Comments on: C.S. Lewis, Wartime and Britain http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/2009/08/30/cs-lewis-wartime-and-britain/ Bill Muehlenberg's commentary on issues of the day... Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:57:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Bill Muehlenberg http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/2009/08/30/cs-lewis-wartime-and-britain/comment-page-1/#comment-260325 Bill Muehlenberg Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:40:51 +0000 http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/?p=1846#comment-260325 Thanks Annette Actually there is more than one version of the film. The 1993 Hollywood version starring Anthony Hopkins is not as good in demonstrating his Christian faith during this ordeal. The older 1985 BBC film, <em>Through the Shadowlands</em>, starring Josh Ackland, was much better. See here, eg: http://www.amazon.com/C-S-Lewis-Shadowlands-Joss-Ackland/dp/B0002US528/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1326947641&sr=1-2 Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch Thanks Annette

Actually there is more than one version of the film. The 1993 Hollywood version starring Anthony Hopkins is not as good in demonstrating his Christian faith during this ordeal. The older 1985 BBC film, Through the Shadowlands, starring Josh Ackland, was much better. See here, eg:

www.amazon.com/C-S-Lewis-Shadowlands-Joss-Ackland/dp/B0002US528/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1326947641&sr=1-2

Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch

]]> By: Annette Nestor http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/2009/08/30/cs-lewis-wartime-and-britain/comment-page-1/#comment-260313 Annette Nestor Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:34:19 +0000 http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/?p=1846#comment-260313 I saw a book called <em>Joy and C.S. Lewis: The Story of an Extraordinary Marriage</em> by Lyle W. Dorsett in a 2nd hand book store. It was only $1, so I grabbed it! I'm half way through. On the back cover, it mentions a film called <em> Shadowlands</em> which retells the unlikely love story. I expect you've seen the movie – do you recommend it? A quick check tells me my public library has it. Annette Nestor I saw a book called Joy and C.S. Lewis: The Story of an Extraordinary Marriage by Lyle W. Dorsett in a 2nd hand book store. It was only $1, so I grabbed it! I’m half way through.

On the back cover, it mentions a film called Shadowlands which retells the unlikely love story.
I expect you’ve seen the movie – do you recommend it? A quick check tells me my public library has it.

Annette Nestor

]]> By: John Thomas http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/2009/08/30/cs-lewis-wartime-and-britain/comment-page-1/#comment-153152 John Thomas Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:28:58 +0000 http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/?p=1846#comment-153152 Yes, this is a good book, which I came across a while ago. The BBC was, indeed, a truly great, civislising, enlightening (in the best sense) organisation - once. John Thomas Yes, this is a good book, which I came across a while ago. The BBC was, indeed, a truly great, civislising, enlightening (in the best sense) organisation – once.
John Thomas

]]> By: John Snowden http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/2009/08/30/cs-lewis-wartime-and-britain/comment-page-1/#comment-153057 John Snowden Sun, 06 Sep 2009 12:29:30 +0000 http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/?p=1846#comment-153057 I couldn't stand a bar of Lewis when I was young. Now I admire him and read him fairly often. Another broadcaster-intellectual that I disliked was C.E.M. Joad, an atheist who converted to Christianity. It is interesting to re-read authors from one's youth to see how one's feelings have changed. Nietzsche is now an abomination, and Santayana still spends pages saying very little but saying it beautifully. Frustrating as ever. Then there is Chesterton. Indispensible. John Snowden I couldn’t stand a bar of Lewis when I was young. Now I admire him and read him fairly often. Another broadcaster-intellectual that I disliked was C.E.M. Joad, an atheist who converted to Christianity. It is interesting to re-read authors from one’s youth to see how one’s feelings have changed. Nietzsche is now an abomination, and Santayana still spends pages saying very little but saying it beautifully. Frustrating as ever. Then there is Chesterton. Indispensible.
John Snowden

]]> By: david skinner http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/2009/08/30/cs-lewis-wartime-and-britain/comment-page-1/#comment-152903 david skinner Sat, 05 Sep 2009 06:31:22 +0000 http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/?p=1846#comment-152903 The Office of Communications (Ofcom) is the UK regulator for both broadcasting and telecommunications. It is the body to which consumers can appeal if they think that the media are abusing their power or breaking laws. Thursday, September 3rd, the public, via the group of lawyers who defend Christians being discriminated against, called Christian Concern For Our Nation (CCFON), were warned to fill in a consultation form that had to be in by 5.00 p.m. on the following day, the 4th September. The CCFON asked us urgently to respond to the Ofcom Broadcasting Code Review on “Sexual Material” Rules. Their message was, “In our opinion, the primary aim in the broadcasting of sexual material should be to protect children and those under 18 years of age. In order to provide adequate protection for children and the under 18’s, neither “strong” sexual material, nor “adult-sex” material should be broadcast on television. Whilst as Christians we do not believe that such material should be broadcast at all, as a minimum protection they should be reserved for adult channels which have mandatory access restrictions such as encryption or pin codes. We apologise for the short notice of this request, but we only recently became aware of the consultation. It is important to respond to this consultation in order to prevent young minds and hearts from being polluted. We would appreciate your taking the time to respond, in order to try to make a difference to the type of sexual material that is broadcast daily. The Ofcom Code plays an important role in what is allowed to be broadcast on TV and radio. The deadline for submitting responses is Friday, 4th September at 5 p.m.” Listen up folks, whenever the government kindly invites us to respond to a “Consultation” you can bet your bottom dollar that this is merely a Public Relation exercise and that it has already decided what it will do, regardless of any “Consultation.” Realistically how many of the public who are already stressed out, distracted and confused, concerning life in general, are going to put themselves through reading reams of legal abstractions, especially if they are asked to do it within 24 hours? The Consultation can be found here: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/bcode09/main.pdf For comparison purposes, Section One of the current Code can be found here: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/ifi/codes/bcode The current guidance notes can be found here: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/ifi/guidance/bguidance Please see how to respond to an Ofcom consultation here: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/bcode09/howtorespond In order to respond to this consultation using the online form, please go to: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/bcode09/howtorespond/form I can think of one appropriate response to this so - called consultation process; it is not filling in a form. I wonder how C.S. Lewis would have responded. David Skinner, UK The Office of Communications (Ofcom) is the UK regulator for both broadcasting and telecommunications. It is the body to which consumers can appeal if they think that the media are abusing their power or breaking laws.

Thursday, September 3rd, the public, via the group of lawyers who defend Christians being discriminated against, called Christian Concern For Our Nation (CCFON), were warned to fill in a consultation form that had to be in by 5.00 p.m. on the following day, the 4th September.

The CCFON asked us urgently to respond to the Ofcom Broadcasting Code Review on “Sexual Material” Rules. Their message was,

“In our opinion, the primary aim in the broadcasting of sexual material should be to protect children and those under 18 years of age. In order to provide adequate protection for children and the under 18’s, neither “strong” sexual material, nor “adult-sex” material should be broadcast on television. Whilst as Christians we do not believe that such material should be broadcast at all, as a minimum protection they should be reserved for adult channels which have mandatory access restrictions such as encryption or pin codes. We apologise for the short notice of this request, but we only recently became aware of the consultation. It is important to respond to this consultation in order to prevent young minds and hearts from being polluted.
We would appreciate your taking the time to respond, in order to try to make a difference to the type of sexual material that is broadcast daily. The Ofcom Code plays an important role in what is allowed to be broadcast on TV and radio. The deadline for submitting responses is Friday, 4th September at 5 p.m.”

Listen up folks, whenever the government kindly invites us to respond to a “Consultation” you can bet your bottom dollar that this is merely a Public Relation exercise and that it has already decided what it will do, regardless of any “Consultation.”

Realistically how many of the public who are already stressed out, distracted and confused, concerning life in general, are going to put themselves through reading reams of legal abstractions, especially if they are asked to do it within 24 hours?

The Consultation can be found here:

www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/bcode09/main.pdf
For comparison purposes, Section One of the current Code can be found here:
www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/ifi/codes/bcode
The current guidance notes can be found here:
www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/ifi/guidance/bguidance
Please see how to respond to an Ofcom consultation here:
www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/bcode09/howtorespond
In order to respond to this consultation using the online form, please go to:
www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/bcode09/howtorespond/form

I can think of one appropriate response to this so – called consultation process; it is not filling in a form. I wonder how C.S. Lewis would have responded.

David Skinner, UK

]]> By: david skinner http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/2009/08/30/cs-lewis-wartime-and-britain/comment-page-1/#comment-152800 david skinner Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:12:40 +0000 http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/?p=1846#comment-152800 I have recently received this alert from Steven Green of Christianwatch. “The BBC's Songs of Praise is 'Music and worship, featuring members of the public in song in churches and chapels across the UK.' It is the BBC's flagship Christian programme, and is at its best edifying and uplifting. Despite the BBC's perverse appointment in May this year of Muslim programme maker Aaqil Ahmed to be Head of Religion and Ethics, Songs of Praise has kept its format of hymns and interviews with local Christians as it moves around the country. On Sunday 6th September, Songs of Praise comes from Southwark Cathedral and presenter Diane-Louise Jordan visits the area. Of all the people the producers could invite on to the programme, they have chosen the dreadful Jo Brand 'who reveals an unexpected spiritual side'. From what I have seen and heard of her, Jo Brand is a foul-mouthed, self-absorbed, anti-Christian comedienne who came to fame with jokes about menstruation in an act laced with anti-male bile. She is crass and crude, but the BBC think she is 'edgy', so they regularly put her on programmes like 'QI', 'Have I got news for you' and 'Never mind the Buzzcocks'. Ten years ago, in The Independent, she characterised Christians as either psychotic or smug, which is ironic considering that while her own misandry may not stretch to madness, she fairly reeks of self-satisfaction. If Labour Party stalwart Jo Brand has a spiritual side it will be remarkable if it boils down to anything other than a feminist/socialist manifesto. In fact, a far better work is being done quietly just yards from Southwark Cathedral than all Jo Brand's potty-mouthed oeuvre. At St Thomas' Hospital, surgeons and nurses are trying to save the lives of babies with heart conditions. The struggle for life and the tragedy of death are daily realities. How does a surgeon cope knowing that many of his patients will not survive? How does a nurse tell parents their baby is dying? How does the hospital chaplain help the bereaved face the future? These questions and the responses would surely have provided a far better testimony on Songs of Praise than giving a platform for the ramblings of a fashionable non-believing celebrity. God is a God of miracles. After twelve years of marriage and now having two young daughters, perhaps she has repented of her sins and turned to the Jesus whose followers she ridiculed that time in the Indy. Sorry, but I am not counting on it. Call me lacking in belief, but my faith stops at walking on water, raising the dead and feeding the five thousand. Still, perhaps I shall be pleasantly surprised. Whenever I complain to the BBC ( whilst at the same time praising it for its good programmes such “Coast”), concerning its blatant gay and atheist propaganda, the stock answer is that they have to cater for the masses and that if I don’t like what is on the box I can always turn it off. Recently I was told in so many words that the views of the elderly ( anyone over 60) were no longer of any relevance and that perhaps I should just listen to the radio! In the reception area of BBC Broadcasting House there hangs a commemorative plaque that reads: This temple of the arts and muses is dedicated to Almighty God by the first Governors in the year of our Lord 1931, John Reith being Director-General. And they pray that good seed sown may bring forth good harvest, that all things foul or hostile to peace may be banished thence, and that the people inclining their ear to whatsoever things are lovely and honest, whatsoever things are of good report, may tread the path of virtue and wisdom. This is obviously inspired by Philippians 4:8 and whenever I have point this out to them they have no answer. http://www.christianvoice.org.uk/ David Skinner, UK I have recently received this alert from Steven Green of Christianwatch.

“The BBC’s Songs of Praise is ‘Music and worship, featuring members of the public in song in churches and chapels across the UK.’ It is the BBC’s flagship Christian programme, and is at its best edifying and uplifting.
Despite the BBC’s perverse appointment in May this year of Muslim programme maker Aaqil Ahmed to be Head of Religion and Ethics, Songs of Praise has kept its format of hymns and interviews with local Christians as it moves around the country.
On Sunday 6th September, Songs of Praise comes from Southwark Cathedral and presenter Diane-Louise Jordan visits the area. Of all the people the producers could invite on to the programme, they have chosen the dreadful Jo Brand ‘who reveals an unexpected spiritual side’.
From what I have seen and heard of her, Jo Brand is a foul-mouthed, self-absorbed, anti-Christian comedienne who came to fame with jokes about menstruation in an act laced with anti-male bile. She is crass and crude, but the BBC think she is ‘edgy’, so they regularly put her on programmes like ‘QI’, ‘Have I got news for you’ and ‘Never mind the Buzzcocks’.
Ten years ago, in The Independent, she characterised Christians as either psychotic or smug, which is ironic considering that while her own misandry may not stretch to madness, she fairly reeks of self-satisfaction. If Labour Party stalwart Jo Brand has a spiritual side it will be remarkable if it boils down to anything other than a feminist/socialist manifesto.
In fact, a far better work is being done quietly just yards from Southwark Cathedral than all Jo Brand’s potty-mouthed oeuvre. At St Thomas’ Hospital, surgeons and nurses are trying to save the lives of babies with heart conditions. The struggle for life and the tragedy of death are daily realities. How does a surgeon cope knowing that many of his patients will not survive? How does a nurse tell parents their baby is dying? How does the hospital chaplain help the bereaved face the future?
These questions and the responses would surely have provided a far better testimony on Songs of Praise than giving a platform for the ramblings of a fashionable non-believing celebrity.
God is a God of miracles. After twelve years of marriage and now having two young daughters, perhaps she has repented of her sins and turned to the Jesus whose followers she ridiculed that time in the Indy. Sorry, but I am not counting on it. Call me lacking in belief, but my faith stops at walking on water, raising the dead and feeding the five thousand. Still, perhaps I shall be pleasantly surprised.

Whenever I complain to the BBC ( whilst at the same time praising it for its good programmes such “Coast”), concerning its blatant gay and atheist propaganda, the stock answer is that they have to cater for the masses and that if I don’t like what is on the box I can always turn it off. Recently I was told in so many words that the views of the elderly ( anyone over 60) were no longer of any relevance and that perhaps I should just listen to the radio!

In the reception area of BBC Broadcasting House there hangs a commemorative plaque that reads:

This temple of the arts and muses is dedicated to Almighty God by the first Governors in the year of our Lord 1931, John Reith being Director-General. And they pray that good seed sown may bring forth good harvest, that all things foul or hostile to peace may be banished thence, and that the people inclining their ear to whatsoever things are lovely and honest, whatsoever things are of good report, may tread the path of virtue and wisdom.

This is obviously inspired by Philippians 4:8 and whenever I have point this out to them they have no answer.

www.christianvoice.org.uk/

David Skinner, UK

]]> By: wayne http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/2009/08/30/cs-lewis-wartime-and-britain/comment-page-1/#comment-152511 wayne Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:47:43 +0000 http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/?p=1846#comment-152511 I was at the Nunawading Library and was in the religious section. A woman asked for assistance from a librarian, as she was apparently doing an essay on the non-existence of God. The librarian pulled out a book which was about christian responses to hitchens or dawkins and said 'don't get me started on christianity". After she had left i said to the woman "after you have done that, read CS LEWIS'S Surprised by Joy to get a another perspective". She looked quite shocked and mumbled "thanks". That book was helpful to me in my formative years when I was questioning my faith. I also like the fact that it's title is also a tribute to his wife Joy Grescham who he married and nursed when she was dying of bone cancer. Wayne Pelling I was at the Nunawading Library and was in the religious section. A woman asked for assistance from a librarian, as she was apparently doing an essay on the non-existence of God. The librarian pulled out a book which was about christian responses to hitchens or dawkins and said ‘don’t get me started on christianity”. After she had left i said to the woman “after you have done that, read CS LEWIS’S Surprised by Joy to get a another perspective”. She looked quite shocked and mumbled “thanks”. That book was helpful to me in my formative years when I was questioning my faith. I also like the fact that it’s title is also a tribute to his wife Joy Grescham who he married and nursed when she was dying of bone cancer.
Wayne Pelling

]]> By: Bill Muehlenberg http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/2009/08/30/cs-lewis-wartime-and-britain/comment-page-1/#comment-152500 Bill Muehlenberg Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:45:17 +0000 http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/?p=1846#comment-152500 Thanks Keith Hey, any time you buy a C.S. Lewis book it is money well spent! Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch Thanks Keith

Hey, any time you buy a C.S. Lewis book it is money well spent!

Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch

]]> By: harrold steward http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/2009/08/30/cs-lewis-wartime-and-britain/comment-page-1/#comment-152339 harrold steward Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:52:12 +0000 http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/?p=1846#comment-152339 Thank you, Bill, for this astounding account of C S Lewis. Is it a summons to pray for such national leadership? Martin Lloyd Jones graduated from medicine to influence UK for God. Hudson Taylor went to China to lay the structure for the present awakening. India 's Bahkt Singh taught vast numbers, including 2 million at his memorial service. Romania produced Richard Wurmbrandt. Who prayed? Chuck Colson (White House) structured Prison fellowship, remodelling lives in Christ. Bill Bright's missionary vision was vast, while Ralph Winter gave a new concept of missionary enterprise. Billy Graham reached more than any other for Christ. Luis Pulau touched the Hispanic world for his Lord. Edwin Orr (3 earned doctorates) researched 300 areas of actual revival. Falwell and Kennedy can also be mentioned. Harrold Steward Thank you, Bill, for this astounding account of C S Lewis.
Is it a summons to pray for such national leadership?
Martin Lloyd Jones graduated from medicine to influence UK for God. Hudson Taylor went to China to lay the structure for the present awakening.
India ‘s Bahkt Singh taught vast numbers, including 2 million at his memorial service.
Romania produced Richard Wurmbrandt. Who prayed?
Chuck Colson (White House) structured Prison fellowship, remodelling lives in Christ. Bill Bright’s missionary vision was vast, while Ralph Winter gave a new concept of missionary enterprise. Billy Graham reached more than any other for Christ. Luis Pulau touched the Hispanic world for his Lord. Edwin Orr (3 earned doctorates) researched 300 areas of actual revival. Falwell and Kennedy can also be mentioned.
Harrold Steward

]]> By: Keith Lewis http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/2009/08/30/cs-lewis-wartime-and-britain/comment-page-1/#comment-152313 Keith Lewis Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:09:35 +0000 http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/?p=1846#comment-152313 1. Bill when you write articles like this one that gives goose bumps on top of goose bumps you may not be aware of the chain of events that are set in motion. In looking for the above mentioned book I have just bought a CS Lewis Signature Classic (7-1). Lucky for me we are living in an age where we don’t have to take responsibility for our own actions so I’m sending you the bill for this emotionally motivated purchase. I just need your address please. I was born in the UK just after the war and moved here in 1962 with the family. My dad had little pride for England but appreciated Churchill’s leadership. He loved Australia though and would have been prepared to give his life for this country. I remember as a youth in England, she was not thought of in terms of greatness by the common folk. In the 50’s people seemed to be depressed, at least where I was and there was little sense of pride. There was little interest in Christianity and people were very cynical towards politics. Two world wars must have taken their toll on moral. But England needed people like CS Lewis and Reece Howells as well as Sir Winston. What courageous people Britains were in the face of pending disaster. Despite being saved from a military disaster though England seemed to turn her back on God and her polities dealt treacherously with Israel. I wonder if she will ever recover. P.S. I’ve courageously decided to take responsibility for my purchase decision Bill. Thanks for a stirring article. Keith Lewis 1. Bill when you write articles like this one that gives goose bumps on top of goose bumps you may not be aware of the chain of events that are set in motion. In looking for the above mentioned book I have just bought a CS Lewis Signature Classic (7-1). Lucky for me we are living in an age where we don’t have to take responsibility for our own actions so I’m sending you the bill for this emotionally motivated purchase. I just need your address please.
I was born in the UK just after the war and moved here in 1962 with the family. My dad had little pride for England but appreciated Churchill’s leadership. He loved Australia though and would have been prepared to give his life for this country. I remember as a youth in England, she was not thought of in terms of greatness by the common folk. In the 50’s people seemed to be depressed, at least where I was and there was little sense of pride. There was little interest in Christianity and people were very cynical towards politics. Two world wars must have taken their toll on moral. But England needed people like CS Lewis and Reece Howells as well as Sir Winston. What courageous people Britains were in the face of pending disaster. Despite being saved from a military disaster though England seemed to turn her back on God and her polities dealt treacherously with Israel. I wonder if she will ever recover.
P.S. I’ve courageously decided to take responsibility for my purchase decision Bill. Thanks for a stirring article.
Keith Lewis

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