C.S. Lewis and a Problem of Evil: an Investigation of a Pervasive Theme: 96 (Princeton Theological Monograph)

Description: C. S. Lewis was concerned about an aspect of the problem of evil he called subjectivism: the tendency of ones perspective to move towards self-referentialism and utilitarianism. In C. S. Lewis and a Problem of Evil Jerry Root provides a holistic reading of Lewis by walking the reader through all of Lewiss published work as he argues Lewiss case against subjectivism. Furthermore the book reveals that Lewis consistently employed fiction to make his case as virtually all of his villains are portrayed as subjectivists. Lewiss warnings are prophetic; this book is not merely an exposition of Lewis it is also a timely investigation into the problem of evil. Endorsements: Few people know Lewis as well as Jerry Root and few ideas were more central to Lewiss thought than his critique of subjectivism. Particularly valuable in this study is Roots insistence that Lewis considered fiction and poetry as key venues for developing that critique and throughout his career saw literature as a tool of thought. -Alan Jacobs author of The Narnian: the Life and Imagination of C. S. Lewis The Greeks knew it as the flaw of Narcissus. Luther termed it curvatus in se. To C. S. Lewis it was the poison of subjectivism and throughout much of his corpus he attended to its various dangers guises and cures. Jerry Root carefully analyzes this pervasive theme in Lewiss work and in so doing provides a timely and challenging stimulus to think afresh about the limits of personal perspective. -Michael Ward author of Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis Students of the life and writing of C. S. Lewis sometimes wonder if there is anything new or important that can be published on the celebrated Oxford Christian. Jerry Roots new book not only makes a brilliant and original contribution to our understanding of the wide sweep of Lewiss works it is also important and quite timely because it helps us-through Lewiss mind-examine the core of the problem of evil that plagues us as much as it infected Lewiss time. Anyone with a serious interest in Lewis or the problem of evil will be fascinated by this major contribution to Lewis studies. -Lyle W. Dorsett author of Seeking the Secret Place: The Spiritual Formation of C. S. Lewis Few people in the world have a richer knowledge of C. S. Lewiss works or a more energetic intellectual curiosity than Jerry Root. Both qualities inform this unique exploration of evil through genres ranging from literary criticism to theological fantasy. What were Lewiss ideas on audience and how did he propose to connect with his readers? How did his rhetorical approach square with his theological understanding and life experience of pain and evil? Dr. Root will take you on an extended exploration of these questions and more. -Wayne Martindale author of Beyond the Shadowlands: C. S. Lewis on Heaven and Hell About the Contributor(s): Jerry Root is Assistant Professor of Evangelism and Associate Director of the Institute for Strategic Evangelism at Wheaton College Wheaton Illinois. He is also visiting Professor at Biola University and Talbot Graduate School of Theology La Mirada California.