Tonight in cell, one of the passages we came across was Matthew 12:18-21, where he quotes from Isaiah 42. I was especially struck by verse 20:
"A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he leads justice to victory."
I love the message of hope in that picture of His grace towards us.
As I see it, a smouldering wick is a candle which has gone out. It should be snuffed out because it won't relight itself. This is not a weak and feeble flame we're talking about, it's one that's pretty much dead! It's gone out, hopeless. And yet Jesus still sees the possibility of life.
The way I read this verse, it's an encouragement that Jesus sees hope and the potential of a life burning brightly, even when just the smallest wisp of smoke remains. He won't snuff us out because He hasn't given up on us. The only reason not to snuff out the smouldering wick is if you're intending to relight it.
James also used this verse to remind us that God doesn't mind using the bruised reeds. He won't break the reed because it's useless - in fact He delights in taking the dodgiest raw materials to accomplish his plans!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Laughably conservative?
I enjoyed this quote by Arthur C Clarke (Google's 'Quote of the Day' today):
"If we have learned one thing from the history of invention and discovery, it is that, in the long run - and often in the short one - the most daring prophecies seem laughably conservative."
I wondered how many other predictions will end up being seen as 'laughably conservative'. Our conceptions of God, the universe, heaven.. just for starters!
"If we have learned one thing from the history of invention and discovery, it is that, in the long run - and often in the short one - the most daring prophecies seem laughably conservative."
I wondered how many other predictions will end up being seen as 'laughably conservative'. Our conceptions of God, the universe, heaven.. just for starters!
Monday, November 28, 2005
Autumn glory
I loved this poem by BJ, a celebration of God's creative awesomeness on show in the Autumn colours and weather.
"One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds."
Psalm 145:4-6
"One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds."
Psalm 145:4-6
Saturday, November 26, 2005
A non-trivial congruence - or the real beauty of Mathematics
Something I often find myself struggling to explain is the concept of mathematical beauty. It's something that mathematicians and physicists instinctively recognise, but it's not easy to articulate to the lay person!
But I was most heartened to find the following excerpt on John Polkinghorne's website (a wierd site set-up means it's impossible to link straight to the article). He doesn't answer the question of beauty per se but he makes a most appealing case for the amazingness of mathematics generally!
He's discussing aspects of metaphysics... 'aspects of the laws of physics which raise questions beyond physics' competence to answer':
"The first is a property of the physical world that is so familiar to us that we take it for granted. It is, in fact, the necessary basis of the whole scientific endeavor. It is this: that we can understand the world, that it is intelligible to us, that it is rationally transparent. Not only do we understand the world, but it is mathematics which is the key to the understanding of the physical universe. In fundamental physics one looks for theories which in their mathematical expression are economic and elegant, which are mathematically beautiful. Mathematical beauty is a very recognizable characteristic. There is an expectation -- an expectation that has been justified time and again in the history of physics -- that it is just those theories which have the character of mathematical economy and elegance which will prove to be the ones that explain what is going on in the physical world. If you have a friend who is a theoretical physicist, and you wish to upset them, you simply say to them, "That new theory of yours looks rather ugly and contrived to me." They will be truly upset, because you are saying that it does not have the character which successful theory always has had.
When we use mathematics in that way as a heuristic tool, a device for finding out what's going on in the world, something very odd is happening. After all, what is mathematics? Mathematics is the free exploration of the finite human mind. Our mathematical friends sit in their studies and out of their heads they spin the beautiful patterns of mathematics. Mathematics can be thought of as a pattern creating, pattern analyzing, subject. Yet some of the most beautiful patterns that are dreamt up by the pure mathematicians in their studies are found actually to occur in the structures of the physical world around us. In other words, there is a deep-seated congruence between the reason that we experience within (in our minds) and the reason that we experience without (in the physical world around us). They fit together like a glove. That seems a fact about the physical world that is what the mathematicians in their modest way would call non-trivial. 'Non-trivial' is a mathematical word meaning 'highly significant.'"
Wow wow wow (or is it just me?!) I love this guy!
But I was most heartened to find the following excerpt on John Polkinghorne's website (a wierd site set-up means it's impossible to link straight to the article). He doesn't answer the question of beauty per se but he makes a most appealing case for the amazingness of mathematics generally!
He's discussing aspects of metaphysics... 'aspects of the laws of physics which raise questions beyond physics' competence to answer':
"The first is a property of the physical world that is so familiar to us that we take it for granted. It is, in fact, the necessary basis of the whole scientific endeavor. It is this: that we can understand the world, that it is intelligible to us, that it is rationally transparent. Not only do we understand the world, but it is mathematics which is the key to the understanding of the physical universe. In fundamental physics one looks for theories which in their mathematical expression are economic and elegant, which are mathematically beautiful. Mathematical beauty is a very recognizable characteristic. There is an expectation -- an expectation that has been justified time and again in the history of physics -- that it is just those theories which have the character of mathematical economy and elegance which will prove to be the ones that explain what is going on in the physical world. If you have a friend who is a theoretical physicist, and you wish to upset them, you simply say to them, "That new theory of yours looks rather ugly and contrived to me." They will be truly upset, because you are saying that it does not have the character which successful theory always has had.
When we use mathematics in that way as a heuristic tool, a device for finding out what's going on in the world, something very odd is happening. After all, what is mathematics? Mathematics is the free exploration of the finite human mind. Our mathematical friends sit in their studies and out of their heads they spin the beautiful patterns of mathematics. Mathematics can be thought of as a pattern creating, pattern analyzing, subject. Yet some of the most beautiful patterns that are dreamt up by the pure mathematicians in their studies are found actually to occur in the structures of the physical world around us. In other words, there is a deep-seated congruence between the reason that we experience within (in our minds) and the reason that we experience without (in the physical world around us). They fit together like a glove. That seems a fact about the physical world that is what the mathematicians in their modest way would call non-trivial. 'Non-trivial' is a mathematical word meaning 'highly significant.'"
Wow wow wow (or is it just me?!) I love this guy!
Polkinghorne discovered
I was introduced a couple of days ago to John Polkinghorne, someone I can't believe I've missed up to now! Definitely someone I'd like to be more acquainted with. Originally a theoretical physicist and a professor at Cambridge, now an Anglican minister working at 'the interface between science and religion'. I really liked his website - the Q & A section makes really interesting reading. It's great to find someone speaking intelligently and passionately about subjects so close to my heart!
Evenor
On arriving at Seymour and Katherine's house the other day I was handed a pile of books - an excellent selection and what a fab way to be greeted! Seymour has picked out some gems for low-key bedtime reading and I will be making my way through them steadily!
The first to be picked from the pile was George Macdonald's 'Evenor'. How could I resist a short story collection so lovingly introduced with quotes from CS Lewis and GK Chesterton?
Evenor contains three stories - the last of his 'Adult Fantasy' I'm told. The first and longest of these is 'The Wise Woman' - really a novella in its own right and definitely my favourite of the three. Like all good allegorical fiction it forces you to consider something that might have become 'ordinary' from another perspective.
It's fascinating to read and see the influences on CS Lewis as well, although Lewis is still as much a genius in my eyes! I didn't find this collection as thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking as my encounters with Lewis' worlds, but it did leave me with a desire to read more by Macdonald. Someone who has played such an important role in British literature, especially the fantasy variety, over the last two centuries, deserves more reading. Onto Phantastes.
The first to be picked from the pile was George Macdonald's 'Evenor'. How could I resist a short story collection so lovingly introduced with quotes from CS Lewis and GK Chesterton?
Evenor contains three stories - the last of his 'Adult Fantasy' I'm told. The first and longest of these is 'The Wise Woman' - really a novella in its own right and definitely my favourite of the three. Like all good allegorical fiction it forces you to consider something that might have become 'ordinary' from another perspective.
It's fascinating to read and see the influences on CS Lewis as well, although Lewis is still as much a genius in my eyes! I didn't find this collection as thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking as my encounters with Lewis' worlds, but it did leave me with a desire to read more by Macdonald. Someone who has played such an important role in British literature, especially the fantasy variety, over the last two centuries, deserves more reading. Onto Phantastes.
gruesome grubs
Do you like spiders and slugs?
Check out these pictures from the new David Attenbrough series.
The bat-eating centipede..now there's something I wouldn't like to meet on a dark night!
Check out these pictures from the new David Attenbrough series.
The bat-eating centipede..now there's something I wouldn't like to meet on a dark night!
Friday, November 25, 2005
Ooo famous lasers
This is really a message for Matt.. but I thought it deserved wider attention!
Check out the interview with Bill Bryson on the Durham21 site - see what I spotted? I think he liked the lasers!
Check out the interview with Bill Bryson on the Durham21 site - see what I spotted? I think he liked the lasers!
jus peachy
Duncan has joined the blogosphere with the curiously named 'On a peach tree' blog. Perhaps that's the title of his novel...?
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Mighty Warrior
I love the way The angel of the LORD greets Gideon in Judges 6:
"The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."
What a greeting to this ordinary farmer, who is threshing his grain in hiding from the raiding Midianites.
We were looking at the story of Gideon this evening in cell, and at the way in which we deal with big challenges. I've always been a fan of this story - it always seemed to have such dramatic potential!
The LORD's challenge to Gideon here starts with an issue of identity. Strangely Gideon doesn't respond to it directly, but instead questions the angel about why the LORD has abandoned them. However, instead of responding to the question of abandonment the LORD responds with a challenge for Gideon to deal with it himself:
"Go in the strength you have...Am I not sending you?"
It's almost a reverse of the usual 'go in my strength' idea, but there's also an element of 'I know what I'm doing - trust me.' I can almost hear my own voice issuing instructions in class and then getting impatient when questioned: 'I can't do this question! We haven't learnt this!' 'Yes you have. You can do it - have a go!'
Gideon is not convinced and questions God's choice of himself: "I am the least in my family." But the LORD answers that they will strike down the Midianites together.
Gideon still isn't quite sure and asks the LORD to wait while he prepares a sacrifice. This part of the story makes me laugh - the LORD is speaking to him and he has the daring to ask Him to wait! It's almost as if he needs breathing room and falls back on the safety of established religious practices. But the LORD graciously agrees to wait for his return.
Gideon sets up the sacrifice with the angel's help, who then disappears as it is lit. Gideon finally catches on that he has met an angel and is terrified but the LORD tells him "Peace!" and gives him instructions for what to do.
What follows is a series of episodes in which Gideon does what he's instructed, but not always as confidently as you'd hope. He tests that the LORD is really speaking to him by putting out a fleece - not once but twice. Surely this man would test anyone's patience! But the LORD is tender with him, graciously answering his requests and taking him step by step.
The story of Gideon and the Midianites which follows is a showcase for God's sense of humour and individual attention to detail. In the way he reduces Gideon's numbers bit by bit, he seems almost to be playing with him. But the LORD is teaching Gideon to follow his instructions exactly and to rely on him utterly. Unlike the removal of the Asherah pole in 6:25-27 He leaves no room for manoeuvre in these instructions! Later the LORD gives Gideon yet more encouragement in a vision experienced by one of his men (7:13-14). This inspires Gideon, who finally has the confidence to use his own initiative, coming up with one of the most creative and dramatic attacks in the Bible (up there with Jericho I think!).
I am encouraged to remember that God knows exactly how much to push us...the right balance of challenge and encouragement...to get us to think 'big' and have the confidence to approach the impossible with his help. By the end Gideon had the confidence to make the final attack without waiting for specific instructions from the LORD. The "mighty warrior" had finally arrived. Gideon was inspired and capable of defeating the enemy even without strength of numbers - God was right, he could do it!
"The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."
What a greeting to this ordinary farmer, who is threshing his grain in hiding from the raiding Midianites.
We were looking at the story of Gideon this evening in cell, and at the way in which we deal with big challenges. I've always been a fan of this story - it always seemed to have such dramatic potential!
The LORD's challenge to Gideon here starts with an issue of identity. Strangely Gideon doesn't respond to it directly, but instead questions the angel about why the LORD has abandoned them. However, instead of responding to the question of abandonment the LORD responds with a challenge for Gideon to deal with it himself:
"Go in the strength you have...Am I not sending you?"
It's almost a reverse of the usual 'go in my strength' idea, but there's also an element of 'I know what I'm doing - trust me.' I can almost hear my own voice issuing instructions in class and then getting impatient when questioned: 'I can't do this question! We haven't learnt this!' 'Yes you have. You can do it - have a go!'
Gideon is not convinced and questions God's choice of himself: "I am the least in my family." But the LORD answers that they will strike down the Midianites together.
Gideon still isn't quite sure and asks the LORD to wait while he prepares a sacrifice. This part of the story makes me laugh - the LORD is speaking to him and he has the daring to ask Him to wait! It's almost as if he needs breathing room and falls back on the safety of established religious practices. But the LORD graciously agrees to wait for his return.
Gideon sets up the sacrifice with the angel's help, who then disappears as it is lit. Gideon finally catches on that he has met an angel and is terrified but the LORD tells him "Peace!" and gives him instructions for what to do.
What follows is a series of episodes in which Gideon does what he's instructed, but not always as confidently as you'd hope. He tests that the LORD is really speaking to him by putting out a fleece - not once but twice. Surely this man would test anyone's patience! But the LORD is tender with him, graciously answering his requests and taking him step by step.
The story of Gideon and the Midianites which follows is a showcase for God's sense of humour and individual attention to detail. In the way he reduces Gideon's numbers bit by bit, he seems almost to be playing with him. But the LORD is teaching Gideon to follow his instructions exactly and to rely on him utterly. Unlike the removal of the Asherah pole in 6:25-27 He leaves no room for manoeuvre in these instructions! Later the LORD gives Gideon yet more encouragement in a vision experienced by one of his men (7:13-14). This inspires Gideon, who finally has the confidence to use his own initiative, coming up with one of the most creative and dramatic attacks in the Bible (up there with Jericho I think!).
I am encouraged to remember that God knows exactly how much to push us...the right balance of challenge and encouragement...to get us to think 'big' and have the confidence to approach the impossible with his help. By the end Gideon had the confidence to make the final attack without waiting for specific instructions from the LORD. The "mighty warrior" had finally arrived. Gideon was inspired and capable of defeating the enemy even without strength of numbers - God was right, he could do it!
Monday, November 14, 2005
Friends Reappreciated
I remember many occasions over the past year or so when I've prayed for more day-to-day good friends (as opposed to those scattered around the country!). Last night I was reflecting on how, almost without noticing, some great friends have crept up on me this last few months.. It's funny how often answers to prayer come and we don't notice right away!
I've been grateful for some deepening relationships with older friends and some excellent new ones. I've been especially glad to have the company and support of some older wiser women in my life - something I've felt a lack of in recent years. What a lot of fab people around right now. So thank you God, and thank you to any friends who read this - I really appreciate you!
I've been grateful for some deepening relationships with older friends and some excellent new ones. I've been especially glad to have the company and support of some older wiser women in my life - something I've felt a lack of in recent years. What a lot of fab people around right now. So thank you God, and thank you to any friends who read this - I really appreciate you!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Just the best bits?
Chris has highlighted some interesting websites on his web journal. Check out the Gospel Spectrum, which is not only an excellent use of flash technology as visualisation aid / teaching tool (the media here actually adding a new dimension rather than simply displaying), but also shows some really interesting results.
I was especially interested in the level of Gospel harmony during different periods of Jesus' ministry. A button in the bottom left hand corner allows you to limit the view to those stories which appear in all four Gospels (click '4'!)
The feeding of the five thousand appears in all four - perhaps because with so many people involved it was well reported?! The triumphant entry into Jerusalem is similarly well represented by all four, who tell very similar versions. Plenty of witnesses that day!
The most completely represented period of Jesus' life is of course the period of his trials and death. Interesting that Peter's denial is so well-told in all four (actually it has the largest total amount of verse-space!). That the story of the lowest moment in the life of the leader of the church in Jerusalem should figure so prominently in its Scriptures says something about the nature of that church, doesn't it? And surely something about Peter. The story is told in such detail - how did it become so 'public' without the assistance of Peter himself?
This reminds me of Paul talking about boasting in weakness that the power of God might be made known in us. Do we tell the shameful stories, or even 'own' them in ourselves, so that the grace and power of God will be seen more clearly? We're so adept at only telling the best bits..
I was especially interested in the level of Gospel harmony during different periods of Jesus' ministry. A button in the bottom left hand corner allows you to limit the view to those stories which appear in all four Gospels (click '4'!)
The feeding of the five thousand appears in all four - perhaps because with so many people involved it was well reported?! The triumphant entry into Jerusalem is similarly well represented by all four, who tell very similar versions. Plenty of witnesses that day!
The most completely represented period of Jesus' life is of course the period of his trials and death. Interesting that Peter's denial is so well-told in all four (actually it has the largest total amount of verse-space!). That the story of the lowest moment in the life of the leader of the church in Jerusalem should figure so prominently in its Scriptures says something about the nature of that church, doesn't it? And surely something about Peter. The story is told in such detail - how did it become so 'public' without the assistance of Peter himself?
This reminds me of Paul talking about boasting in weakness that the power of God might be made known in us. Do we tell the shameful stories, or even 'own' them in ourselves, so that the grace and power of God will be seen more clearly? We're so adept at only telling the best bits..
End of the story..?
I finally got to the Last Battle the other night, and it just blew me away. Far too much to talk about here - ask me about it if you see me though!
I'm still reflecting on some of the things it brought up in me so I might write something in a few days...
Overall I've found reading the books again has had far more impact on me than I'd have expected. I'm still reeling, from the last book especially. My times reading them have had almost a devotional quality and left me praising God and reflecting on my life. Lewis' genius is in painting a picture so spot-on in its representation of the truth of the Gospel, and the mysteries of a spiritual universe, that it leaves you with a bigger picture of reality, rather than a reduced one. For example, the picture of Jesus as a Lion has not reduced him to such in my mind, rather it has expanded my expectations and my praise. For in the end it's the Truth underpinning the stories and images that hits you between the eyes, rather than anything about the stories themselves.
There's something in Lewis' imagery that has helped me to articulate truths in myself, to give vocabulary to ideas lying unformed and to expand my view of the Universe. Behold the power of a story.
I'm still reflecting on some of the things it brought up in me so I might write something in a few days...
Overall I've found reading the books again has had far more impact on me than I'd have expected. I'm still reeling, from the last book especially. My times reading them have had almost a devotional quality and left me praising God and reflecting on my life. Lewis' genius is in painting a picture so spot-on in its representation of the truth of the Gospel, and the mysteries of a spiritual universe, that it leaves you with a bigger picture of reality, rather than a reduced one. For example, the picture of Jesus as a Lion has not reduced him to such in my mind, rather it has expanded my expectations and my praise. For in the end it's the Truth underpinning the stories and images that hits you between the eyes, rather than anything about the stories themselves.
There's something in Lewis' imagery that has helped me to articulate truths in myself, to give vocabulary to ideas lying unformed and to expand my view of the Universe. Behold the power of a story.
Monday, November 07, 2005
ask real questions
I came across this (fairly old) article by Philip Yancey, reflecting on Jesus' unanswered prayers.
Yancey is always refreshing in his willingness to ask the difficult questions, to reflect seriously without rushing desperately into an answer. Real faith, like real life, does not demand easy answers. The questions are important and definitely worth asking.
I find his journey of faith, that he expresses with honesty in his books, a real one and a path I identify with. I am encouraged that his faith is neither untested nor unquestioned and yet stands strong. We don't have to be afraid to ask questions of God, to doubt and ponder - there's still room for belief, even trust. And, as Jacob discovered, some things are only revealed in the wrestling. (Genesis 32)
Yancey is always refreshing in his willingness to ask the difficult questions, to reflect seriously without rushing desperately into an answer. Real faith, like real life, does not demand easy answers. The questions are important and definitely worth asking.
I find his journey of faith, that he expresses with honesty in his books, a real one and a path I identify with. I am encouraged that his faith is neither untested nor unquestioned and yet stands strong. We don't have to be afraid to ask questions of God, to doubt and ponder - there's still room for belief, even trust. And, as Jacob discovered, some things are only revealed in the wrestling. (Genesis 32)
Recommended Thoughts
Recently I've been enjoying Thought for the Day on my way to work in the mornings. I've never been a regular listener before, mostly because given the option I would rather be in bed at that time in the morning!
I've heard some excellent 'Thoughts' over the last few weeks, almost all of which have given me pause in the morning traffic, something to think about and a much needed break from the morning news and chatter on Radio 4.
Some of the speakers have such wonderful voices. I think they'd relax me talking about pretty much anything! The sudden stillness after the news, a peaceful quiet which settles over my car and those calm, measured tones..I feel like I'm settling down for a story! Rabbi Jonathan Sachs (listen to his thought on 10/10/05) is a particular favourite in this regard, though i'm starting to get an ear for some of the other regulars.
This morning Clifford Longley was speaking on 'live by the sword, die by the sword' - reflection on current events, a bit of history, a Bible story, a literary reference or two... recommended!
I've heard some excellent 'Thoughts' over the last few weeks, almost all of which have given me pause in the morning traffic, something to think about and a much needed break from the morning news and chatter on Radio 4.
Some of the speakers have such wonderful voices. I think they'd relax me talking about pretty much anything! The sudden stillness after the news, a peaceful quiet which settles over my car and those calm, measured tones..I feel like I'm settling down for a story! Rabbi Jonathan Sachs (listen to his thought on 10/10/05) is a particular favourite in this regard, though i'm starting to get an ear for some of the other regulars.
This morning Clifford Longley was speaking on 'live by the sword, die by the sword' - reflection on current events, a bit of history, a Bible story, a literary reference or two... recommended!
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Friday, November 04, 2005
The Silver Chair
I love this book, I'm left with so much to think about. The journey that Jill and Eustace take reminds me somewhat of the Pilgrim's Progress. It's a story about life, about failure, grace and redemption.
They're given instructions for their quest, which they more or less fail to carry out correctly, but Aslan hasn't abandoned them entirely and turns up to nudge them back on track. Interestingly, the only challenge they do not fail is the last, and most important. At this point, it is in their acknowledgement of their previous failures that they have the strength to carry out this last - and most dangerous - instruction: "They had muffed three already; they daren't muff the fourth." When it really counts, they remember the command and understand they must obey whatever the consquences.
One of my favourite moments of the whole series occurs at the beginning of this book, when Jill first meets Aslan. The following conversation is one of the longest conversations Aslan has in the books. It reminds me of the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) - similarly one of the longest conversations Jesus has with a single individual in the Gospels. Like the Samaritan woman, Jill is after some water. And Aslan is in the way.
He offers her a drink from the stream: "If you're thirsty, you may drink."
Jill is not convinced, too fearful to drink while a lion watches.
"Will you promise not to - do anything to me, if I do come?" she asks him.
"I make no promise" says the Lion.
Jill asks him if he eats girls and his reply is not terribly comforting:
"I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms"
She does not dare drink.
"Then you will die of thirst," says the Lion
"...I suppose I must look for another stream then," she tells him.
"There is no other stream."
I love this dialogue. The strength of the Lion, unchanging and dangerous, giving her the facts, refusing to budge or to be less than he is. There's an unmoveable sense about him, despite Jill's fears, asking him to step out of the way. And of course she does drink from the stream in the end.
There's also a nice bit towards the end, when Puddleglum stamps on the enchanted fire.
"the pain itself made Puddleglum's head for a moment perfectly clear and he knew exactly what he really thought. There is nothing like a good shock of pain for dissolving certain kinds of magic." The enchantment the witch was weaving was one of forgetfulness, forgetting the reality they had known of sky and sun and Aslan. Pain does indeed have the power to jolt us out of a daze.
Puddleglum goes on to explain to the witch that even if this remembered reality were a dream.."Suppose we have only dreamed, or made up, all those things - trees and grass and sun and moon and stars and Aslan himself"...then he prefers the dream to the 'reality' of the sunless lands below.
"We're just babies making up a game if you're right. But four babies playing a game can make a play-world which licks your real world hollow."
And his best line yet, one that rings so true for me,
"I'm on Aslan's side even if there isn't any Aslan to lead it. I'm going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn't any Narnia."
They're given instructions for their quest, which they more or less fail to carry out correctly, but Aslan hasn't abandoned them entirely and turns up to nudge them back on track. Interestingly, the only challenge they do not fail is the last, and most important. At this point, it is in their acknowledgement of their previous failures that they have the strength to carry out this last - and most dangerous - instruction: "They had muffed three already; they daren't muff the fourth." When it really counts, they remember the command and understand they must obey whatever the consquences.
One of my favourite moments of the whole series occurs at the beginning of this book, when Jill first meets Aslan. The following conversation is one of the longest conversations Aslan has in the books. It reminds me of the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) - similarly one of the longest conversations Jesus has with a single individual in the Gospels. Like the Samaritan woman, Jill is after some water. And Aslan is in the way.
He offers her a drink from the stream: "If you're thirsty, you may drink."
Jill is not convinced, too fearful to drink while a lion watches.
"Will you promise not to - do anything to me, if I do come?" she asks him.
"I make no promise" says the Lion.
Jill asks him if he eats girls and his reply is not terribly comforting:
"I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms"
She does not dare drink.
"Then you will die of thirst," says the Lion
"...I suppose I must look for another stream then," she tells him.
"There is no other stream."
I love this dialogue. The strength of the Lion, unchanging and dangerous, giving her the facts, refusing to budge or to be less than he is. There's an unmoveable sense about him, despite Jill's fears, asking him to step out of the way. And of course she does drink from the stream in the end.
There's also a nice bit towards the end, when Puddleglum stamps on the enchanted fire.
"the pain itself made Puddleglum's head for a moment perfectly clear and he knew exactly what he really thought. There is nothing like a good shock of pain for dissolving certain kinds of magic." The enchantment the witch was weaving was one of forgetfulness, forgetting the reality they had known of sky and sun and Aslan. Pain does indeed have the power to jolt us out of a daze.
Puddleglum goes on to explain to the witch that even if this remembered reality were a dream.."Suppose we have only dreamed, or made up, all those things - trees and grass and sun and moon and stars and Aslan himself"...then he prefers the dream to the 'reality' of the sunless lands below.
"We're just babies making up a game if you're right. But four babies playing a game can make a play-world which licks your real world hollow."
And his best line yet, one that rings so true for me,
"I'm on Aslan's side even if there isn't any Aslan to lead it. I'm going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn't any Narnia."
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Voyages
I enjoyed The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and all the different adventures they have on their way to the edge of the world, but I have to admit it's not been one of my favourites so far. I have the feeling though, that perhaps there are further depths to some elements of this story than occured to me on this reading. Do you know the feeling that there might be more beneath that you're not seeing...?
I enjoyed the island of the Dufflepuds and the wizard Coriakin. As he says, they are a stupid people but he is rather fond of them, and "impatient, waiting for the day when they can be governed by wisdom instead of this rough magic."
"All in good time," Aslan says, explaining that he will not show himself to them yet because he would frighten them out of their senses!
I love the last section of the book, when they reach the end of the world. The imagery is so beautiful and unexpected. I love the sea of lilies and the water that sustains them, then the way the Sun gets bigger and brighter until they can see the mountains of Aslan's country behind. Reepicheep's final voyage into the unknown is one of my favourite character moments in the books - his desire for a last great adventure knows no doubts or fear.."he was quivering with happiness".
And then they're invited to a breakfast of fish with the Lamb.. who of course turns out to be Aslan. I love the way this echoes the risen Jesus inviting his disciples to breakfast on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (John 21). Lewis excels in picturing these moments in such a way that it enriches my understanding and appreciation of the original story without adding anything extra to it. Here, the children having breakfast with the pure white Lamb makes my image of Jesus by the lake stand out so much clearer!
Lucy asks Aslan whether he will tell them how to reach his country and he answers in his usual style: "I shall be telling you all the time...it lies across a river. But do not fear that, for I am the great Bridge Builder." What a great description!
I enjoyed the island of the Dufflepuds and the wizard Coriakin. As he says, they are a stupid people but he is rather fond of them, and "impatient, waiting for the day when they can be governed by wisdom instead of this rough magic."
"All in good time," Aslan says, explaining that he will not show himself to them yet because he would frighten them out of their senses!
I love the last section of the book, when they reach the end of the world. The imagery is so beautiful and unexpected. I love the sea of lilies and the water that sustains them, then the way the Sun gets bigger and brighter until they can see the mountains of Aslan's country behind. Reepicheep's final voyage into the unknown is one of my favourite character moments in the books - his desire for a last great adventure knows no doubts or fear.."he was quivering with happiness".
And then they're invited to a breakfast of fish with the Lamb.. who of course turns out to be Aslan. I love the way this echoes the risen Jesus inviting his disciples to breakfast on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (John 21). Lewis excels in picturing these moments in such a way that it enriches my understanding and appreciation of the original story without adding anything extra to it. Here, the children having breakfast with the pure white Lamb makes my image of Jesus by the lake stand out so much clearer!
Lucy asks Aslan whether he will tell them how to reach his country and he answers in his usual style: "I shall be telling you all the time...it lies across a river. But do not fear that, for I am the great Bridge Builder." What a great description!
Prince Caspian
This book didn't have much of an impact on me and I find I don't have much to say.
As ever, I find myself waiting for Aslan to turn up..and indeed he does, but in a slightly mysterious fashion! I like the way Edmund sticks up for Lucy this time, despite pressure from the others.
There's also the slightly bizarre section after they meet Aslan and the girls join him for a 'Romp'. Bacchus and Silenus turn up and it's all pretty crazy, (and pagan!). As Susan says, "I wouldn't have felt safe with Bacchus and all his wild girls if we'd met them without Aslan."
One of the most interesting sections of the book is when Nikabrik the dwarf, becoming impatient with the lack of action and with waiting around for the children to come (or not) decides to take matters into his own hands.
"Either Aslan is dead or he is not on our side...anyway, he was in Narnia only once that I heard of, and he didn't stay long. You may drop Aslan out of the reckoning. I was thinking of someone else."
He argues that Aslan didn't stay very long ("he just fades out of the story") and the Kings and Queens he established didn't last, but the Witch "ruled for a hundred years...there's power if you like. There's something practical!"
Caspian points out that she was a worse tyrant than Miraz but Nikabrik is not to be dissuaded, arguing that she got on ok with the dwarfs. Then he makes his most foolish statement yet: "We're not afraid of the Witch."
To the reader his naiveté, (in thinking he can control the Witch) is obvious, but how often do we play games with the enemy, or dabble in sin, thinking we can keep the reins and stay in control? At this point I hear Pete M. adding 'Do not underestimate the power of the Dark Side'!
As ever, I find myself waiting for Aslan to turn up..and indeed he does, but in a slightly mysterious fashion! I like the way Edmund sticks up for Lucy this time, despite pressure from the others.
There's also the slightly bizarre section after they meet Aslan and the girls join him for a 'Romp'. Bacchus and Silenus turn up and it's all pretty crazy, (and pagan!). As Susan says, "I wouldn't have felt safe with Bacchus and all his wild girls if we'd met them without Aslan."
One of the most interesting sections of the book is when Nikabrik the dwarf, becoming impatient with the lack of action and with waiting around for the children to come (or not) decides to take matters into his own hands.
"Either Aslan is dead or he is not on our side...anyway, he was in Narnia only once that I heard of, and he didn't stay long. You may drop Aslan out of the reckoning. I was thinking of someone else."
He argues that Aslan didn't stay very long ("he just fades out of the story") and the Kings and Queens he established didn't last, but the Witch "ruled for a hundred years...there's power if you like. There's something practical!"
Caspian points out that she was a worse tyrant than Miraz but Nikabrik is not to be dissuaded, arguing that she got on ok with the dwarfs. Then he makes his most foolish statement yet: "We're not afraid of the Witch."
To the reader his naiveté, (in thinking he can control the Witch) is obvious, but how often do we play games with the enemy, or dabble in sin, thinking we can keep the reins and stay in control? At this point I hear Pete M. adding 'Do not underestimate the power of the Dark Side'!
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