Smoke on the Mountain: An Interpretation of the Ten Commandments [Paperback]

Joy Davidman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1985

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."

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Joy Davidmanwas a poet, novelist, and religious writer. She was educated at Hunter College and Columbia University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 142 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press (January 1, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 066424680X
• ISBN-13: 978-0664246808
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #711,300 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Old Commandments, New Wine, July 4, 2000

By 

Natwhilk (Jessheim Norway) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smoke on the Mountain: An Interpretation of the Ten Commandments (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.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars After reading this book, you just might glow!, April 2, 2003

By 

Christiana Washington (Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smoke on the Mountain: An Interpretation of the Ten Commandments (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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ten Stars for this one!, June 30, 2006

By 

L. L Teuling "meloroze" (McAllen, TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Smoke on the Mountain: An Interpretation of the Ten Commandments (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!