As I read Joe Rigney's Lewis on the Christian Life: Becoming Truly Human in the Kingdom of God analogy came to mind. Imagine an art museum you have frequently visited. It's full of great works by your favorite artists. You have visited many times over the years and are familiar with the works on display. Then you have the opportunity to take a personally guided tour with the curator. As you walk through the museum, the curator discusses each piece, pointing out features you haven't noticed before, drawing together themes that transcend multiple pieces, lending insight of someone with a different, knowledgeable perspective. Rigney proves to be a worthy guide through Lewis's work.
One of the themes Rigney draws on throughout is Lewis's dualism, "body and soul, enjoyment and contemplation, God and self, pride and humility." Perhaps the greatest dualism is the "wedding of reason and imagination." That, truly, is what sets Lewis apart and has made him one of the most beloved writers of the twentieth century. He argues with such clarity while inspiring our imagination. The imagery with which he writes helps the concepts stick with us.
The book is thematically arranged, but each chapter flows together with the others to present what feels like a thorough overview. Obviously there will be more to be said, but Rigney, as a good curator, inspires the reader to dwell on and return to the source, while emphasizing Lewis's pointing us toward The Source.
Let Rigney be your guide. I have read and studied Lewis's writing for decades, including reading the Chronicles of Narnia as a child and taking a course on Lewis in college. But as anyone who reads Lewis knows, re-reading Lewis is never a waste of time, and learning from a scholar and writer like Rigney is bound to bring insight to even the most avid Lewis fan.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
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