Bible, theology, culture, etc.
When I was younger, Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies were releasing, and I remember someone recommending that I should try to read the books because they were far better. I (much to my later chagrin) responded, "Why read a book when you could just watch a movie?" For shame. For shame. If you know me now, … Continue reading 10 Tips to Become a Better Reader
Why Reading Brothers is Hard The Brothers Karamazov can be an intimidating book to read. Dostoevsky's writing can seem strange at points. The explosive, dramatic, and perverse characters are jarring and often alienating; Dostoevsky's penchant for describing pathetic and emotionally painful scenes is unsettling; and the labyrinthine story with the ever-shifting Russian names, dense monologues, … Continue reading Why The Brothers Karamazov Is Worth Reading
"Are you not thirsty?" said the lion. "I’m dying of thirst," said Jill. "Then drink," said the lion. "May I- could I- would you mind going away while I do?" said Jill. The lion answered this only by a look and very low growl. As Jill gazed at its motionless bulk, she realized that she … Continue reading Are You Not Thirsty?
“We are, not metaphorically but in very truth, a Divine work of art, something that God is making, and therefore something with which He will not be satisfied until it has a certain character. Here again we come up against what I have called the “intolerable compliment.” Over a sketch made idly to amuse a … Continue reading When We Wish God Loved Us Less – CS Lewis
This is a short story from a wonderful little book about God's personal, unconditional and irresistible love. It is a little hoaky in spots, but serves for illustrating the powerful point that God's love doesn't wait for us to ask for it - but overcomes our resistance to Him. God doesn't wait for hard hearts to … Continue reading God’s Love is Stronger Than Our Hate
In C.S. Lewis' wildly popular The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, there is a powerful allegory that Lewis employs to vividly depict the nature of sin. Edmund, one of the four Pevensie children, falls prey to an evil White Witch almost immediately upon entering Narnia. The Witch finds Edmund wandering in the forest … Continue reading Jesus is Sweeter Than Turkish Delight
The Music of the Ainur There was Eru, the One, who in Arda is called Ilúvatar; and he made first the Ainur, the Holy Ones, that were the offspring of his thought, and they were with him before aught else was made. And he spoke to them, propounding to them themes of music; and they sang … Continue reading Tolkien’s Middle-Earth Creation Story
In Kevin Deyoung's book Why We Love The Church, he interacts with certain Christian leaders who wish to dismiss some of the practices of the church as unnecessary, unhelpful, and even unbiblical. One of these practices that receives a large amount of criticism is the practice of preaching during the worship service. Deyoung brilliantly engages with the … Continue reading Why We Need Preachers
"Where are you going, Master?" cried Sam, though at last he understood what was happening. "To the Havens, Sam," said Frodo. "And I can't come." "No, Sam. Not yet anyway, not further than the Havens...Your time may come. Do not be too sad, Sam. You have so much to enjoy and to be, and to … Continue reading Tolkien’s View On Death: The Grey Havens
"There, peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tor high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him … Continue reading The Shadow is Only a Passing Thing
Marc Sims 