The Educated Imagination

Monday, May 3, 2010

Non-Fiction: C.S. Lewis

Mere Christianity

"I read Lewis for comfort and pleasure many years ago, and a glance into the books revives my old admiration." John Updike

"C.S. Lewis is the ideal persuader for the half-convinced, for the good man who...finds his intellect getting in the way." Anthony Burgess, New York Times Book Review

The late Lewis, Oxford professor, scholar, author, and Christian apologist, presents the listener with a case for orthodox Christianity. This is definitely not the shouting, stomping, sweating, spitting televangelist fare so often parodied; Lewis employs logical arguments that are eloquently expressed. He describes those doctrines that the four major denominations in Britain (Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic) would have in common, e.g., original sin, the transcendent Creator God, and the divinity of Jesus as well as his atonement and bodily resurrection. Geoffrey Howard reads both works, and his performance is superb; he is clear and unhurried, giving just the right emphasis and/or inflection. The volume on the Blackstone edition is recorded at a higher level than HarperAudio's. Otherwise there were no perceived differences in the recordings. If your institution can afford it, the Blackstone production would be preferred because of its sturdy case and the announcement of side changes. Whether or not one agrees with Lewis's arguments, it is a pleasure to hear such a skillful reading of an eloquent work. Public libraries as well as institutions that teach religion/theology or speech should consider. Michael T. Fein, Central Virginia Community Coll., Lynchburg; Library Journal Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

No comments:

Post a Comment