Anglicans discussion

It seems from all my talks with the different members of this group that there is no doubt that we are all Lewis fans. Well lets talk about books by Lewis that we like. If a lot of us get interested in a particular discussion on a specific book, then someone (anyone) by all means can start a new thread (topic) on that book.

So if you are currently reading a Lewis book or want to talk about a past reading that struck you, do so right here.

Somebody get the ball rolling! :D
C.S.Lewis

I haven't read any Lewis in years--that is, except a few of the Narnia books iwth my daughter. I'm a bit disappointed that she hasn't gotten more into them.

If someone wants to suggest a book for me to re-read, to improve discussion, I'd be happy to do so. I confess that I am doing a lot of my "reading" on audible books these days, because I'm a busy working mom and because in my spare time I like to knit.

I'm also always on the lookout for more books that I should add to my to-read list. I confess, I am particularly on the lookout for light, fun books. I don't seem to have a huge amount of energy for serious reading these days. I was kind of appalled recently to realize how much true trash (of the chick-lit variety) I've read in the past few years. It would be nice to find some light reading that was a little more wholesome.

CS Lewis is one of those authors whose work I really struggle to get through. Time and time again I try to read any of his works but end up giving up. I've had Surprised by Joy for about 15 years now and have tried reading it a number of times. When I do get through to the end I find I've taken nothing in.

Saying that, when I read key short extracts I'm amazed by his insight.

Why I'm struggle with Lewis's work I don't know.

Hi Chris,

Sometimes there are certain authors who are harder for some of us to read. It might be his older use of language. My husband and I have grew ourselves up on Lewis so much, that we feel like we know him (I know that is funny!) I think he has such valuable insights, that he is worth skimming for those valuable key short extracts.

I might look for some great short things from Lewis books to post here. Even discussing some excerpts from his books can be a wonderful way to glean from his writing.

Good to hear from you Chris. Is there anything recently that you have read that you would like to tell us about?

I am reading Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book, for pure mind candy. He is like a modern Lewis Carroll. It is about a boy being raised and taught by graveyard ghosts.

Lacey,

Oh I so need to learn how to knit. My younger daughter knits some. It sounds so perfect to listen to audio books and knit! My schedule is so busy too, that audio books would be great for me to explore. I homeschool my two younger teens, volunteer at church and with refugees from Myanmar. Plus I do childcare a little for a working friend.

I am going to put some light fun reading on our Anglican group bookshelves. I will probably post mostly Anglican authors (a lot of them write mysteries). I will also try and post a few other authors and book titles of various fun fiction authors here.

Knitting...I've just got to do that!

I'm reading A Grief Observed. I just picked it up last night. Reading this stuff, where he pours out his heart and soul makes me respect him so much. He is so honest about his feelings of confusion after the loss of his wife Joy Davidman. A Grief Observed

I'm aiming to read The Weight of Glory next, then probably, The Abolition of Man, if that's what the group Poll turns out to show that people want to read.
The Weight of Glory
The Abolition of Man

Did you all see that I posted my favorite reading spot in the group "photos"? Our family cat also likes my reading spot. His name is Sir Lancelot (I know, dumb name!)

I, too, am a fan of C.S. Lewis, and I own several of his books. What amazes me is his ability to find just the right analogy to make me understand the deep spiritual ideas that he is presenting. The one that pops into my mind right now is the story of a mother in a prison with her son who has never seen the outside world. She creates pencil sketches so he'll have an concept of what it's like. The pencil sketches represent our natural, fallen world, and the outside world represents the mega-dimensional reality of the glory of God. Oh, what a thought--to someday be transformed to that being who can take all that in!

I like his analogy to The Liturgy as being like a dance that we can do because we are very familiar with it. I think he gave that one in "Mere Christianity."

Ha! I love that! I would hate to think of stepping on God's toes!

I was such a huge fan of C.S. Lewis as a newbie Christian. I began reading him just before beginning an active Christian life and read him prolifically in the few years after. But in the past 5 or so years when I have tried to go back to his writing (with the acception of the Screwtape Letters, which continues to amaze me), I find my reaction is not as admiring. I'm not sure why that is, but it probably has to do with my place on my spiritual journey.

Hi. Interesting reactions to CS Lewis. He's not a theologian (he reminded an audience of that), yet he does have an understanding that you need both scriptural truths and emotional enchantment (to Christ) to make the gospel real and reachable--and he has a way with words for 'the common man' (his words). Yes, his language can be 'off-putting' as the Brits say, and he is an academic. I find him best read when I am alert and focused. (Turn off cell phones!) It's ok to struggle--even as an adult..and if you love his ideas but struggle, consider reading him section by section, making it a life-time accomplishment. Not a 'notch' author!

Karen, and others: I forgot to add that I read an illuminating biography of him by Wilson (a literary critic). Though he frustrated me sometimes, he clearly admired Lewis and he considered "Grief..." one of Lewis' best, while Mere Christianity an infantitile poke. I recommend it if you can stand an unsantized bio--and find a copy. It might be out of print.

Hi Charity!

Glad you popped in for some conversation on Lewis :) I will have to look into the Wilson biography of Lewis. I love reading anything about Lewis. A few months back I read a book of Lewis's letters to good friends compiled in such a way that it was a "Spiritual Direction book." I think it was called "Dear Jack..."

True, Lewis was not a theologian, but he definitely had a hold on understanding what he believed and what was taught in the Anglican Church.

I won't exaggerate and say I have read all the bios written on CS Lewis, but I have read a lot of them. Tuck some under your belt before you hit Wilson, because it is not a sanitized version, and there is some conjecture in it. Still, for a skilled literary critic he does a good job on that topic, in addition to providing possible explanations for gaps in other bios. Oh, the author is (I believe) a member of the Church of England.

C.S.Lewis

The Abolition of Man.

Hi Matt, what do you especially like about The Abolition of Man? I'd love to hear.

C.S. Lewis on the second coming:
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/?/sf/...

I just read the chapter titled "The Weight of Glory," from that named book. It was so good.

I liked these quotes:
"We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and private: and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship."

and...
"Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."

Ah yes, one more...
"At present we are on the outside of the world, the wrong side of the door. We discern the freshness and purity of the morning, but they do not make us fresh and pure. We cannot mingle with the splendours we see. But all the leaves of the New Testament are rustling with the rumour that it will not always be so. Some day, God willing, we shall get in."

I am rereading, Out of the Silent Planet. I am listening to an audio book. What a gem. I love this series. The only problem with doing the audio version, is that I listen to it in bed and fade off to sleep. The next day I have to figure out at what part I faded away at, lol! Sometimes I end up listening to a chapter and realize that I did remember that chapter from the prior night!

Anyone else from the group like that series?

Reread this trilogy last year and loved it - again.