Perelandra Builds Character

Perelandra - C. S. Lewis, A-

George MacDonald's influence clearly emerges in this second book of the Space Trilogy, and with that influence comes a flaw inherent in books like Lilith and Perelandra. Philosophical elements take precedence over plot, and as such, the story inevitably bogs down, requiring the reader to exercise mental fortitude and perseverance to keep from giving up the whole experience.

For those who survive the journey, Lewis's philosophical explorations of temptation, sovereignty/free will, and the Divine Plan make for a worthwhile read. Two observations stand out relating to the theme of temptation. First, the book reminds one of the character of our Enemy. Few overlook his desire to destroy as much as possible since he knows the battle is already lost, but his apparent pettyness...his concern for small details does not get discussed often. Just as the demon seeks to force Ransom to buckle by interminably repeating his name, Satan works by chipping away at our souls through small details: little lies, little vices, "mini sins," if you will. If he can't destroy a man in one fell swoop, he'll drive him over the edge one small inch at a time. Second, while our struggle against sin doesn't even approach the epic, we like Tinidril need other Christian's to fight for us...we too reach a point where our souls cry "This can't go on!" and we fall upon the prayers of a loving brother. Remember, reader, that "The sword of the Spirit...the Word of God" and prayer remain our offensive weapons against the enemy of our souls. Be glad we don't have to drink Ransom's cup!

I feel in no way adequate to address the theme of God's sovereignty and our will. Though my views on this matter remain clear, my intellect and my language fails to truly express them. Let me instead fall upon the story and let it speak for me and see where that leads. As Ransom faces an inevitable choice regarding how to save Tinidril, his thoughts trace a path my own thoughts have travelled. He says,

"...the power of choice had been simply set aside and an inflexible destiny substituted for it. On the other hand, you might say that he had been delivered from the rhetoric of his passions and had emerged into unassailable freedom. Ransom could not...see any difference between these two statements. Predestination and freedom were apparently identical. He could no longer see any meaning in the many arguments he had heard on this subject."

In my struggles with this issue, I too have set aside the distinction between predestination and individual choice, recognizing that they exist on different planes of reality. The former, outside of time, overlays the other, bound by time. Our every action, known before by God, fits into the cosmic "Great Dance." If the Lord allows, I would like few things more than to satisfactorily refute and dismiss current conceptions of "free will" that predominate in Christian circles. Perhaps I'll just recommend this book...

At a later date, I'll attempt a more thorough discussion of how Lewis developed his view of God's divine plan for the universe. Since my head almost exploded while reading the last few pages of the book, I'll probably need to re-read it before I make any such attempt.

In parting, don't get the impression that this book is all talk and no action. Ransom's fight with the demon-possessed Weston will give shivers and end in exultation. Simply voyaging across the surface of Venus with Ransom pleasantly stretches your imagination and provides fodder for contemplation. True, the "Great Dance" narrative will give you a headache, but it does reveal an awe-inspiring glimpse of God's sovereign plan for the universe. So, hang in there and be prepared to think hard. You too will likely wish to re-read this book to try to understand the deeper issues.

Reflections on Lewis's Out of the Silent Planet

Out of the Silent Planet - C.S. Lewis, A

In the first book of Lewis's Space Trilogy, Dr. Ransom encounters intelligent life on Malacandra (Mars) and gains a deeper understanding of mankind's condition.

Before reading this trilogy, know that Lewis attempts to address religious and philosophical issues rather than focusing on plot. Why use science fiction to accomplish this goal? By stepping out of our reality, where we live as if with blinders on, we can see ourselves more objectively. Seen from afar, the follies of men resolve into a clear image: we have been willfully deceived. Science has taught us to idolize Life while at the same time dehumanizing the human species. It is our minds and spirits, the eternal things, that make every human valuable and worth saving. Just as in The Screwtape Letters, Lewis reminds us that the unseen things in our universe should not be overlooked.

Moments of intense imaginative beauty have been interspersed with philosophical dialogue, but still many readers may find this book more challenging than expected. Expect to be amazed, though, with Lewis's ability to instill child-like wonder even in us too-somber adults.

So Close Yet So Far

Wanderlust

Wanderlust takes hold

My feet rebel

If only

I could keep my mind

In one place

Content

Review: The Prophet of Yonwood Looks Bleak

The Prophet of Yonwood - Jeanne DuPrau, B-

Readers who enjoyed the first two books in the City of Ember series will likely be disappointed by Yonwood. While DuPrau again develops the main character with considerable skill, the story moves much too slowly and never reaches its expected destination. Most readers hoped this book would elaborate on the events leading up to the Disaster and the rush to preserve mankind underground in Ember. DuPrau doesn't truly address these topics until the afterword, and when she does, the information is so sparse and condensed that the reader is left frustrated and underwhelmed.

Instead of describing the building of Ember and its settlement as expected, DuPrau explores the themes of misguided religious devotion, intolerance, and authoritarianism. Perhaps this was an attempt to explain the cause of the Disaster (a theme already explored in Sparks), but her tactic failed. Her moral perspective is confusing at best and dangerous for young teens.

The story takes place in Yonwood, where a woman has had a vision of the world utterly destroyed by nuclear war. The townspeople hail her a prophet of God. 11-year-old Nickie, armed with big plans and an even larger curiousity, travels to Yonwood with her aunt to fix up an old home. There she meets Mrs. Beeson, who claims to be able to interpret the prophet's messages, supposing them to be instructions from God on how to protect her town from nuclear disaster. Ambitious Nickie becomes ensnared in her misguided witch-hunt for all "sinners."

DuPrau's use of Beeson to illustrate the folly of misguided, fanatical religious devotion could have been very successful had she used another character as her antithesis, someone who could demonstrate authentic faith. As a result of this omission, the reader does not have any idea of what true religious devotion looks like, or even if there is such a thing.

While the theme of intolerance appears throughout the book when Beeson and Nickie ostracize people who "feel wrong," it is also this theme that DuPrau uses as the eventual cause of the Disaster. Nickie struggles several times to understand tough religious issues involving God's will and the fate of nations. She wonders, if two warring parties both pray to God to help them win a war, how does God answer? Whose side is He on? Disturbingly, she never finds answers to these questions. In the afterword, the narrator divulges that the Disaster eventually ravaged the earth after two powerful groups, both insisting they had the truth and God on their side, refused to back down. The implication is that no one can know for sure what truth is. Truth isn't absolute. And those who insist on being right, who follow their faith at all costs, are the true enemies of the world.

Ironically, it is this philosophy, that there is no absolute truth and that those who claim to know the only truth are intolerant, that is the greatest enemy to the true peace of mankind. If a person believes this, they will never find the source of Life, Peace, and Hope. Only in placing faith in One Way, one man Jesus Christ, who is the "way, the truth, and the life," can we find the salvation of our souls, peace with God, and the hope of a secure eternal home.

DuPrau addresses the theme of authoritarianism as Mrs. Beeson and her followers try to build a "shield of goodness" around Yonwood, which would somehow cause God to spare them from the impending disaster. Since Mrs. Beeson belongs to the inner circle of people with access to the prophet, she uses her newfound power to make life miserable for people she dislikes, those who are unusual, and those who won't fall in line and do exactly what she says. Beeson punishes those who disobey her by shackling them with an unbreakable bracelet that emits a piercing humming sound. "Undesirables" either leave town or comply. Of the three major themes, DuPrau handles this one appropriately, showing readers the dangers of blindly following a leader who has no accountability and whose moral compass doesn't point north but instead wavers like a drunken man. Again, though, DuPrau does not reveal how readers can find the true source of truth, the Word of God confirmed by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Readers will be underwhelmed by this book and left confused as to what truly is the source of truth and righteousness. Use this book as a springboard for discussion about truth claims and religious devotion.