantasy. Rather, they are actual facts that can be known and experienced by each of us, and mere sense-bound intellect will not suffice for us to reach an understanding of these mysteries." Or, as Rudolf Steiner tells us in The Philosophy of Freedom, "knowledge itself shall become organically alive."Neill Reilly shows how devotion and thinking with the heart--the Marian way of heart knowing--can guide us on our path toward true freedom. And, "what better help could we ever have than Mary, the Gospel of St. John, and The Philosophy of Freedom."

"Have you not stopped in a field, Struck suddenly by the beauty of one particular flower, Be it alone or among others?It spoke directly to you;It gave you joy, gladness, comfort.So may one be to others like that flower."--Claire Blatchford, TurningNeill Reilly presents portraits (rather than biographies) of five remarkable individuals. These are short, subjective, affectionate sketches. The author relates fond remembrances of five departed souls in deeply personal portraits that are nevertheless meaningful even for those who have never heard of these people who chose a life of service. Readers can test the facts presented here and determine their usefulness as inspiration for living a better life. If the author seems too fond of his subjects, he readily pleads guilty as charged.The five "Michaelic" individuals portrayed are Professor Fritz Koelln, John Fentress Gardner, Lee Lecraw, Marjorie Spock, and William Ward. As students of Rudolf Steiner's Spiritual Science, they each sought to bring new light to philosophy, education, and the arts for the future.The term Michaelic refers to the qualities expressed by the Archangel Michael, who fights the dark forces that work to suppress human hope, goodness, loving kindness, and true community. Michael is often depicted as armored and resolute, giving no quarter to evil. He is intimately connected with Christ as Earth's guiding light. Each of these five individuals represents well-lived, Michaelic lives. Like the book's cover image, Archangel Michael assumes a balanced stance, with one foot restraining the head of Satan and his sword at the ready. Such balance and focus is critical to all human endeavors, especially those related to spiritual life and contributions to education and society.These five brief portraits offer inspiration to all who aspire to live a deeper and more balanced life, one that pours much-needed loving kindness and selfless service into our world.