Notes on That Hideous Stength by C. S. Lewis

That Hideous Strength
As in many of C.S. Lewis' other non-fiction works, he astutely articulates in That Hideous Strength the dangers of the "progressive" movement. On a side note, I find it amusing, at least, that the term Progressive should be utilized. It seems that in order to progress towards something, there needs be a stated goal. What is it for a "progressive"? If it turns out to be an apocalyptic, utopian vision wherein all are (voluntarily or involuntarily) made to hold hands and sing Kumbaya, or worse, an ode to the all powerful nanny state, then I most vociferously must object. I would not go in for totalitarianism, whether from the left or right (politically), secular or religious. If they want a revolution, like the Beatles, they can count me out! After all, the only genuine revolutionary is the God of Love, Jesus the Christ. Love, of course, meaning to desire the objective good of the other. I suspect that all leftist and "progressive" thought is merely trying to escape God and His Love. If one succeeds in this attempted escape, Hell is where they land...eternally. What is most puzzling is that they have the audacity, when this is suggested, to blame a "cruel, vindictive god". Notice I have neglected to capitalize the G in God. Even if they don't understand, those who reject God eternally, will still have a "god" and it is the "god of this world" and Satan certainly can be a cruel task master.

As to the book, I highly recommend it. It is, in my opinion, (outside of The Screwtape Letters) C.S. Lewis' best fiction. I know some may reject my claim and make an opposing claim for the Chronicles of Narnia. However, in my opinion, the allegory is a tad to thick for my tastes. That Hideous Strength is a masterpiece for fiction from a Theistic reference point. C.S. Lewis was able integrate his non-fiction philosophy along with a compelling storyline and likeable (or detestable) characters. It must be said that Mr. Lewis is not a master of verbal caricature (like Dickens), symbolism (like Hawthorne), or even fantastical descriptions (like Tolkien). That being said, That Hideous Strength is a fast-moving (even more so if one has read the other two novels in this trilogy), enjoyable fantasy/scientific novel that could not be more relevant for our times. 

Finally, I suspect leftists, atheists, and "progressives" hate this novel due to the fact that it exposes them.That Hideous Strength