Skip to main content

Review: If I Had Lunch with C.S. Lewis: Exploring the Ideas of C.S. Lewis on the Meaning of Life by Alister McGrath



Review: If I Had Lunch with C.S. Lewis: Exploring the Ideas of C.S. Lewis on the Meaning of Life
Alister McGrath
Tyndale House Publishers
2014

What a treat this book was for me!  Why? Because it is a relaxed conversation about some of the work of C.S. Lewis.  He authored more than Narnia and lots to say that is still very relevant today.  What I did not know when I requested this book is that McGrath is a bit of an expert on Lewis’ life and works.  So a double treat for me.  

McGrath explores several of the important themes found within the writing of Lewis, starting with the meaning of life and ending with Lewis’ thoughts on hope and heaven.  The range is broad and presented in a sort of format that keeps things interesting---imaginary luncheon conversations with Lewis.  Well, almost luncheons, anyway.  I was hoping for more from Lewis, but McGrath digs into various writings and presents what he believes Lewis would have said during those lunches.  Even Narnia has much more to say then I had seen before.  I thought they were stories for children and they are, but stories that help link some important concepts.  Might be a good thing for those who would like to write children’s literature to examine them more closely. 

This little book, 240 or so pages including end notes, opens the world of C. S. Lewis and his thinking in a way that will make the reader glad he spent time with it.  And for me, it shed light on so many things I had missed when I had read Lewis.  McGrath’s style is easy, and the material is organized in a way that each chapter can stand alone.  But, start at the front to meet C.S. Lewis, the man, as he lived his life.  

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to you.

This book was provided by the publisher in return for a review. 
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review: When God’s Ways Make No Sense by Dr. Larry Crabb

Review: When God’s Ways Make No Sense Dr. Larry Crabb Baker Books 2018 I chose this book because the title intrigued me.   When God’s Ways Make No Sense.    There have been plenty of times when that seemed truer than I’d like to admit.   Are we even allowed to say something like that?   Even if we think it.   So, an author willing to take on that topic had my attention. And mostly because I wanted his take on what to do about it? As it turns out Crabb pretty much gave away his case very early on in his book with a single scripture quote.   The basic idea is God is GOD and we are not.   His motives and actions are incomprehensible to mankind and He owes no explanation for them either.   Crabb admits near the end of his book that he is not a theologian which I knew going into this book, but his arguments are theology.   Or at least I think so.   I found his repeated circling the topic a bit frustrating. That said, the book does provoke thoughts from th
1 comment
Read more

Review: Anatomy of the Soul

Anatomy of the Soul Curt Thompson. M.D. Salt River, an imprint of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 2010 This is the most helpful,insightful book I’ve read in a long time. There’s advice, guidance, explanations and examples to illustrate discussion offered by the author. Best of all, for me anyway, it explains some of what I had suspected about how things work all along. Dr. Thompson links human anatomy and physiology to the spiritual part of our being throughout the text. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. And God uses His creation of the physical body in amazing ways. The author does a great job showing God’s wisdom found in research and the discoveries that science has made recently in neuroscience. Whether science wants to or not, it is describing the wonders of creation. Read this book. The text will require thought, evaluation, and time to go through. The author’s writing style is quite readable and he covers the material well. While this isn’t a how to or self help boo
4 comments
Read more

Review: The Little French Bistro by Nina George

Review: The Little French Bistro Nina George Crown 2017 I have to admit that I'm not a fan of romance novels, but I think this one goes beyond the boy meets girl idea.   By a bunch.   If adults had coming of age stories this one would fit there.   Marianne travels a road many people I know would love to, but fear taking the steps needed. And that is the basis of this book.   Taking the steps.   Joy, sorrow, whatever comes and keep on taking the steps.    I agree with many of the comments already made about George's ability to build wonderful characters, paint scenes that vibrate with energy, and tell a story too.   Her writing touches the heart and not in some sappy, maudlin way.   A place of real emotions and desire.   Speaking of desire---her intimate scenes are just that, intimate.   In body and mind.   And not for just spicing things up a bit.   She captures the true nature of intimacy.    Lucky breaks all along the way are my nit wit
1 comment
Read more