The Mind of the Maker

The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most elusive concepts in Christianity.  In The Mind of the Maker, Dorothy Sayers explores this complicated issue through the lenses of an author.   God's first recorded act was creation and we were created in His image.  Sayers argues that we most resemble God when we are creating.  She draws a three fold parallel from the mind of the writer to theTrinity. First, the author conceives a story or Idea.  The Idea exists only in the creator's mind, yet it is complete.  Like God the Father, the Idea exists outside of time and space.  Eventually, the writer makes his Idea concrete.  That is, he commits his thoughts to paper.  He goes through a sacrificial process so that others may know the Idea.  This is the parallel to Christ.  Finally, other people read and the Idea causes a response in them.  Perhaps they share it with others and, if it is a really good book, it will change their lives.   This is how the Holy Spirit works. Of course, Sayers writing is more in depth and much more eloquent. She explores some interesting thoughts which result from viewing life creatively and she references other authors and speakers who have contributed to the concept. Dorothy L. Sayers was uniquely qualified to discuss the author's mind.  She was one of the first women to receive a degree from Oxford. She went on to become an accomplished author, poet, playwright, and translator.  She was most proud of her translation of Dante's Divine Comedy. However, her most popular work remains the Lord Peter Wimsey series of mysteries. I have enjoyed the Wimsey mysteries for years, but this is the first of Sayers theological works I have read. I found myself underlining crucial passages in order to help me remember them.  I am certainly looking forward to retreading this book.