Neill Reilly studied philosophy and Waldorf education. He was a high school and Waldorf teacher for several years and has also directed a number of plays. He is the author of Songs and Dreams: By Seeking We Are Found.
PRAISE FOR The Marian Way of Heart Knowledge: From Mary through St. John's Gospel to Rudolf Steiner's Philosophy of Freedom Mr. Reilly's new book is a superb distillation of his many years of study and thought. The book combines theology, philosophy and Anthroposophy in a poetic and engaging discussion of The Marian Way. The Virgin's heart is both the seat of courage and of spiritual thinking. Her example guided St. John and revealed the fact of Christ's spiritual covenant with man in opening a new age of spiritual evolution. Mr. Reilly examines in detail the Gospels which describe Mary's part in Christ's mission, and then examines her relationship to St. John and his Gospel. He then discusses at length Rudolf Steiner's Philosophy of Freedom and how Steiner's work illuminates the fact of the coming New Age and the Marian Way of achieving the coming of Christ's fulfillment. He finishes with examples of Mary's continuing engagement with humanity and some of the convincing apparitions of the Virgin over the years and the effect of these apparitions on those who were witness to them. The book is illustrated effectively with beautiful reproductions of old masters' paintings which usefully support Mr. Reilly's arguments. Therefore, the book is not only well written and argued, but carries in its design an effective poetic charge which amplifies the philosophical text. It is a happy and pleasant book to read and leaves the reader pondering the great issues he describes. The book can be usefully kept at hand and dipped into, and every page contains wisdom worth returning to. It is not a book strictly for Catholics, Philosophers or Anthroposophists, but for anyone seeking spiritual renewal and guidance and rewards close attention. An excellent work by a thoughtful man.