From the author of the new Big Book of Christian Mysticism comes an
engaging look at how the principles and practices of Christian mysticism
are illustrated in C. S. Lewis's Narnia series. Releasing to time with
the third film in the blockbuster Narnia series - The Voyage of the Dawn
Treader - December 10, 2010!!
The Lion, The Mouse and The Dawn Treader
shows the reader how C. S. Lewis was guided by two "templates" in
writing Dawn Treader: first, an ancient Celtic folktale known as the
immram, or wondrous sea-voyage, in which great saints like Brendan the
Navigator sought to reach paradise itself. But on another level, Lewis
also built his adventure story around the traditional stages of the
Christian life: from initial resistance to God's grace, to discovering
how sin enslaves us and "turns us into dragons," to experiencing both
the relief found in Christ and the cleansing waters of baptism. From
this period of purgation the story turns to the illuminating adventures
of resisting further temptation, to exploring silence (and learning how
to deal with distractions, or "Dufflepuds"), to a final terrifying
journey to the "Island of Darkness" (the dark night of the soul). The
final stage of union begins with a Eucharistic feast at Aslan's Table
where an ancient star and his lovely daughter sing joyfully every
morning. As the Dawn Treader sails beyond where the stars sing, the
travelers find a world of wonders, characterized by light, and clarity,
and finally the encounter with Aslan - Christ - himself.
This book will
delight fans of C. S. Lewis with new insights into one of his classic
stories, and will also help the more casual reader (and movie-goer) to
understand the rich meaning behind this charming children's adventure.
The Lion, The Mouse and The Dawn Treader is an amazing, thoroughly
inspiring adventure. The Narnia stories are not just for children, but
if you want help to assist children (or anyone) to understand their
depth, read this book! You can touch the whole journey of the Christian
search for God - and likely be spurred toward renewal in your own life -
by getting on this Narnian ship. - Trina Paulus, author of Hope for the
Flowers.
