When I was in college while almost all of my friends were discovering and devouring C. S. Lewis, I was a music ed. major. That meant I didn't just take a music theory class that twisted my synapses and burnt out a few hundred brain cells a day—don't let anyone tell you that a real music class is an "easy A"—but I also accompanied voice lessons, participated in no less than 2 ensembles a term, and also practiced 12-15 hours a week along with all the academic courses and assignments. I had semesters when I took over 20 hours to get it all in. Then on Saturdays I taught 8 piano lessons and on Sundays taught a teen girl Bible class. So I was a late bloomer when it came to Lewis because he was never required reading in my classes and I simply had no time for anything that wasn't.
Maybe that is why, when I first began this book oh, so many years later than my friends, I was somewhat disappointed. "What's all the fuss about?" I wondered. "Where are all the great insights, the moments of head-slapping realization?" Well, perhaps it's that I am no longer a college student. I'm a good deal older than my friends were when they were introduced to this author, no longer naïve and a lot less likely to almost adore a man just because he has a way of putting things that seems so revolutionary to the young and inexperienced. And most of his arguments were old hat to me—I had been hearing them all my life.
But having said that, I found myself becoming more and more impressed as I read. I will admit that at the beginning some of his logic was a little convoluted for this old lady, and a few illustrations left me cold, but as he progressed, that happened less and less. The last half of the book finally began to take hold of me, and I am left with two things that stood out more than anything else. First, his summation of religion—to make us all into little Christs—made many passages in the New Testament suddenly become clear. And second, his definition of the cost of discipleship—everything—was spot on with everything Jesus and writers like Paul said again and again. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me, just to name one.
And for those two things especially, and the elaboration on them, I am more than glad I read this book. I am sure you will find other reasons as well.
Dene Ward
Note: I read a large print version put out by Walker and Company of NY,NY. It has many typos in it that will lay a speed bump or two in your reading, but you can always figure them out. dw
Maybe that is why, when I first began this book oh, so many years later than my friends, I was somewhat disappointed. "What's all the fuss about?" I wondered. "Where are all the great insights, the moments of head-slapping realization?" Well, perhaps it's that I am no longer a college student. I'm a good deal older than my friends were when they were introduced to this author, no longer naïve and a lot less likely to almost adore a man just because he has a way of putting things that seems so revolutionary to the young and inexperienced. And most of his arguments were old hat to me—I had been hearing them all my life.
But having said that, I found myself becoming more and more impressed as I read. I will admit that at the beginning some of his logic was a little convoluted for this old lady, and a few illustrations left me cold, but as he progressed, that happened less and less. The last half of the book finally began to take hold of me, and I am left with two things that stood out more than anything else. First, his summation of religion—to make us all into little Christs—made many passages in the New Testament suddenly become clear. And second, his definition of the cost of discipleship—everything—was spot on with everything Jesus and writers like Paul said again and again. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me, just to name one.
And for those two things especially, and the elaboration on them, I am more than glad I read this book. I am sure you will find other reasons as well.
Dene Ward
Note: I read a large print version put out by Walker and Company of NY,NY. It has many typos in it that will lay a speed bump or two in your reading, but you can always figure them out. dw
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