You want to hear something funny? I read this book in the 7th grade, (well, maybe 1/2 of it... or less) as an assignment and I absolutely dreaded it. I couldn't understand what any of the characters meant or said and, although I understood the basic concept of one demon writing to another, I saw zero implications and I had no clue why anyone would want to read a book about demons writing to each other. But now, years later, I have officially finished the book and the verdict is... (drumroll please)... I like it! No, more than that; I love it! The more of C.S. Lewis's works I read, the more I find that he was a wise, well-thinking, and unique man. He knew how to fit intricate ideas into simple stories and how to twist real-life situations to show blatant or hidden truth. In the case of this book, Lewis used demon conversation to point out truths of a walk with Christ. I won't give you a detailed description of every chapter and, as a matter of fact, I'm not even going to provide a brief summary; you ought to have the basic idea by now. Instead, I think I'll just give you a peek inside my thoughts.
As I flip through the pages again, trying to remember what I was thinking, I notice over and over again how the demons would use chaos, confusion, and lies to keep their "patients" from the Enemy's hands (Recall that the Enemy of the demons would be the ultimate-sovereign God). Once a patient had accepted Christ as Savior, the demons would do just about everything they could to push the patient to drop religion all together or, if that didn't work, to at least be unsure of his beliefs and live as a lukewarm and half-hearted Christian. It was interesting to see all the tactics that the enemy will use against us to move us away from our relationship with Christ. And, as far as I can tell, the tactics used and mentioned would produce confusion and chaos. But more than that, they would also evoke feelings of doubt, pride, and even anger. I guess what this book really taught me comes straight from the Bible.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." -Romans 12:2As Christians, we are to look and act different from the rest of the culture. We oughtn't fall into the same temptations or become the fuel for chaos. Instead, we are to think carefully, love truth, and live what we believe. It is when we treasure and cherish the truth that it becomes a part of us and allows us to see straight through the lies of our enemies. We must, therefore, develop strong habits of thinking, searching for, exploring, and discovering truth in all areas that we may
"Demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
-2 Corinthians 10:5
2 comments:
A good book it was indeed. Vice and Virtue Theory seemed to run rampid in this book. Sure it will come out of Lewis naturally because he was a medieval scholar, but this book was almost intentional the he he wove those ideas into the book. It's a great read, but I've found that it launches even better discussions about issues. I'm sure we will have a discussion about it sometime. Any questions off the top of your head?
Hmmm... I don't have any questions off the top of my head yet. I just thought this book had tons of implications that basically slapped you (me) in the face, you know, making me see where I have fallen into such traps. Yes, I'd love to discuss this one. Lisa read it too so we can all discuss together, say, at Bible Study.
Post a Comment