This book combines serious theology and humor, in the spirit of G. K. Chesterton. Its short and engaging essays are based around the tetramorph, the four living creatures before God's throne (Ezekiel 1:10; Revelations 4:7): the winged human, the ox, the lion, and the eagle, linked with Matthew, Luke, Mark, and John. Taliaferro draws on the Gospels, literature, art, and comic personal experience as a professor to address widespread Christian spiritual themes, including the meaning of life and death, friendship, prayer, and love being stronger than death.

Charles Taliaferro, professor emeritus of philosophy and emeritus Overby distinguished professor at St. Olaf College is the author or co-author or editor of forty books.