Smoke on the Mountain: An Interpretation of the Ten Commandments

by Joy Davidman

Book Overview

This celebrated book, a dynamic and original interpretation of the Ten Commandments, is enhanced by a thoughtful introduction by C. S. Lewis, the author's husband. Lewis writes, "the flaw in us which Joy Davidman seems to me to expose with most certainty will be to some perhaps an unexpected one: the sin of fear . . . quite simply, cowardice."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 066424680X
• ISBN13: 9780664246808
• Release Date: January 1985
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
• Length: 142 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.1" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Ten Stars for this one!

Joy Davidman was an American born poet critic, novelist and Christian writer who later married Christian apologist C. S. Lewis. She was born Jewish, spent some time in the Communist party and later accepted Christianity. This book, written in the 50's, was written about the implications of the Ten Commandments for contemporary society -- and in my opinion, it is as up to date now as when it was written. Each commandment is explained in the way that only a person of Jewish background can do. She often compares and contrasts our society today with the time in which the commandments were originally given. This helps the reader to understand them in more detail. The only way I could list everything that has helped me from this book would be to rewrite the book here -- which, of course, would be impractical. Where would I start? Each chapter is full of insights that will make you stop -- many times -- and think and reflect. In her chapter "Day of Rejoicing" which deals with keeping the Sabbath, she points out how people through the history of Judaism and Christianity have taken the Sabbath and made it into a chore as opposed to the day of rejoicing and celebration that it was supposed to be. (It made me remember my own religious upbringing where I was surrounded by a big list of things that I was NOT supposed to do on Sunday.) She ends the chapter with a question and answer: Q. How do you keep a day holy? A. By seeing that it is holy already and behaving accordingly. In her chapter about adultery, she is even bold enough to say, ". . . true and Christian remedy . . . is to hold the men to as high a standard as women." On the subject of guilt she says, "For the only way to get rid of a sin is to admit it . . . the Christian is the only man who does NOT go around all the time feeling guilty. For him, sin is a burden he can lay down,. . . It is the unfortunate creature who denies the existence of sin in general or his own in particular who must go on carrying it forever." It is rich with biblical and historical information and guaranteed to build your faith. You'll love it!

After reading this book, you just might glow!

I had to come down off of the mountain after reading this book! The spiritual high that it produced was nothing shy of immaculate. I was so impressed with this woman's perspective on the Christian life, especially coming from the Atheistic background that she did. One would not expect such enlightened 'Christian' thoughts from a woman who at one time, hated all things religious. This book changed my outlook on a number of issues and really touched me. I recommend it to anyone who wants a fresh new look at the 10 Commandments. Beautiful, bold, and truly as classic as anything her husband, C.S. Lewis wrote.

A Rich Insightful Look at the Ten Commandments

Joy Davidman, aurthor, thinker, ex-atheists turn Chrsitian, wrote this book as an examination, not only on the Ten Comamndments, but as C.S. Lewis wrote, "The Flaw in us."Her insight is only matched by her style. This book is easy to read and, quite frankly, a page turner. Her theological, yet literaturily approach, places many deeply thoughful ideas into a richly receptive form. The insights exposes God's wonderful wisdom and our sins, yet, we are challenged to accept this answer and move on in the journey to living holy lives.She skillfully uses information from Moses' area, as well as the days of Christ, and the 20th century which aids the reader to understand the applicability of these treasured laws.This book is so skillfully developed, my only question is "Why she did not write mor in the realm of religion?" (Joy was an accomplished auther and poet). The forward is by then friend C.S. Lewis (they married a few years later). A great book!

Very unusual and original perspective-delightful reading!

This book is unusual because it is so unique. Davidman writes about the the ten commandments in a way like no other traditional Christian or Jewish author. She combines her wit and wisdom in this invaluable little book. Her transparent style makes it easy to read. Crisp, clear contemplations on the Jewish-Christian life.

Old Commandments, New Wine

Joy Davidman was a communist and an atheist before she met God - or, God met her. In this book, she comments upon the ten commandments as they stood out for a 20th Century, American Jew believing in Jesus as the Messiah. The foreword by C. S. Lewis, whom she married later, probably enhances the interest for this book, as does the book and movie Shadowlands (on their life together). But once opened, it needs no further help. Her outlook is sharp and perceptive. The examples are, admittedly, not as up to date as they were fifty years ago, but nor are they dated. The gist of the book is that the commandments are relevant and good in modern life, and that holds true still.