Thomas Williams Reviews

Added May 25, 2006

The Heart of the Chronicles of Narnia

Knowing God Here by Finding Him There

Author: Thomas Williams
Publisher: W Publishing Group
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: September 1, 2005
Genre: Christian Life/Nonfiction
Format: Trade Paper
Price: $13.99
ISBN: 0-8499-0488-9
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 8 Gargoyles

Do we really need another book about Narnia? With the box office success of the movie, books like this one are necessary to lead a new audience through the land of fantasy and into the world of faith. Author Thomas Williams takes a casual stroll through the imagination of C. S. Lewis, coming to rest solidly on the Word of God.

The book is divided into three sections, with the first one examining the elements of the story, while comparing them to the realities of Christianity. The truth about God, temptation, and the wonders of Creation are explored through the novel's characters and settings. Part two applies the spiritual lessons and discusses prayer, faith and knowing the will of God. The book's final segment focuses on the future, or the time that lies beyond the shadowlands. All of this provides the reader with a very adequate account of the Christian faith as seen through the lens of the novel.

Although it isn't necessary to have read the Narnia series beforehand, it's probably better to have done so. The author has revealed some of the more spectacular events in the stories, which may dim the appreciation for later reading. Those who are familiar with the works of Lewis will find the commentary of Thomas Williams interesting and companionable. In many ways, these pages were like a gentle conversation with someone who appreciates the precious parallels between Christianity and Narnia.

The strength of this book lies with the author's knowledge of the Bible and the ways in which Lewis made those blessed truths take root in his land of fantasy. Especially well written were the questions for discussion at the end of each chapter. There are some wonderful commentaries and spiritual applications in this book, which makes reading it a worthwhile investment of time.

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