C. S. Lewis excelled at plumbing the depths of the human heart, both the good and the bad, the beautiful and the corrupt. From science fiction and fantasy to essays, letters, and works of apologetics, Lewis has offered a wealth of insight into how to live the Christian life.
In this book, Rigney explores the center of Lewis’s vision for the Christian life—the personal encounter between the human self and the living God. In prayer, in the church, in the imagination, in our natural loves, in our pleasures and our sorrows, God brings us into his presence so that we can become fully human: alive, free, and whole, transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.
Joe Rigney explores particular themes that run throughout C. S. Lewis's popular and lesser-known writings, illuminating how they help readers develop a deeper awareness of God's presence and work in their lives.
Series Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
- The Choice: The Unavoidable Either–Or
- The Gospel: God Came Down
- Theology: A Map to Ultimate Reality
- The Gospel Applied: Good Infection and Good Pretending
- The Devil: The Proud and Bent Spirit
- The Church: Worshiping with Christ’s Body
- Prayer: Practicing the Presence of God
- A Grand Mystery: Divine Providence and Human Freedom
- Pride and Humility: Enjoying and Contemplating Ourselves
- Christian Hedonics: Beams of Glory and the Quest for Joy
- Reason and Imagination: Truth, Meaning, and the Life of Faith
- Healthy Introspection: The Precarious Path to Self-Knowledge
- The Natural Loves: Affection, Friendship, and Eros
- Divine Love: Putting the Natural Loves in Their Place
- Hell: The Outer Darkness
- Heaven: Further Up and Further In
- Orual’s Choice: Discovering Her True Face
Conclusion
Lewis Works Cited
General Index
Scripture Index
“Joe Rigney has written an engaging book that artfully pulls together much of what C. S. Lewis had to say about living for the glory of Jesus Christ. Drawing upon Lewis’s books, essays, and letters, Rigney offers an insightful overview of the author’s teaching on Christian discipleship.”
—Lyle W. Dorsett, Director Emeritus, Marion E. Wade Center; Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism Emeritus, Beeson Divinity School; author, And God Came In and Seeking the Secret Place
“There may be no more important cultural question today than what it means to be human, and as Joe Rigney says early in this book, C. S. Lewis continues to be refreshing and unique on this question and so many others. Rigney’s ability to reintroduce Lewis to readers is refreshing, unique, and on full display in this book.”
—John Stonestreet, President, Colson Center; coauthor, A Practical Guide to Culture
“C. S. Lewis gets to the heart of the human condition, and Joe Rigney gets to the heart of C. S. Lewis. Here is a much-needed book that offers a clear and concise overview of Lewis’s vision for the Christian life. Rigney’s take on Lewis is appreciative where deserved, critical where necessary, and always insightful in its application.”
—Trevin Wax, Vice President of Resources and Marketing, North American Mission Board; Visiting Professor, Cedarville University; author, The Thrill of Orthodoxy and The Gospel Way Catechism
“A thoughtful, lucid, and beautiful exposition of a magnificent writer. Whether you are relatively new to C. S. Lewis or have read all his books, Joe Rigney will show you ideas and connections that are easily missed, and increase your appreciation for Lewis’s insights on the Christian life.”
—Andrew Wilson, Teaching Pastor, King’s Church London
“C. S. Lewis’s theology is a mix of faithfulness to the creeds, brilliant analogies, rare good sense, and, unfortunately, a few areas of doctrinal weakness. Joe Rigney’s book Lewis on the Christian Life accurately reports Lewis’s theology as it relates to practical Christian living. He does an excellent job of bringing out the good sense and carrying on a respectful but critical conversation with Lewis about those shortcomings. The end result is a book that will help you understand Lewis and practice the Christian life. This is a book I’m glad I read and one that you will want to read. I recommend it with enthusiasm.”
—Donald T. Williams, R. A. Forrest Scholar, Toccoa Falls College; author, Deeper Magic: The Theology Behind the Writings of C. S. Lewis
Produktdetaljer
Om bidragsyterne
Joe Rigney (PhD, University of Chester) serves as a fellow of theology at New Saint Andrews College. He is a husband, a father of three, and the author of a number of books, including The Things of Earth; Strangely Bright; and More Than a Battle: How to Experience Victory, Freedom, and Healing from Lust.