Meditative but also literary contemplation of the Psalms

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	• Reflections on the Psalms (Harvest Book) C.S. Lewis Harvest Books, 1964 - 168 pages average customer review:based on 9 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Great Information but not easy to read

C.S. Lewis points out some very interesting facts and shows you his perspective on the psalms. He uses several different aspects to review such as their view of death, afterlife, suffering, etc. He points out that the Psalms are songs and should be interprated with that fact in mind. That alone adds a new perspective to the Psalms. He also makes it clear that the Psalms are not neccessarily to be viewed from a Christian perspective because the writers were not Christians.

The only downside I can see in the book is C.S. Lewis' writing style. He supposes his readers know certain historical figures and are versed in numerous literary writings on certain subjects. If you are not a person who reads these types of things all the time it may come difficult for you. Either way you will still get something out of it. Many time Christians, such as myself, try to make something in the Bible what we want it to be, and I believe we have done that to the Psalms over and over again. Have a read!

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Meditative but also literary contemplation of the Psalms

This was a lovely book: not what I thought it'd be and all the better for it. Lewis's clear and reassuring insights into Christianity here combine with his adroit literary criticism, making this one of his most "formal" books--this is true despite his typical disclaimers about its seriousness or depth at the beginning. It is not so much a set of "postcard" or fortune cookie reflections, as might be found in various mediation books, as a thoughtful pondering of the Psalms' formal characteristics.

Beginning with the elements and characteristics of the Psalms that he finds most troublesome--"to polish off the nasty things first and leaves the titbits for the end"--Lewis looks at themes and recurring subjects without ever forgetting that the Psalms are poems, and Jewish poems at that. He weaves historical contextualization and a keen understanding of poetics into his frankly Christian assessment. For my money, the late chapters in the book on "Second Meanings" and "Scripture" are worth the price of the book. Lewis is very helpful on "reading too much" into scripture, and on appreciating the subtleties of scriptural interpretation generally.

It ends raggedly and abruptly, and there were plenty of things I wish Lewis had discussed more fully. But so excellent and helpful was the book that what I really wish is that he had done this kind of examination with more books of the Bible. Lewis had such a remarkable gift for articulating the common misgivings and doubts of believers, and for finding memorable and plausible ways of answering them.

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Not what I was looking for, but all the better!

In ordering this book, I had hoped Lewis would go into indepth reflections on the psalms; he does not. Instead he explore themes that influenced the psalms, he looks at certain misunderstandings, such as those people who are inclined to put pagan mythology and scripture on the same plane. He also draws out themes from the psalms, such as royalty, looks at what they meant in the ancient world, and what they mean in the Christian context. Additionally he does look at various passages from the psalms, and ponders the meaning of them, in particular I enjoyed his interpretation of the verse in Psalm 137 which speaks of bashing the heads of Babylonian babies on rocks, he really put it in quite an acceptable light.(to find out what it is, pick up the book!)

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A Master of Literature Reviews the Psalms

It had been awhile since I read any CS Lewis when I picked up this book. It is much different than others I have read, but it was quite enjoyable. Instead of analyzing specific Psalms in detail, Lewis takes a more thematic approach. This method allows him to connect the dots between specific Psalms, and other passage of Scripture as well.

Overall, Lewis does a tremendous job of making his points, and highlighting the fact that the Psalms are poems, and not doctrinal statements. Although I do not agree with all of his conclusions, Lewis really does make you think. I appreciate the fact that I felt like I had completed a successful journey through the book of Psalms after reading the book. It really opened my eyes to some new insights - which is refreshing.

If you like CS Lewis, or are interested in learning more about the Book of Psalms, then I highly recommend this book. You will see something there that you did not see before.

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Personal, powerful, intimate

This is not a commentary on the Psalms - this is Lewis wrestling personally with the Psalms, around issues near and dear to his heart. But what better way to encounter the Psalms? They are written as a songbook, as lyrical poems from the heart of one worshiper to another. They aren't primarily doctrinal theses, they are artworks of exceeding skill and ability. Lewis is intellectually and devotionally equipped to engage with the Psalms at a deep level. I love reading his meditations on the Psalms.

reviews: page 1, 2

Lewis writes here about the difficulties he has met or the joys he has gained in reading the Psalms. He points out that the Psalms are poems, intended to be sung, not doctrinal treatises or sermons. Proceeding with his characteristic grace, he guides readers through both the form and the meaning of these beloved passages in the Bible.

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