This celebrated book, a dynamic and original interpretation of the Ten Commandments, is enhanced by a thoughtful introduction by C. S. Lewis, the author's husband. Lewis writes, "the flaw in us which Joy Davidman seems to me to expose with most certainty will be to some perhaps an unexpected one: the sin of fear . . . quite simply, cowardice."
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About the Author
Joy Davidmanwas a poet, novelist, and religious writer. She was educated at Hunter College and Columbia University.
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27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By Natwhilk
Format:Paperback
Joy Davidman was a communist and an atheist before she met God - or, God met her. In this book, she comments upon the ten commandments as they stood out for a 20th Century, American Jew believing in Jesus as the Messiah. The foreword by C. S. Lewis, whom she married later, probably enhances the interest for this book, as does the book and movie Shadowlands (on their life together). But once opened, it needs no further help. Her outlook is sharp and perceptive. The examples are, admittedly, not as up to date as they were fifty years ago, but nor are they dated. The gist of the book is that the commandments are relevant and good in modern life, and that holds true still.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I had to come down off of the mountain after reading this book! The spiritual high that it produced was nothing shy of immaculate. I was so impressed with this woman's perspective on the Christian life, especially coming from the Atheistic background that she did. One would not expect such enlightened 'Christian' thoughts from a woman who at one time, hated all things religious. This book changed my outlook on a number of issues and really touched me. I recommend it to anyone who wants a fresh new look at the 10 Commandments. Beautiful, bold, and truly as classic as anything her husband, C.S. Lewis wrote.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Joy Davidman was an American born poet critic, novelist and Christian writer who later married Christian apologist C. S. Lewis. She was born Jewish, spent some time in the Communist party and later accepted Christianity. This book, written in the 50's, was written about the implications of the Ten Commandments for contemporary society -- and in my opinion, it is as up to date now as when it was written.
Each commandment is explained in the way that only a person of Jewish background can do. She often compares and contrasts our society today with the time in which the commandments were originally given. This helps the reader to understand them in more detail.
The only way I could list everything that has helped me from this book would be to rewrite the book here -- which, of course, would be impractical.
Where would I start?
Each chapter is full of insights that will make you stop -- many times -- and think and reflect. In her chapter "Day of Rejoicing" which deals with keeping the Sabbath, she points out how people through the history of Judaism and Christianity have taken the Sabbath and made it into a chore as opposed to the day of rejoicing and celebration that it was supposed to be. (It made me remember my own religious upbringing where I was surrounded by a big list of things that I was NOT supposed to do on Sunday.) She ends the chapter with a question and answer:
Q. How do you keep a day holy?
A. By seeing that it is holy already and behaving accordingly.
In her chapter about adultery, she is even bold enough to say, ". . . true and Christian remedy . . . is to hold the men to as high a standard as women."
On the subject of guilt she says, "For the only way to get rid of a sin is to admit it . . . the Christian is the only man who does NOT go around all the time feeling guilty. For him, sin is a burden he can lay down,. . . It is the unfortunate creature who denies the existence of sin in general or his own in particular who must go on carrying it forever."
It is rich with biblical and historical information and guaranteed to build your faith.
You'll love it!
Each commandment is explained in the way that only a person of Jewish background can do. She often compares and contrasts our society today with the time in which the commandments were originally given. This helps the reader to understand them in more detail.
The only way I could list everything that has helped me from this book would be to rewrite the book here -- which, of course, would be impractical.
Where would I start?
Each chapter is full of insights that will make you stop -- many times -- and think and reflect. In her chapter "Day of Rejoicing" which deals with keeping the Sabbath, she points out how people through the history of Judaism and Christianity have taken the Sabbath and made it into a chore as opposed to the day of rejoicing and celebration that it was supposed to be. (It made me remember my own religious upbringing where I was surrounded by a big list of things that I was NOT supposed to do on Sunday.) She ends the chapter with a question and answer:
Q. How do you keep a day holy?
A. By seeing that it is holy already and behaving accordingly.
In her chapter about adultery, she is even bold enough to say, ". . . true and Christian remedy . . . is to hold the men to as high a standard as women."
On the subject of guilt she says, "For the only way to get rid of a sin is to admit it . . . the Christian is the only man who does NOT go around all the time feeling guilty. For him, sin is a burden he can lay down,. . . It is the unfortunate creature who denies the existence of sin in general or his own in particular who must go on carrying it forever."
It is rich with biblical and historical information and guaranteed to build your faith.
You'll love it!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Petite Scholar
For C. S. Lewis fans, this book written by his wife is a must read. She presents a clear and scholarly explanation of the Ten Commandments from the background of her Jewish... Read more
Published on April 24, 2011 by petite scholar
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Reflection
G.K. Chesterton once described with mirth the experience of imagining Churches turned upside down, their spires pointing into the ground. Read more
Published on December 4, 2010 by J. Rios
5.0 out of 5 stars
No Wonder CS Lewis Loved Her - Brilliant Woman!
There is very little I can add to what other reviewers have said. When I read this gem of a book, I realized the attraction between C.S. Lewis and Ms. Gresham. Read more
Published on December 26, 2006 by Lady and a Scholar
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a treasure!
This book is packed with wonderful stories and illustrations, a great resource for sermons and Bible studies. Read more
Published on February 23, 2006 by Nancy Good
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Rich Insightful Look at the Ten Commandments
Joy Davidman, aurthor, thinker, ex-atheists turn Chrsitian, wrote this book as an examination, not only on the Ten Comamndments, but as C.S. Read more
Published on September 4, 2002 by K.H.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fresh perspective and radiant insights in this book!
I read this book with great pleasure and if you are looking for a unique perspective on the Ten-Commandments then this is the book to read.
Published on May 7, 2002 by "beggarbooks"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very unusual and original perspective-delightful reading!
This book is unusual because it is so unique. Davidman writes about the the ten commandments in a way like no other traditional Christian or Jewish author. Read more
Published on April 30, 2002 by "beggarbooks"
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