Week 5: Sept. 25 - Oct. 1, Book 1-4

[Francesca]

"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell."
C. S. Lewis

[Francesca]

Now this book I love!! I am having a near impossible time putting it down. I'll write official comments later but I just wanted to share an initial thought.

Cesca

[Francesca]

I have always enjoyed these kind of books. I loved Hinds Feet on High Places and the Singer Trilogy. Allegories work for me!!!

Anyway, I am seeing why this is called Pilgrims Regress. Unlike Pilgrims Progress, John is walking away from truth and the burden, so far, is increasing. Pilgrim kind of started at the cross and went from there. It is an interesting twist.

I was a little taken aback when, in ch. 4, I thought John was still being described as a somewhat young boy and, when looking through the window, the naked brown girl appeared and he, in all haste, committed fornication with her. I was thinking he was going to at least struggle with the desire for a chapter or two. No, not our hormone riddled your man, he just did the deed right then and there. What I did find most interesting about this section was, after many sex filled encounters, John decides the brown girl is repulsive and wants to be done with her. Yet, she has bore him many children and he has more reprocutions from the affair than he imagined. He can't just walk away from it. I see the authors intended pointed that if the cravings of the flesh are not fought, the end result may be much more than a bitter taste.

Also, John's encounter with Mr Enlightenment was, for lack of a better word, very enlightening. I have been in this very place before. There is a sin that, as a Christian I know I should not indulge in. Instead of being strong, I often look for "wise" people who help to convince me there is nothing wrong with whatever it is. John seems to know that there is, indeed, a Landlord yet he is temporarily very relieved when an "intelligent" man convinces him otherwise. He does not want to obey the rules and therefore is thrilled to find someone who agrees that there are no rules. Does this make sense or am I rambling?? I don't think I am being anywhere near as eloquent as CS Lewis!!! (He'd probably roll in his grave to read my analysis -- oh well, maybe he'd feel better knowing I am truly enjoying his book!!!!)

I hope you are all enjoying this first day of October. It is quite lovely here.

Much love and thoughts,

Cesca