Loving God by Charles Colson

I had read this book years ago at the time in my life where I was working on a commitment to God.  I say working on because for me it was a process~ not a one day conversion.  I look back on that season and clearly see how God was pursuing me.  It was a relief that my rebellious nature didn't thwart God; my mother can attest to the fact that rebellion was engrained in me from day 1.  I received what I'm sure was a God-given eagerness to learn and understand that Christianity was more than church attendance.  Loving God is a great book for Christians & non-Christians alike who seek to understand that faith is about having a personal relationship with God.  I love this book for two reasons.  For one, Colson outlines basic principles of following God.  He includes obedience, repentance, belief that the word of God is inerrant, desire for holy living, and membership in the body of believers.  Do I sense you are mentally checking out because this sounds dull?  I can assure you that this is no bland theology book.  The second reason I love it is because he illustrates each of these principles with a wide variety of testimonies.  If you have ever read or heard someone's testimony, you know firsthand that it has a powerful effect.  A testimony can encourage faith to grow. It can draw people to the Lord who have believed they are too inadequate or broken to become a Christian.  It has the power to unite us with other believers who share the same struggles and triumphs in the faith.  The beauty of sharing godly principles through personal stories is that it illustrates how God calls everyone not to be perfect but to accept his loving ability to make us perfect in spite of our sinful nature.

Some of the stories which stood out to me belonged to Augustine, a Hollywood gangster, a Russian prisoner, an elderly widow, and a corrupt politician (who also happens to be the author).  It might interest you to know that Charles Colson came to Christ while he was serving a sentence in prison for his participation in Nixon's Watergate scandal.  Once released from incarceration, he began Prison Fellowship, a ministry that leads inmates to Christ.  While speaking in a prison chapel, Colson reflects on his, "...scholarships and honors earned, cases argued and won, great decisions made from lofty government offices.  [His] life had been the perfect success story, the great American dream fulfilled.  But all at once [he] realized that it was not [his]success God had used to enable [him] to help those in this prison... No, the real legacy of [his] life was [his] biggest failure-- that [he] was an ex-convict.  [His] greatest humiliation-- being sent to prison-- was the beginning of God's greatest use of [his] life; He chose the one experience in which [he] could not glory for His glory."  I don't know how to explain it, but these words resonated with me deeply.  In my own life, it has been my lowest points that God has used to transform my life for the better.    Don't worry; I'm not going to spill my testimony beans in this book review.  I just wanted to convey how meaningful this book was to me as a seeker and still is to this day.

I will tell you that this book was written nearly 30 years ago (before I was even born) and may seem dated to some.  I think there are some timeless qualities to each story in spite of when they took place.  I'm glad I reread it because I was having a hard time remembering why it was so important to me.  I'd recommend it to anyone.  Colson's writing style is easy; it feels like a conversation.  You can tell by the references he makes to other great Christian thinkers that he is enthusiastic about learning theology and the history of our faith.  It's also a pretty quick read because the stories aren't terribly long.  If you'd like to borrow a copy, I'd gladly lend you mine.

Miracles by C. S. Lewis

I received this book as a Christmas gift years ago.  I am a C.S. Lewis junkie, but I often start a book he's written not knowing what the premise will be.  For instance, I thought Surprised by Joy would be about his wife (who was named Joy).  I had no preconceived notions about Miracles and was happy to find a challenging read on par with Mere Christianity (with fewer analogies and illustrations).  Lewis constructs from the ground up an argument for the possibilities for miracles to exist.  He begins with distinguishing between those who believe in Naturalism vs. Supernaturalism.  An overgeneralized explanation of their difference is a belief that everything is contained within the nature we can see and experience vs. the belief that there is something external to nature.  By doing this he establishes a foundation for his overall argument.  He cleverly leads the reader into acknowledging the error in believing in spontaneous creation and makes a case for an intelligent creator.  To broadly summarize his progression, he eliminates areas that might cause the reader to doubt his logic and moves into an area describing what kind of character an intelligent creator must have and how he would interact with his nature.  Here he explores a variety of deities but narrows his sights on the Christian God.  Only towards the last third of the book does he arrive on the topic of miracles.  He challenges our simple notions of labeling convenient circumstances as "miracles".  He also examines a number of miracles recorded in the New Testament to demonstrate that God never performs miracles that are contrary to nature or his character (ex: Jesus multiplied bread and fish from a small amount already present yet he did not transform a rock into bread when tempted by Satan.  It's more natural to expect bread to yield bread than stone to yield anything edible).  Lewis concludes in an area that may seem absolutely unreasonable to the reader with no faith; he ventures into discussing miracles that relate to the new creation that God has promised to make and invites believers to anticipate.  One such case is the Ascension of Christ after his resurrection.  There is nothing in our nature that can preface our understanding of the body that Christ had which defied the laws of gravity (among other natural laws).  Lewis here comments on the overlapping of two distinct creations~ ours which has fallen because of sin and a new creation made for glorification.  I'm still working to wrap my mind around it all (though, admittedly it may take a lifetime and deeper study of the scriptures).

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I made the error of extending my reading over the course of a month which caused me to forget some of the nuances of Lewis's argument between readings.  One aspect that was particularly meaningful to me was his explanation that all conception is miraculous~ not just Mary's.  If you believe the Bible, there are numerous examples of God's authority over the wombs of women (Sarah, Rachel, Samson's mom, Hannah, and Elizabeth to name a few).  The more I thought about it in general, I thought that science can detail how conception of babies and reproduction works yet there is no biological explanation for the soul.  How is it that humans have spirit or soul in a way that no other animal has?  It leads me to believe that God selects or creates the personality or soul of the little baby my husband and I are expecting.  Sure we can put the pieces together and hope to see a tiny human at the end of nine months; we don't have the means to make or put a soul in him.  For that, we are dependent on God.

That was a bit of a tangent and has only a bit to do with this book, but what a gift it is when a book leads us to deeper thought.  I recommend this book for anybody curious about supernatural/miraculous events.  It's for thinkers so I wouldn't choose it for a casual read.  It's a great resource for those who are Christians because it approaches a scientific subject with the proper Christian perspective.  C.S. Lewis is an intelligent writer who frequently uses humor and intuition to make his points.  He's an author worth befriending.

A Year with C.S. Lewis by C.S. Lewis

My husband, Kyle, and I started each day with C.S. Lewis this past year along with our Bible devotional. The book contains excerpts from Lewis' works, and each entry highlights a topic intrinsic to Christian living. Having read a number of his books, it was nice to be reminded of important themes from texts like Mere Christianity, The Great Divorce, and Screwtape Letters. I also was exposed to writings I have yet to read. I have Miracles waiting on my bookshelf to be read, and I'd really like to have my own copy of The Weight of Glory. I recommend this book as a supplement to your daily Bible study or something to share with others. It gave Kyle and me ample things to discuss and pray for in our lives. I even think it'd be cool for accountability groups as an ice breaker of a sort; each entry provides a short reading that presents thoughtful topics of discussion. Now, on to a year with Oswald!

Phantastes by George Macdonald

Phantastes was given to me by my younger sister. It is the fourth book by George Macdonald that I have read, and it lived up to my expectations. Macdonald wastes no time from taking you from the mundane to the extraordinary. The main character is a young man named Anados. He embarks on a mysterious and glorious expedition through Faerie Land. In his wanderings he encounters dangers, beauties, wisdom, love, and music in marvelous settings. He meets enchanted trees, spirited children, lowly ogres, sub-terrestrial goblins, lovely maidens, dancing statues, stately knights, and greedy trolls. It is quite an adventure.

Macdonald distinguishes himself from other fantasy writers by incorporating both prose and poetry into his works.  His rich language provides a vivid experience for the reader; poems and songs enhance his storytelling. Macdonald even takes time to include short stories into his text. For instance, Anodos wanders into a castle's library and spends countless days reading the books he finds. As the narrator, he recounts a poem and a story which were meaningful to him.  Rather than detracting from the main plot, these asides elevate his version of traditional-style fairy tales. My favorite attribute of Macdonald’s writing style is how his stories are subtly infused with Christian faith. I will not give away the ending, but he gives a wonderful interpretation on death and afterlife. It is simply beautiful and makes me ever so hopeful for a life after death like the one he has imagined.

This perhaps should not be one’s first exposure to George Macdonald. It was for my sister, and it did not quite appeal to her the way it would to a seasoned Macdonald reader.  I recommend At the Back of the North Wind or The Princess and the Goblins (if fairy tales intrigue you).  Both are great reads for those who love imaginative fiction. Save Phantastes for your second or third Macdonald read.

Le Lion, La Sorciere, et L'Armoire Magique by C.S. Lewis

This was my first time reading a Narnia book in French (though I've read The Magician's Nephew in Spanish). The translation was very good and felt very much like the English version. By that, I mean that the moments where Lewis addresses the reader directly are clear, and his humor is still present. One thing in particular I noticed this time through was the many lines that reminded me of scripture. I didn't note them as I was going so I don't have any to share at the moment.

My favorite part of the whole book is when Peter and Susan speak with the professor (Diggory) about Lucy and her tale of meeting a fawn in a world she wandered into by the wardrobe in the spare room. They're afraid she's lying or going crazy. The professor gives them a brief lesson in logic~ he reasons that Lucy rarely lies and she clearly isn't mad, so for the time being it must be assumed that she is telling the truth. It perplexes little Susan to hear an adult accept the premise of something that seems so imaginary. I love how Diggory is dumbfounded by how little Peter and Susan will believe, and he incessantly asks what is being taught in school these days. I still don't think logic or imagination are encouraged in schools. It was great to reread this little book (meme en francais!).

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

The Five Love Languages is a very thoughtful book dedicated to how people demonstrate and receive love. The basic languages are broken down into anecdotes and examples which are simple to read and easy to identify in real life. I recommend this book big time to anyone in a serious relationship because the reader can learn about themselves and how to communicate their affection better to their significant other. As a fiancée and soon-to-be wife I want to be a source of encouragement and love for my fiancé--this book has given me some very valuable tips.

At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald

At the Back of the North Wind is a beautiful book. It is a story rich in imagery, truth, and goodness. The main character is a boy named Diamond who begins an adventurous friendship with the North Wind, a beautiful lady who transforms into different shapes to accomplish the tasks set before her. Diamond accompanies her all over, but eventually makes a request to go to a place she cannot--at her back. There Diamond discovers a glorious country filled with beauty and music. When he returns to his home, he faces a number of challenges. His time in the country at the back of the North Wind sustains him and contributes to his kindness and thoughtfulness.

Many know that George MacDonald inspired CS Lewis through his fiction. George was a Scottish minister a generation before Clive began writing. This book is the first I've read by George in which I can draw parallels to Clive's Narnia books. The country at the back of the North Wind is the same as Narnia (farther up and farther in for those who know...). Where Clive is more obvious in explaining the Heavenly realm through storytelling, George relies on a more opaque method of conveying his understanding of the world. Throughout the whole book the reader has to search for the Christian elements, but at the end we get the gratification of a "dumbledore-esque" explanation of all things that may not have been clear throughout all the action in the book. The North Wind helps Diamond along in his understanding of the bigger things in this world.

My favorite part of the whole book is Diamond's explanation of how different people belong to us based on how we love them. His love for his brother, sister, parents, and even the North Wind makes them his very own. There is a lot of truth and grace in all the Diamond says and does. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone--especially Christians who love fiction.

Surprised By Joy by C.S. Lewis

I have always loved CS Lewis-from Till We Have Faces to Mere Christianity to Narnia to The Great Divorce (and so on...). I received Surprised by Joy as a gift, but it has taken me a couple of years to pick it up. Lewis tells his story on how he came to believe in God. He explains his family history and the dynamics of his relationships with his parents and brother. It is obvious that he was an intellectual at an early age with interests like Norse mythology and Wagner operas--I only encountered the latter in my junior year of high school and found it entirely too esoteric and lacking aesthetic appeal (not a classic 1 4 5 1 radio hit). That's not to say I can't appreciate the brains and musical brilliance it took to compose The Ring....but I digress....

Lewis shares different seasons in his life and even makes distinctions about his external life at school versus his imaginative personal thoughts and world. He talks about the moments that he categorizes as Joy--where he is content and fulfilled with an experience. Lewis relates a common sentiment that we all must have a handful of moments where Joy is the best word to describe what we feel; sadly, most of us know that if we pursue Joy, we rarely or never are satisfied. As the book progresses, so does his education and career. He surrounds himself with friends with similar interests, but he is troubled that his peers as well as his favorite authors all have a common defect--Christianity. As he struggles to put the pieces together (how can intelligent men believe in God), he struggles with a deeper and more personal matter. Lewis resists God mostly because he does not want to be inconvenienced or interrupted. As a Christian, it is a feeling that pops up more frequently than a faithful follower would like. It makes the philosophical and sometimes incomprehensible sophistry of Lewis fade away when we find something so normal to relate to with him.

I recommend this book because I cracked up on a number of occasions. Though he is serious and brainy, he has great fun with the English language. The most compelling reason to read this book is his explanation of his conversion. He offers analogies that parallel the brilliance of Mere Christianity in the last couple of chapters of this book. Surprised by Joy might even should be read as a preface to Mere Christianity for the intellectuals non-Christians who are curious about an educated man's departure from the Realist's world to the Kingdom of God.

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a leader in the church and faithful follower of Christ in Germany during the tyrannical rule of the Nazis. His commitment to the gospel resulted in his imprisonment and ultimately his death in a concentration camp. In his book, The Cost of Discipleship, the reader gains a clear understanding on why Bonhoeffer chose to follow his Savior even unto death. Each chapter begins with an excerpt from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and describes with thoughtful reflections and compelling instruction how Christ intended each of his followers to live. This book particularly gave me whole new insights on the Beatitudes, baptism, the Eucharist, and the body of Christ here on earth now. Though I read it continuously, it would be a great book for a weekly small group (each chapter is fairly brief) or even a personal devotion book. It is a challenging read; Christians especially will learn a great deal on what it means to be sanctified by the Lord.