That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis
4.5 of 5 stars
That Hideous Strength, the third in C.S. Lewis' sci-fi trilogy following the character Ransom (based on Tolkien), was by far the best of the series. Set on Earth after Ransom's inter-planetary travel, we follow a couple, Jane and Mark Studdock and their interaction with N.I.C.E., an organization intent on world/natural domination. As Mark is drawn deeper into the organization, Jane finds out more about gifts she has been given and how it all relates back to the Director (Ransom, the Pendragon), a docile bear (Mr. Bultitude), and even Merlin. This theological trilogy draws one through Lewis' ponderings on how the gods and goddesses of mythology could possibly relate to the true God..among many other wonderful things. Suffice it to say that I will be mulling this book over for a long time. I think this series is an absolute must for anyone interested in writing theological sci-fi. It is foundational to this particular genre and illustrates the necessity of fully planning out ones thought progression through a book series. A fantastic read.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Book Review: Perelandra
Perelandra by C.S. Lewis
4 of 5 stars
This is the second in C.S. Lewis' sci-fi trilogy following the character, Ransom, a space traveller. This time Ransom visits Venus (Perelandra) and we get an interesting glimpse of a Garden of Eden-esque scenario with a woman being tempted into sin. Ransom stands as witness to this event, and eventually realizes his role in the entire scheme. This book brings up a lot of questions about morality and gives Christians a way to look at how Satan can tempt us, and arguments we can use to combat his work. It also gave a picture of true innocence in the Green Woman and how all things and situations can be used to the glory of God. As for the injury of Ransom's heel: that serves as a reminder that true sacrifice and obedience to the Lord often leads to some type of persecution and suffering. But those who endure will be saved! A great book, followed by an even better one!
4 of 5 stars
This is the second in C.S. Lewis' sci-fi trilogy following the character, Ransom, a space traveller. This time Ransom visits Venus (Perelandra) and we get an interesting glimpse of a Garden of Eden-esque scenario with a woman being tempted into sin. Ransom stands as witness to this event, and eventually realizes his role in the entire scheme. This book brings up a lot of questions about morality and gives Christians a way to look at how Satan can tempt us, and arguments we can use to combat his work. It also gave a picture of true innocence in the Green Woman and how all things and situations can be used to the glory of God. As for the injury of Ransom's heel: that serves as a reminder that true sacrifice and obedience to the Lord often leads to some type of persecution and suffering. But those who endure will be saved! A great book, followed by an even better one!
Book Review: Out of the Silent Planet
Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis
3 of 5 stars
My appreciation of the talent and imagination of C.S. Lewis only grows with each book I read (or reread). This sci-fi trilogy was implausible from a scientific standpoint, but he was writing about things that hadn't been imagined yet, so I am going to give him a pass on that. I will say that, although this was my least favorite in the series (because each book got better and better), this book was a necessary step the the build up of the trilogy as a whole. Ransom (who is believed to be a character based on Tolkien) easily becomes a lovable character that you will root for. Don't go into this book thinking it will be a light read. It delves deep into sociology, and more specifically, how our sociology would be different if we had interaction with other sentient beings on Earth. I have a feeling Orson Scott Card read these before writing his beloved works.
3 of 5 stars
My appreciation of the talent and imagination of C.S. Lewis only grows with each book I read (or reread). This sci-fi trilogy was implausible from a scientific standpoint, but he was writing about things that hadn't been imagined yet, so I am going to give him a pass on that. I will say that, although this was my least favorite in the series (because each book got better and better), this book was a necessary step the the build up of the trilogy as a whole. Ransom (who is believed to be a character based on Tolkien) easily becomes a lovable character that you will root for. Don't go into this book thinking it will be a light read. It delves deep into sociology, and more specifically, how our sociology would be different if we had interaction with other sentient beings on Earth. I have a feeling Orson Scott Card read these before writing his beloved works.
Book Review: The Scribe: Silas
The Scribe: Silas by Francine Rivers
5 of 5 stars
This was by far my favorite in this series. To look at someone - a writer, a teacher - with whom I have many shared interests, and to see how he succeeded in his craft and was able to use it as a tool for God was life-changing. My current recurring prayer to the Lord is for Him to use me as He did Silas. If that means helping others write books, great. If that means writing stories and books of my own...even better. I want to be malleable enough to be used by the Lord how He sees fit. Silas became a new role model.
5 of 5 stars
This was by far my favorite in this series. To look at someone - a writer, a teacher - with whom I have many shared interests, and to see how he succeeded in his craft and was able to use it as a tool for God was life-changing. My current recurring prayer to the Lord is for Him to use me as He did Silas. If that means helping others write books, great. If that means writing stories and books of my own...even better. I want to be malleable enough to be used by the Lord how He sees fit. Silas became a new role model.
Thunderstorm - Poem
I DO NOT consider myself a poet, but some seriously powerful lightning and thunder during a storm in Haiti recently inspired me to write this. The storm was a reminder of my need to fear God.
---
When the lightning smacks and the thunder cracks and the rains roar...
You are feared, Oh God.
When the night is still and the brisk breeze chills and Your Spirit fills me...
You are loved, Oh God.
When the waves crash and the waterfalls splash and the aspens reach to the heavens...
You are revered, Oh God.
When the meadows glow and the willows hang low and the butterflies flutter by...
You are adored, Oh God.
When the woods are dark and the path shows no mark and I'm unsure of the way...still
You are praised, Oh God.
When the sun shines through and the adventure is new and you guide my hand...
You are thanked, Oh God.
You are worthy to be praised.
You are worthy to be praised.
---
When the lightning smacks and the thunder cracks and the rains roar...
You are feared, Oh God.
When the night is still and the brisk breeze chills and Your Spirit fills me...
You are loved, Oh God.
When the waves crash and the waterfalls splash and the aspens reach to the heavens...
You are revered, Oh God.
When the meadows glow and the willows hang low and the butterflies flutter by...
You are adored, Oh God.
When the woods are dark and the path shows no mark and I'm unsure of the way...still
You are praised, Oh God.
When the sun shines through and the adventure is new and you guide my hand...
You are thanked, Oh God.
You are worthy to be praised.
You are worthy to be praised.
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