Reflections on the Psalms
I used to be so intimidated by C.S. Lewis, not his Chronicles of Narnia, of course, but the Space trilogy and anything more, let’s say, academic. But a few years ago I read, A Grief Observed, and last year I picked up The Problem of Pain for about the 10th time (never finishing it before) and it finally worked for me. Somehow I waded through and saw the gems hidden inside. Reflections on the Psalms was the same.
This is less of a theological treatise and more of a collection of essays about different topics that surface in the Psalms. He admits it himself in the very first line: “This is not a work of scholarship.” Despite that, Lewis still brings an insightful look at problematic themes such as death, revenge, and cursing in the Psalms, then moves on toward happier thoughts on nature, delight, and the beauty of God. I found this to be informative, thoughtful, and drily humorous.
Yes, Lewis funny. Somehow anytime I take some space away from his writing, I return with surprise at how often I chuckle. Two examples here:
“But then I dare say I am a much more annoying person than I know.”
“One is sometimes (not often) glad not to be a great theologian; one might so easily mistake it for being a good Christian.”
Maybe I am the only one struck by his incisive words and wryness, but I don’t think so. Overall, I am glad to have read Lewis’s insights into the longest book of the Bible and would likely pick this up again.
P.S. This one also gets bonus points because I discovered that my copy, purchased at a nearby “Friends of the Library” used bookstore, is a first edition. Score!
