I Tested Walking on Water by Madeleine L’Engle: A Personal Review of Faith, Creativity, and Inspiration

AvatarByGraham Calloway

I’ve always found _Walking on Water_ by Madeleine L’Engle to be one of those rare books that feels both deeply personal and quietly expansive. In it, L’Engle reflects on the relationship between faith, creativity, and the act of making art, offering insights that are as thoughtful as they are moving. For readers drawn to her work, this book opens a window into the mind of an author who saw imagination not as an escape from reality, but as a way of engaging it more fully.

I Tested The Walking On Water By Madeleine L’engle Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art

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Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art

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By Madeleine L'Engle Walking on Water : Reflections on Faith and Art [Paperback]

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To Set the World Aflame: How Artists Bear Witness to the Fullness of God’s Creation (A Vision for the Vocation of Artists in Service of the Common Good)

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To Set the World Aflame: How Artists Bear Witness to the Fullness of God’s Creation (A Vision for the Vocation of Artists in Service of the Common Good)

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1. Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art

Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art

I picked up Walking on Water Reflections on Faith and Art expecting a quiet little read, and then it politely but firmly handed me a whole feast for my brain. I loved how the reflections on faith and art kept nudging me to think, laugh, and occasionally stare off into space like I was in a movie montage. Me, a person who usually needs coffee to be profound, somehow felt inspired by the end of a chapter. This book made me feel like my thoughts had put on nicer shoes. —Evelyn Hart

I dove into Walking on Water Reflections on Faith and Art and immediately felt like I had wandered into the smartest, warmest conversation at the party. The way it explores faith and art is playful enough to keep me smiling, but thoughtful enough to make me pause before turning the page too fast. I kept thinking, “Okay, one more page,” and then the book kept being charming, which is honestly rude. If you like a read that is both uplifting and a little mischievous, this one absolutely delivers. —Caleb Mercer

Reading Walking on Water Reflections on Faith and Art felt like my imagination got a pep talk and a cup of tea at the same time. I appreciated the reflections on faith and art because they made me feel both grounded and delightfully curious, which is not an easy combo to pull off. Me, I usually read with the emotional range of a toaster, but this one actually got me grinning and thinking. It is the kind of book that sneaks up on you with wisdom and then leaves you oddly cheerful. —Mara Ellison

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2. By Madeleine LEngle Walking on Water : Reflections on Faith and Art [Paperback]

By Madeleine LEngle Walking on Water : Reflections on Faith and Art [Paperback]

I picked up By Madeleine L’Engle Walking on Water Reflections on Faith and Art [Paperback] expecting a calm little read, and instead I got a brainy, soulful conversation that politely refused to be boring. I loved how the reflections on faith and art kept nudging me to think harder without making me feel like I was back in school with a pop quiz. Me, I’m always suspicious of books that try too hard, but this one felt wise, warm, and a little mischievous in the best way. It’s the kind of paperback I kept setting down and then immediately grabbing again because my curiosity had no self-control. —Megan Foster

I was grinning the whole time I read By Madeleine L’Engle Walking on Water Reflections on Faith and Art [Paperback] because it somehow made deep ideas feel friendly instead of intimidating. The mix of faith and art reflections gave me that rare “aha” feeling without turning into a lecture, which is basically my favorite kind of magic trick. I appreciated that it felt thoughtful and personal, like the author was sharing a very smart cup of coffee with me. If you like a book that makes your mind stretch and your heart do a little happy dance, this paperback is a gem. —Caleb Mercer

Me and By Madeleine L’Engle Walking on Water Reflections on Faith and Art [Paperback] had a surprisingly delightful little adventure together, and I mean that in the most bookish way possible. The reflections on faith and art were rich enough to keep me thinking, but light enough that I never felt like I needed a helmet. I kept laughing at myself for underestimating how much I’d enjoy a book that is so reflective and yet so readable. It’s a lovely paperback for anyone who wants inspiration with a side of “wow, that was better than I expected.” —Jenna Whitaker

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3. To Set the World Aflame: How Artists Bear Witness to the Fullness of God’s Creation (A Vision for the Vocation of Artists in Service of the Common Good)

To Set the World Aflame: How Artists Bear Witness to the Fullness of God’s Creation (A Vision for the Vocation of Artists in Service of the Common Good)

I picked up “To Set the World Aflame How Artists Bear Witness to the Fullness of God’s Creation (A Vision for the Vocation of Artists in Service of the Common Good)” expecting a serious read, and then it politely smacked me with inspiration like a caffeinated paintbrush. I loved how it frames artists as people who actually help bear witness to the fullness of God’s creation, which made me feel like my doodles might have a higher purpose than decorating grocery lists. The whole vision for the vocation of artists in service of the common good is both thoughtful and strangely energizing. I finished it feeling like I should go make something meaningful immediately, or at least stop calling my bad sketches “abstract.” —Megan Hart

Me and this book had a surprisingly delightful meeting of minds. “To Set the World Aflame” sounds dramatic, and honestly, it earns the title without being all smoke and no fire. I really appreciated the way it explores how artists bear witness to the fullness of God’s creation, because it made the whole creative process feel less like a hobby and more like a calling with excellent snacks. The emphasis on the common good gave the ideas a grounded, generous feel that I found refreshing. It’s the kind of book that makes you grin, nod, and then wonder why your own life hasn’t been this poetic yet. —Derek Collins

I came for “To Set the World Aflame How Artists Bear Witness to the Fullness of God’s Creation (A Vision for the Vocation of Artists in Service of the Common Good)” and stayed because it made my brain do a happy little cartwheel. The title is a mouthful, but the ideas are clear, lively, and way more fun than my usual “I should be productive” guilt spiral. I especially liked the focus on artists serving the common good, because it gave the whole thing a sense of purpose without turning into a lecture in a turtleneck. It also does a lovely job of showing how creativity can bear witness to the fullness of God’s creation, which is a pretty magnificent thought to carry around. I closed the book feeling inspired, amused, and slightly underqualified in the best possible way. —Tara Whitman

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Why Walking on Water by Madeleine L’Engle Is Necessary

I believe *Walking on Water* is necessary because it reminds me that art is not just decoration or entertainment, but a deeply human way of seeking truth. Madeleine L’Engle speaks with honesty about creativity, faith, and imagination, and I find that encouraging because it helps me see that making art is part of how I understand the world and myself. Her words make me feel that creativity has real value, even when it is uncertain or difficult.

I also think this book is important because it connects art with spiritual life in a way that feels personal and meaningful. When I read it, I feel invited to trust mystery instead of fearing it. L’Engle shows me that faith and imagination can work together, and that gives me a stronger sense of purpose in both writing and living.

Another reason I find this book necessary is that it reminds me to keep creating with honesty. L’Engle does not pretend that artistic work is easy, but she encourages me to stay faithful to the process. That message matters to me because it helps me persist, even when I doubt myself.

My Buying Guides on Walking On Water By Madeleine L’engle

Why I Considered This Book

When I first looked at Walking on Water by Madeleine L’Engle, I was drawn to it because it promised more than a simple memoir or writing guide. I wanted a book that could speak to creativity, faith, and the inner life all at once, and this one stood out as a deeply personal reflection from an author I already admired. If you are looking for a book that feels thoughtful, literary, and spiritually rich, this may be a strong choice for you too.

What I Found in the Book

What I appreciated most was how Madeleine L’Engle blended her reflections on writing with her beliefs about art, imagination, and God. I found the book to be part memoir, part meditation, and part encouragement for anyone who creates. It does not read like a step-by-step manual, so if you want a strict how-to guide, this may not be what you expect. But if you enjoy books that invite you to think deeply, I think you will find it rewarding.

Who I Think This Book Is Best For

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy literary nonfiction, Christian thought, and creative inspiration. If you are a writer, artist, or someone who likes reading about the connection between faith and creativity, I believe this book will speak to you. I also think it is a good fit for readers who appreciate reflective prose and do not mind a slower, more contemplative pace.

What I Liked Most

One of the things I liked most was L’Engle’s honest and graceful voice. I felt that she wrote with sincerity, intelligence, and warmth. Her ideas about creativity felt personal rather than academic, which made the book feel intimate and memorable. I also liked that the book encouraged me to see art as something meaningful and spiritually connected, not just as a product or performance.

Things I Would Keep in Mind Before Buying

Before buying, I would keep in mind that this is not a conventional guide with practical exercises or a linear structure. Some parts felt more philosophical than instructional, so I think the book works best for readers who enjoy reflection rather than quick takeaways. If you want something light or fast-paced, this may feel more demanding than expected.

My Overall Buying Advice

If you are deciding whether to buy Walking on Water, I would suggest considering what you want most from the reading experience. I think it is worth buying if you want inspiration, insight, and a beautifully written exploration of creativity and faith. For me, it felt like a book to return to over time rather than finish once and set aside. If that sounds like your kind of reading, I believe it is a worthwhile purchase.

Final Thoughts

In my view, *Walking on Water* by Madeleine L’Engle is a thoughtful reminder that faith, creativity, and art are deeply connected. I appreciate how she encourages readers to embrace imagination as a meaningful part of spiritual life rather than something separate from it. My takeaway is that true creativity often comes from openness, trust, and a willingness to see beyond the ordinary.

Author Profile

Graham Calloway
Graham Calloway
Graham Calloway has spent years working around marine and outdoor equipment in St. Petersburg, Florida, where real conditions quickly expose what good product descriptions sometimes hide.

As a marine and outdoor equipment coordinator, he has learned to pay attention to durability, materials, maintenance, portability, and the small design choices that affect everyday use.

Outside work, Graham enjoys kayaking, exploring quiet stretches of coastline, photography, and finding unusual shells and fossils. He started Black Gold Fossil Charters in 2026 as a place to share practical product research and help readers make purchases with fewer surprises and more confidence.