God in the Dock

Few authors become more relevant as time passes. Lewis, who died in 1963, is more relevant now than ever before. This collection of 38 essays and letters is not only enjoyable to read over and over since Lewis is a master at prose and image, it is food for your mind and soul, helping us to see reality more clearly. His sharp intellect and readable style help show the results of various codes of ethics, the joy of reading old books, the ultimate meaning of Christ, the logic of miracles, the logic of monothiesm, his doubts about animal experimentation, the morality of punishment, the nature happiness, and much more. Since each essay stands on its own, this is a convenient read for those who don't want to read a whole book or want something to ponder throughout the day.
Essays are: PART I 1)Evil and God 2)Miracles 3)Dogma and the Universe 4)Answers to Questions on Christianity 5)Myth Became Fact 6)'Horrid Red Things' 7)Religion and Science 8)The Laws of Nature 9)The Grand Miracle 10)Christian Apologetics 11)Work and Prayer 12)Man or Rabbit? 13)On the Transmission of Christianity 14)'Miserable Offenders' 15)The Founding of the Oxford Socratic Club 16)Religion without Dogma? 17)Some Thoughts 18)'The Trouble with X...' 19)What Are We to Make of Jesus Christ? 20)The Pains of Animals 21)Is Theism Important? 22)Rejoinder to Dr Pittenger 23)Must our Image of God Go?
PART II 1)Dangers of National Repentance 2)Two Ways with the Self 3)Meditation on the Third Commandment 4)On the Reading of Old Books 5)Two Lectures 6)Meditation in a Toolshed 7)Scraps 8)The Decline of Religion 9)Vivisection 10)Modern Translations of the Bible 11)Priestesses in the Church? 12)God in the Dock? 13)Behind the Scenes 14)Revival or Decay? 15)Before We Can Communicate 16)Cross-Examination
PART III 1)'Bulverism' 2)First and Second Things 3)The Sermon and the Lunch 4)The Humanitarian Theory of Punishment 5)Xmas and Christmas 6)What Christmas Means to Me 7)Delinquints in the Snow 8)Is Progress Possible? 9)We Have No 'Right to Happiness'
Part IV Letters

If Indiana Jones was a theologian, this would be the type of book he would write. This book is a collection of essays and speeches on various topics, such as evolution, miracles, absolute values, et cetera! It provides a good introduction to Clivian thought.
Despite having died in 1963, Lewis still remains relevant. He has that wonderful blend of velvet and steel, of logic and humor, that keeps us interested. Even if you are not Anglican, as I am, you still appreciate his logic, arguments, and reasoning.
Lewis never takes "the ostrich approach" to difficult questions like so man Christians. he doesn't use his faith as a security blanket, or a doge, or a trump card. And He has NEVER checked his brain in at the door! I really believe that many Christians use the "Ostrich Technique" as a cover for laziness. they prefer Sports Center, or shopping to the knuckle-work of actually understanding what we believe, and where we are going.
Lewis does none of this. He takes the questions head-on and provides a reason for belive. Remember, religion is not just an affair of the heart, but also of the mind. Remember, God invented brains. God invented logic!

First, be aware that this collection was originally published in the UK under the title "Undeceptions - Essays on Theology and Ethics". Next, be aware that there is a UK Fontana paperback lurking about called "God in the Dock - Essays on Theology" that is substantially shorter than this collection. Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware).
Second, the reader should know that Lewis's shorter works were generally originally composed as speeches or as articles for periodicals. Various sets of them were collected and published in book form both during his life and after his death. Trying to determine what works are in what collections is difficult - most works appear in more than one collection, some works appear under more than one title, and some collections (including this one) appear under more than one title.
To aid readers, in this review I've listed the works in this collection, with notes indicating other collections they have appeared in. Where a work has appeared under more than one title, I give both titles separated by a slash.
Table of Contents:
"Answers to Questions on Christianity" (1), (2), (3)
"Before We Can Communicate" (3), (4)
"Behind the Scenes" (3), (5)
"Bulverism: or The Foundation of Twentieth Century Thought" (3), (4), (6)
"Christian Apologetics" (1), (2), (3), (6)
"Cross-Examination" / "I was Decided Upon" & "Heaven, Earth and Outer Space" (1), (3), (5)
"Dangers of National Repentance" (1), (3), (5)
"Delinquents in the Snow" (3), (5)
"Dogma and the Universe" / "Dogma and the Universe" & "Dogma and Science" (1), (3)
"Evil and God" (3), (5)
"First and Second Things" (3), (4), (6)
"God in the Dock" / "Difficulties in Presenting the Christian Faith to Unbelievers" (1), (3)
"'Horrid Red Things'" (1), (3), (4), (6)
"Is Progress Possible?"
"Is Theism Important?" (2), (3), (6)
"Man or Rabbit?" (1), (3)
"Meditation in a Toolshed" (3), (4), (6)
"Meditation on the Third Commandment" (3), (5)
"Miracles" (1), (3)
"Miserable Offenders: An Interpretation of Prayer Book Language" (3), (5)
"Modern Translations of the Bible" (1), (3), (4), (6)
"Must Our Image of God Go?" (3)
"Myth Became Fact" (1), (3)
"On the Reading of Old Books" (1), (3), (4)
"On the Transmission of Christianity" (3), (4)
"Priestesses in the Church" (3)
"Rejoinder to Dr. Pittenger" (2)
"Religion and Science" (1), (3)
"Religion Without Dogma?" / "A Christian Reply to Professor Price" (1), (2), (3), (6)
"Revival or Decay?" (3), (4)
"Scraps" (1), (3), (5)
"Some Thoughts" (1), (3), (4), (6)
"The Decline of Religion" (1), (3), (4), (6)
"The Founding of the Oxford Socratic Club" (2), (3)
"The Grand Miracle" (1), (3)
"The Humanitarian Theory of Punishment" (3), (4), (6)
"The Laws of Nature" (1), (3)
"The Pains of Animals" (2), (3)
"The Sermon and the Lunch" (1), (3), (4)
"'The Trouble With "X" ...'" (1), (3)
"Two Lectures" (3), (4)
"Two Ways With the Self" (1), (3), (5)
"Vivisection" (1), (3), (4), (6)
"We Have No 'Right to Happiness'" (3)
"What are We to Make of Jesus Christ?" (1), (3)
"What Christmas Means to Me" (1), (3), (5)
"Work and Prayer" (1), (3)
"XMas and Christmas: A Lost Chapter from Herodotus" (3), (4), (6)
Notes:
(1) also published in "The Grand Miracle, and Other Selected Essays on Theology and Ethics"
(2) also published in "Timeless at Heart: Essays on Theology"
(3) also published in "Essay Collection and Other Short Pieces"
(4) also published in "First and Second Things: Essays on Theology and Ethics"
(5) also published in "Christian Reunion and Other Essays"
(6) also published in "Compelling Reason"
Recommendations:
If you are interested in Lewis's shorter works, my best advice is to get "Essay Collection and Other Short Pieces", which, as of the time of this writing, is available from the store UK but not the store US. That collection consists of about 130 short works by Lewis. The works in that collection are mostly, but not exclusively, Christian.
If your interest in Lewis's shorter works is restricted to those on Christianity, and your budget or enthusiasm does not run to "Essay Collection and Other Short Pieces", then my second-best advice is to get any or all of the following (they don't overlap significantly, and between them they include most of Lewis's shorter Christian writings):
"God in the Dock - Essays on Theology and Ethics"
"The World's Last Night and Other Essays"
"Christian Reflections"
"The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses"

Lewis was prolific thinker, reader and writer on theology and ethics, two of his real passions. Here collected some of them, 25 around plus some letters.

We find him commenting on wide range of subjects, from decline or rise of Christianity in England of his day to apologetics to capital punishment to the question of animals in heaven, or women as pastors.

If this hasn't sufficiently whetted your appetitie to read, likely you're not interested in such as Lewis was, and wouldn't enjoy this great read at all.

But if you're hooked, you'll be landed with gratification after pouring over selected or all these well done writings. As another reviewer so correctly pointed out, one truly gets more insight into the man's thoughts and personality from these. One that truly captivated this reviewer was: The Decline of Religion. Here he wrestles with significant topic, does empty pews suggest decline in Chrisianity? He has not illusions as so many do that the true church is visible, and flushes all prestensions away for those who have not the true motivator for pew occupance. Commenting on storm of Christian activity at Oxford for faith as sign of comeback of faith he comments: "The propagandist, the apologist, only represents John Baptist: the Preacher represents the Lord Himself. He will be sent--or else he will not. But unless he comes we mere Christian intellectuals will not effect very much. That does not mean we should down tools." Well said.

The more of these I read, the more I like the man. Would have been wonderful to sit by a fire as at Inklings gathering and talk over cigar or pipe and coffee and other libations. Yet, seems just like that in these remanants of his thinking.

Mere Christianity is still the best introduction to Lewis in non-fiction, but God in the Dock follows up with his thoughts on a variety of topics related to Christianity. Lewis is masterful at weaving humor into his serious arguments. This is not a light read. His style is a bit dry for those used to a more American tone, and he discusses difficult subjects such as the nature of thought or vivisection. He often refers to or quotes authors from a variety of time periods without additional explanation. Some readers may find that disconcerting. I have immensely enjoyed it and look forward to reading this book again and again, after I loan it to a few friends.

This books is Lewis at his Theological best! I recently ordered this book in order to gain some knowledge and input on the world's most insightful authors...C.S. Lewis. I needed some help regarding certain theological questions, and I knew that this books would help me. I was not wrong in my thinking. It has not only helped me, but given me peace and wisdom on important matters within Christianity and life in general.
"God in the Dock" is a culmination of the various beliefs that C.S. Lewis had. HE covers all matters from Animal Suffering to Women in the Ministry. For a Christian, this would be a useful reference. For some this masterpiece may be a little too deep and hard to understand, but with an open mind, it would be easy.
All in All, this book is wonderful (like all of C.S. Lewis's books.) I highly reccomend it!

The long-time friend and for some years personal secretary of C.S. Lewis has gathered and edited this anthology of essays. Written over a 24 year period and almost all published in book form here for the first time (one never published anywhere before). They range from popular pieces written for newspapers to more learned defenses of the faith. All are serious, but not "gloomy." Good reading for those who really want to know their Lewis!

C.S. Lewis has long been my favorite author because of his lucid interpretation of what Christianity is all about (Mere Christianity), the Problem of Evil (Problem of Pain), bereavement (A Grief Observed), etc. I have over 40 books by Lewis and I would regard this one as one of the most valuable, for it sheds light on many of Lewis's views through a plethora of witty essays. This book is also very reasonably priced and quite meaty. Every essay is thought-provoking. This is a wonderful book for one who wants to get a handle on what Lewis believed (in regards to philosophy, at least). An invaluable book to add to the library for under $15.

Daniel

This collection of essays was written in response to various issues in science, politics, and other aspects of culture. His Christian faith provides Lewis with a basis for responding to culture and engaging the ideas of his day. Many of the issues covered are still topical today. This book not only helps us to grapple with these issues, it also exhibits a rhetorical framework that might be used in developing responses to other current cultural issues.

1. This book challenged and enlightened me.

2. I found much food for thought.

3. I felt again the pure genius of Lewis's insights and writings.

4. I refer to this book often.

5. I am always amazed at the relevancy of his messages.

6. This book is life-changing and powerful!

You know a book is packed with wisdom and insight, when you find yourself repeatedly referring back to it for quotes. God in the Dock (an expression referring to the courtroom dock / witness stand), covers such a wide range of topics, from evil and miracles and myth to creation/evolution, ethics and ordinary human squabbles.

I bought this book because of the title, hoping to get a good answer from a famous Christian writer about how we should think about god -- how we could judge him for all the unnecessary bad things that he caused or allows to exist (e.g. death, disease, pain, unhappiness, uncertainty about which is the best religion or true deity). Yes, I know he also causes good things, but that doesnt justify the bad stuff.

This book is a collection of essays (more like sermons), only one of which has the same title as the book. In that essay, the writer only gets to the main issue (putting God "in the dock", i.e., judging him) on the last page, and then disappointingly, he avoids answering the issue entirely: Lewis basically says that simply you should not put God in the dock, you should not judge Him.

My point is that we *must* judge God, since there are many religions and many gods. How do we decide which is worth worshiping if we don't judge them all and come to a decision? Do we just follow the god or religion of the local society or family we happen to be born in? If so, part of my family has Shinto beliefs, part animist, part pagan. If I just follow them, then I'm sorry, but the Christian God doesnt get a look-in.

Even if I assume the Christian God is the best or only god, then the problem is that there are many versions of him (Catholic, Mormon, all sorts of Protestant, Jehovah Witnesses, Moonies, and the various Christian groups are often arguing with each other, or sometimes using violence against eachother.) Which version of the Christian god do I choose and under what logic do I choose him? (If you say that "logic" shouldn't come in to it, that I should follow my heart, then I'm afraid I would go for the Shinto beliefs.

What I'm saying is that I (and everyone else) *should* judge the various gods available and choose the best one.

Lewis seems to think like the present pope, who has said:

"The arrogance that would make God an object and impose our laboratory conditions upon him is incapable of finding him. For it already implies that we deny God as God by placing ourselves above him ... by no longer acknowledging as real anything but what we can experimentally test and grasp. To think like that is to make oneself God. And to do that is to abase not only God, but the world and oneself"

The problem with this argument is that it can be used to force obedience to any religious or political tyranny. The point can be made very simply be replacing the noun God with any of the following and more: Zeus, Our Dear Leader, Allah, the Celestial Teapot. Choose your authority and this argument will make it immune to scrutiny.

After reading Lewis (including his better known book, "Mere Christianity") and also Richard Dawkins, I must say Dawkins tackles these problems straight on, avoiding the circular reasoning that Lewis engages in (i.e., Lewis uses the Christian God to justify the Christian God, or the Bible to justify the bible, which is just plain silly.). I will always keep an open mind, but Lewis disappointed me.

Have you ever wanted to read C.S. Lewis' thoughts on a variety of subjects? If so, then this book is for you. There are 48 separate essays, which vary in length from a few pages to around 12. Such topics include "Religion and Science," "Is Theism Important?" "The Decline of Religion," and the actual essay entitled "God in the Dock." The latter essay is about how we put ourselves on the bench and God in the dock. We will believe in God only if he answers the hard questions for us, and then we may actually "acquit" God. Like Lewis' other works, it is very thought prokoving. There are also 12 letters which Lewis wrote that cover a variety of topics including capital punishment and singing hymns. These letters show both Lewis' personality and intellect. When I first checked this book out of the library and read a few of the essays, I had to buy it. For a long time I have asked myself, "What does Lewis think of this or that issue?" This book is a good way to find out basically what he believes. I don't think reading these essays is an excuse not to read his longer works (such as the utterly amazing "Great Divorce), but they do give a broad picture of what Lewis thinks.