The Heart of the Chronicles of Narnia: Knowing God Here by Finding Him There [Paperback]

Thomas Williams (Author)

Book Description

In addition to being one of the best-loved books of all time, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is sure to set box-office records when it releases in theatres Christmas 2005. Distributed by Disney, directed by Andrew Adamson (director of Shrek), with special effects by the WETA Workshop (The Lord of the Rings), and backed by a $150 million dollar budget, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will draw millions of eager viewers, Christian and non-Christian alike. After viewing the movie, Christians and Lewis fans will excitedly walk away with a renewed enthusiasm for this classic installment of The Chronicles of Narnia.

Using exciting biblical parallels, this companion book will lead readers into a deeper understanding of Christ and will help them discover how these tales by C. S. Lewis beautifully expose a dynamic, joyful, loving God who wants his creatures to experience deep joy and delight.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Fans of C.S. Lewis will recognize that Williams (coauthor with Josh McDowell of In Search of Certainty) is attempting a strange feat—explaining the deeper meaning in the Chronicles of Narnia books. Lewis was known to regard such efforts as usually counterproductive since analysis lacks the true power of storytelling, as Williams himself admits in his preface. He consequently urges people to read the stories on their own before taking up his book. While some of his commentary is unnecessary or obvious (e.g., Aslan's sacrifice as a parallel to Christ's crucifixion), other insights are more subtle (e.g., the wisdom about following God's will contained in The Silver Chair). For those less familiar with Lewis's other writings and life story, Williams provides some helpful explanatory quotations and background information. Exploring themes like prayer in the Chronicles, he gives both relevant biblical texts and theological discussion. His chapter on "Aslan's romps" contains some interesting observations about the discomfort many Christians feel with the very idea of pleasure. For readers familiar with the Chronicles, the chief joy of this work will be its recollection of some of the most stirring moments from the stories themselves. (Sept.)
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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849904889
• ISBN-13: 978-0849904882
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #391,690 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #55 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy > History & Criticism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An author who knows what he is talking about!, October 19, 2005

By 

S. Ketchersid (N. Richland Hills, Texas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Heart of the Chronicles of Narnia: Knowing God Here by Finding Him There (Paperback)

This is a great book delving into the deeper truths of God that are nestled into the pages of The Chronicles of Narnia. This authur is very indepth in his explanations of topics such as providence, prayer, creation, life after death, being created for pleasure, temptation, church, and faith...just to name a few. But he does it in a clear and easily understandable way that makes for an easy and enjoyable read.
I believe one of my favorite parts was the Chapter "Romping With The Lion". We are created for pleasure, for joy, for happiness. God made us to enjoy life and take pleasure in all things good! This chapter resonated with me and made me want to be a better "celebrator" and be able to express my joy, rather than just being stoic and pious.
Williams says the Chronicles are to be read for enjoyment, but this book really made me want to reread them while looking for the truths he brings out. This book gave me a thirst for more of Narnia!
You can tell the author has a love of all things Lewis and knows what he is talking about! I have been recommending this book to everyone!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful!, February 4, 2006

By 

Linda McCrary - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Heart of the Chronicles of Narnia: Knowing God Here by Finding Him There (Paperback)

I read the work of Thomas Williams with a highlighter in hand. His skill with words and deep understanding of spiritual truths combine to provide the reader with an in-depth, thought provoking,and satisfying reading experience. In "The Heart of Narnia", he shares his passion for the world of "Narnia" in a way that makes us all want to reread the entire Chronicles through "new eyes." This is a must-read for all!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars By Knowing Me Here, You May Know Me Better There, March 16, 2008

By 

K. Alphs (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Heart of the Chronicles of Narnia: Knowing God Here by Finding Him There (Paperback)

With the upcoming movie release of the Walden Media/Walt Disney production of "Prince Caspian" I began searching for a book which would teach both literary analysis and apologetics to my junior-senior high students. After looking at several books I selected Thomas William's "The Heart of the Chroniciles of Narnia."
The book is divided into three themes: The Story of Narnia, Living Like a Narnian and The End and the Beginning, with an introduction, afterward and discussion questions. Williams explores the Chronicles of Narnia utilizing three principles:
1. Letting C.S. Lewis explain the stories himself, using references from his other writings that illuminate the meaning of the Narnian passages and confirm his thought on given concepts.
2. Confirming the many Narnian principles with biblical references.
3. Drawing on resources from other authors.
This is an excellant resource for those who want to "dig deeper" into the Chronicles of Narnia to discover the biblical meaning within the context of Lewis' celebrated stories.