Almost finished listening to "The Problem of Pain." I feel so stupid as I can't follow his train of thought. I'm aware he's building a case, but I just can't keep up with him. How I wish I had an outline of the book, with the key points clearly laid out. Surely there must be someone teaching a class on this who could provide me with an outline?
On 3/30/08, I found a lecture series on CD about the works of Lewis. However, as I listened to the reading of "The Great Divorce," I was brought to tears of conviction. It's strange how I can't understand his philosophical writings, but when he uses his "fiction" to paint a picture, I get it immediately. Nevertheless, I'm glad I do get it.
On 4/11/08, I finally finished listening to "Screwtape Letters" and "The Great Divorce," both of which I loved. I'm able to understand the deeper messages in these books so well, yet I struggle to follow the thought process in the apologetical books. Isn't it wonderful that CSL could speak to both sides of the brain and to both types of people, the thinkers and the feelers?
Reading this book, which is both a pleasure and a challenge, has truly made me reflect on the dumbed-down nature of the modern education system in our country.
Most of the young adults I know nowadays are simply not ready for reading books like this collection. It would seem as if they are reading a foreign language. Their education has failed to prepare them for such a task and has not cultivated in them a desire for the kind of thinking that stems from the mind of a remarkable individual like C. S. Lewis.
Unfortunately, young people today are not so much educated as they are trained to take proficiency tests. Consequently, a great deal of potential is being lost. Books like those in this collection are extremely beneficial for the mind. I殷切希望my grandchildren will receive an education that equips them to read and appreciate material of this caliber.
I have decided to read two books that I have never read before, namely The Screwtape Letters and The Great Divorce.
The Screwtape Letters is a classic work of Christian apologetics written by C.S. Lewis. It is presented in the form of a series of letters from a senior devil, Screwtape, to his nephew Wormwood, giving advice on how to tempt and corrupt a young man's soul.
The Great Divorce is also a novel by C.S. Lewis. It tells the story of a group of people who take a bus ride from hell to heaven and have the opportunity to make a choice about their eternal destiny.
I am looking forward to reading these two books and exploring the profound ideas and themes that they contain. I believe that they will not only enrich my spiritual life but also provide me with valuable insights into human nature and the meaning of life.