Review--The Shadow and Night

The Shadow and Night - Chris Walley - A+

Suppose modern Evangelicals have it wrong. Suppose that Christ's return isn't imminent and that He has no plans to rapture the Church. Suppose instead that the Lord ushers in a Golden Age in which the universe has been cleansed of Satanic influence and the corrosive effects of sin. Given thousands of years to build a harmonious society called The Assembly, mankind in Walley's speculative future has spread across the galaxy on hundreds of Made Worlds, planets made in Earth's image to host the thriving human race. On the edge of the Assembly lies Farholme, home to the protagonist Merral d'Avanos. After his teenage cousin witnesses a disturbing, unfathomable creature in the northern woods, events unfold that signal the end of an age of peace and stability. Evil has returned to the Assembly, beginning its destructive rampage on Farholme. As Merral and company confront the growing threat, they discover the problem reaches deeper than they'd like; sin has begun its dark march across their own hearts as well.

The novel's portrayal of a world free from the corruptive influence of sin strikes a chord deep within. The reader instinctively recognizes the "correctness" of Merral's world before the invasion, that is, life as it was meant to be. Men and women enjoy their work, receive rich pleasure from creativity and craft as they mimic their Creator, and thrive in relationships untainted by battles of the ego. This setting creates within the reader a sense of longing for such a world, and drives one to recognize what he/she has given up in order to enjoy the bitterness of sin. A true sense of loss is conveyed as evil corrupts Merral's world.

In contrast to many Christian protagonists, Merral has a genuine heart complete with all its resident contradictions. Facing evil for the first time, he quickly learns the "heart is deceitful above all things." Merral confronts his own culpability in the vilification of Farholme as he faces his own moral failures and weaknesses. His confusion about the changed spiritual landscape adds to a sense of reality as, for example, Merral ponders an apparent silence from heaven after he prays.

While some may complain, the book's length is sufficient to portray a culture characterized by innocence and ego-free human activity. A full and proper description combined with the reader's longing for such a state causes the reader to hurt and mourn with Merral as his world begins to unravel. Additionally, a well-crafted exposition serves to heighten the suspense and sense of horror about the invaders since the reader must wait helplessly as events unfold.

To fully appreciate this book, Christian readers must lay down their presuppositions regarding end-time events and be willing to entertain a post-millenialist view. Mature individuals should be able to hold several views simultaneously for any issue with substantial uncertainty and disagreement such as this one. An overly-dogmatic perspective sucks much joy out of the exploration of our universe.

Finally, the book's incorporation of science-minded individuals was quite refreshing. Similar treatment by other respected authors can go a long way in removing perceptions that Christians are ignorant of the workings of the natural world. Unexamined beliefs regarding Genesis have pushed Christians away from using science as a tool for proper exploration and stewardship of our world.

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.