Mary D. mentioned how she is troubled by the Christian Conservatives who believe that Harry Potter is pushing a pagan point view. We would not want our kids to become witches would we? Well, as opposed to journeying back to the Salem Witch Trials or the Spanish Inquisition, above you will find an alternative.

Peace!

I want to apologize for my tardiness. It has been a weird few days. Well, anyway, here we go.

1. In general, what did you think of Descent into Hell by Charles Williams? Did you like the author's style?
2. Did you like te use of the "play within a play" system?
3. What did you think of Wentworth? What is up with the whole succubus thing?
4. How do you feel about Pauline? Her relationships with her grandmother and Stanhope?

and finally

5. What do you think of The Doctrine of Substituted Love? (Table of Contents)

It is a strange little volume, I have to admit. But still, I liked reading it. It was a recomendation from a professor. It is an historical document of sorts. Williams' connection with Lewis and Tolkein is facinating to unearth in the reading. What do you guys think?

Hmm. Since Tripp hasn't been around yet to post a question, I'll start.

So, whaddya think?

Okay gang, I know you have a few days to finish up this odd little book. Still, I wanted to give you a little food for thought.

Charles Williams was one of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein's cohorts at Oxford. All these guys were part of a wider religious movement that was colored by quasi-Victorian images and a fairly conservative Christian doctrine. If it is not apparent in reading the book, Williams is attempting to spell out a certain mystical Christian theology.

I suggested this read not to create converts but because I actually think it is a cool book and, if you believe Amazon's reviewers, the book is a great example of an entire genre common in the early to mid 1900's: the Spiritual Shocker. The closest thing we have to this genre now would be stuff like the Left Behind series and anything by Peretti. Not good theology, but entertaining stuff.

So, um, right. I hope this book does not offend. But if it does, well, I can deal with that, too. Just remember, if you are slogging through it, Descent into Hell is still shorter than Don Quixote!

Hey, gang. Here is a suggestion for the October reading.

Descent into Hell by Charles Williams. He was a friend of CS Lewis. It is a curious little book and can tend to be a little preachy. But it is a great example of its genre (a popular one for its time): the spiritual shocker. It was suggested to me by a professor at my seminary. Who is game?