I
had no idea how essential imagination is to our lives. Reading this
book, even though it is an investigation of Lewis' use of
imagination, made me aware of how we all use imagination.
This
book could be considered an introduction to C. S. Lewis through
exploring his use of imagination. The authors identify many different
styles and uses of imagination. There is realizing imagination,
shared imagination, penetrating imagination, material imagination,
primary imagination, generous imagination, just imagination,
transforming imagination, and many more. The use or function of each
kind of imagination is identified and then how it has been used in
Lewis' writings.
I
was surprised by several aspects of this investigation into
imagination. Spiritual growth requires imagination as we must imagine
the stages beyond where we are. Imagination helps us understand the
complex world we live in, a world more complex than our capacity to
understand. Imagination allows us to view an issue from many
viewpoints, like looking at something from a variety of angles,
helping us understand it better. Imagination helps us sort out
sensory data, making sense of experience. We can use imagination in
an attempt to shape reality, seeing the world as it should be. And
those are just a few aspects of the exploration of investigation.
I
was amazed at the importance and power of imagination in Lewis'
writings. He was a master at helping us develop a deeper grasp of
something through imagination. That imagination can give us fresh
insight toward understanding a complex or illusive idea. Imagination
can be used for evil just as powerfully as for good, as he clearly
showed.
I
was impressed with this book for two reasons. The first reason is the
fresh understanding I received about the importance of imagination. I
use my imagination when I plan my garden for next year or plan a
dinner for this weekend. Imagination helps me make sense of change,
having a fresh application of old ideas to new challenges. My church
board uses imagination when they contemplate a new ministry and how
it will meet the needs of the church members or the surrounding
community. I've come to the conclusion that we use imagine much more
than I had ever thought.
The
second reason I like this book is because if gave me a new
appreciation for Lewis and his writing. He was very effective in his
use of imagination to communicate a concept. There are scenes from
The Great Divorce that have stuck with me since I read the
book decades ago.
This
is a good introduction to the writings of Lewis. People who want to
understand why Lewis wrote the fiction and nonfiction he did would do
well to read this book. The book would also be of good use in a
literature class as it helps us understand the use of imagination in
fiction and nonfiction too. The authors have included an extensive
bibliography for those who would like to study further.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
Jerry
Root is associate professor of evangelism and leadership at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. He also teaches in the Christian Formation
and Ministry department and is the director of the Wheaton Evangelism
Initiative, Billy Graham Center for Evangelism.
Mark
Neal is the vice president of digital marketing at a Chicago-based
marketing firm. He is an independent C. S. Lewis scholar, writing and
publishing on Lewis and other topics. You can find out more about him
at http://www.markneal.org/.
Abingdon
Press, 280 pages.
I
received a complimentary copy of this book through Handlebar for the
purpose of an independent and honest review.
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