Luther and the Lion - by Samuel Schuldheisz (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

What would happen if Aslan came bounding out of Narnia and began teaching your confirmation class or bible study? What if Martin Luther could've traveled from Wittenberg through a wardrobe into Narnia while writing the Small Catechism?

That's exactly what you'll find in Luther and the Lion, the story where the wisdom of Martin Luther's theology meets the whimsy of C.S. Lewis's storytelling, where the Christian mind teams up with the magic of Narnia for an enchanting exploration of the Christian faith, and where Christian instruction and imagination are not contradictions, but close companions.

Luther and the Lion weaves together the imagination of C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and the instruction of Martin Luther's Small Catechism. Readers are invited to share in an adventure of Scripture, storytelling, and an imaginative rediscovery of the teachings of the Small Catechism alongside the stories of Narnia. Two great authors. Two classic books. One epic, true story of Good News for you in Jesus, the true untamed Lion of Judah, full of grace and goodness.

Review Quotes

"Luther and the Lion paints a picture of how narrative, truth, and meaning are woven together in the gospel of Jesus Christ. In walking through Luther's Small Catechism alongside the narrative of Narnia, the reader cannot help but see farther up and farther in. Christian catechesis calls us to look for truth in story, and to look for meaning in truth. Sam Schuldheisz writes about the vocation of storyteller even as he embodies it." - Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology, Higher Things

"Dr. Rod Rosenbladt was my teacher, mentor, and friend whose classroom was filled with grace and Gospel clarity. He loved to teach the faith using both technical clarity and story, especially when Luther's Small Catechism met The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Rod saw that Lewis's Narnia could awaken childlike wonder in service of the Gospel's deep magic and combined helpfully and wonderfully with Luther's Small Catechism. Sam Schuldheisz's Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism beautifully honors that vision. With theological precision and imaginative joy, Sam carries Rod's idea forward, using story to teach Christ and Him crucified for the forgiveness of your sins. This is catechesis that delights the mind and comforts the sinner. Rod would have been proud. Sam's work stands as both tribute and continuation: a faithful, joyful echo of the Lion of Judah whom Rod so loved to proclaim." - Scott Keith, Ph.D., Author of Being Dad: Father as a Picture of God's Grace, Executive Director, 1517

"I can still remember the childlike excitement I felt upon hearing that Rod Rosenbladt had combined the straightforward truths of Luther's Catechism with the imaginative storytelling of Lewis's Narnia. But alas, nothing from that original project was preserved. Thankfully, Sam Schuldheisz has breathed new life into this idea with a narrative approach to teaching the faith that both illuminates and delights. Readers young and old will affirm: Aslan is on the move!" - Rev. Mark Pierson, St. Paul's Lutheran Church (Long Beach, CA)

"Pastor Sam Schuldheisz is a master storyteller/teacher bringing Narnia and Wittenberg together in this book. Known for his work on C.S. Lewis, Pastor Schuldheisz demonstrates how Luther's Small Catechism intersects with themes from Lewis. This book will be a valuable resource to pastors who teach the Small Catechism as well as ordinary Christians who will be edified by the bringing together of these two great Christian minds. I highly recommend this book to both pastors and laity." - John T. Pless, M.Div.; D.Litt., Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana USA

"Step through the wardrobe where rich imagination and biblical teaching meet. Schuldheisz grounds readers deeply in Scripture while inviting them to rediscover the Gospel with the wonder of Narnia, blending Lewis's enchantment with Luther's clarity. This is a book as delightful to read as it is faithful and true." - Chad Bird, Scholar in Residence at 1517

"This book has the weather of Narnia about it. Schuldheisz refuses to let catechesis be tame; he lets the snow sting, the lamppost glow, and the Lion breathe. Luther and the Lion is a reminder that the Gospel is not safe but good, and that Christian instruction is an invitation into a world where mercy has teeth. These pages help you hear Christ the Lion calling you by name through every forest of doubt." --Rev. Donavon L. Riley

About the Author

Samuel Schuldheisz is husband of Natasha, father of Zoe and Jonah, a regular online contributor and fellow at 1517, and professor of the 1517 Academy series on The Inklings. He currently serves as pastor at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA. When he is not reading and writing about the Inklings, Imaginative Apologetics, and the crossroads of theology, literature, and the imagination, you can find him hanging out among or hiking through the trees of the Pacific Northwest.