©2005, Crossway Books, 240 pages including index, in paperback.

One may not immediately think of the writings of C. S. Lewis as source material for developing an understanding of heaven and hell.  Martindale has examined Lewis’ fictional writings and compiled insights regarding life after death.

The author begins by discussing a number of ideas that people have regarding heaven.  Later in the book he does the same regarding hell.  “Will heaven be boring?”  “Will I be myself there?”  “Will I be a ghost in heaven?”  Regarding hell he focuses on  such myths as, “a good God wouldn’t send anyone to hell”, “all the interesting people will be in hell”, and “no one could be happy in heaven knowing some are in hell”. Martindale uses Lewis’ writings to show how he answers  these misconceptions.

Much of the book focuses on the space trilogy and the Narnia series to explore Lewis’ view of man’s eternal destination.  He saw the advantage of conveying these ideas in fictional works that were removed from the familiar world.  He sought to escape the errant teaching that fills much of the reader’s culture.  The author also turns our attention to insights gleaned from The Great Divorce and Lewis’ last work of fiction published while he lived, Till We Have Faces.

The latter part of the book is devoted to hell.  The author gives space to The Screwtape Letters, as well as returning to the space trilogy, and the Narnia series.

Lewis believed this world, for the Christian, was but a shadowland.  It could not compare to the glory and wonder that awaits the believer in heaven.  Conversely, he believed the unsaved would be unhappy and miserable in heaven.  Their focus is on themselves, not God.  Thus, God gives them what they ultimately want–an eternity to focus on themselves, as miserable as such an existence would be.

Lewis believed that entry into heaven is gained through believing in Christ’s finished work alone.  We have no good works to contribute to our salvation.  He did have some indecisiveness as to whether anyone who died without good works would have an opportunity to be saved.  If they were, the number would be few.  Although he believed in the existence of purgatory, he did not view the place as a locale for paying for one’s sins.  Christ had fully atoned for these sins on the cross.  Lewis understood purgatory to be a place of sanctification–of greater growth in the Lord prior to meeting Him. The author notes these unorthodox views of Lewis in order to convey a full understanding of his views on heaven and hell, specifically as seen in his fictional works..

Concluding chapters are devoted to purgatory and the question, “Who goes to heaven?”

 This book is one that can be read by Christians who are interested in Lewis’ insightful writings and those searching for material relevant to life after death.  

Martindale writes with a deep familiarity of his subject.  He has organized the quotes so that the reader can stay focused on the topic and gain a better understanding of the points being made.

Although there are scriptural quotations on heaven and hell throughout the book, there is no chapter devoted specifically to a biblical examination of heaven and hell.  I believe this would have been a good foundation to lay since the rest of the volume is a threshing out of Lewis’ views.

I also prefer footnotes at the bottom of the page for ease of referencing.  This book uses endnotes instead. Turning back and forth can be distracting.

Overall, I found this book to be enjoyable and thought-provoking.  It gives insight into Lewis’ brilliant mind and turns our attention anew to the wonder of heaven and the awfulness of hell.

Review ©2007 Byron Snapp, Hampton, Virginia