That Hideous Strength

(Philippians 4:8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Not all that long ago I read the book That Hideous Strength by C. S. Lewis. It is the last book in his Space Trilogy. The two main characters were Jane and Mark, a husband and wife, who, though almost unwittingly, choose different sides in the battle. Jane though the help of some old friends and some odd dreams she has, joins, though at first reluctantly, the smaller group whose leader was the main character in both of the previous books. Mark readily joins the other, much larger group called N.I.C.E, but I have forgotten what it stood for.

Was it true though? It was fictional, so the story wasn’t, but Jesus himself told fictional stories called parables with true meanings. Then was its meaning true? The meaning was that, however small and outnumbered they might be, God’s people will prevail. Is this true? Yes.

Was it honest? He never said it really happened, so, yes.

Was it just? During the course of the book, those who choose the right side were rewarded. Those who had chosen the wrong were killed, so, yes.

Was it pure? Only the people on the wrong were immoral, and they were punished, so, yes.

Was it lovely? I think so. The ones on the right displayed great inner beauty.

Was it of good report? It reminds Christians that when things look down, God is always up, so, yes.

Was the any virtue? Except for Jane’s refusal to have children at the beginning, I think so.

Was there any praise? There was much praise of God, so, yes.

Therefore, this was a good, God-honoring book.