Rating: 
Summary: Excellent
Review: Although some would say this is more of a theological work than literary criticism, I believe it functions as a blend between the two. Sayers' main thesis is that spiritual metaphors, such as the Trinity, are facts which explain how the world functions. Sayers then shows how spiritual metaphors can be understood as metaphors of the artist's creative activity. Of special note: her theodicy is one of the strongest I've read, and her suggestions for the redemptive value of art (at the end of the book) are superb. If you're a Christian, this is worth your time. If you're not, but are willing to be challenged, you'll probably like this book too.
Rating:
Summary: Refreshing look at creativity and man's greatness
Review: As most in my generation (born in the 1970s), I grew up in a highly secular culture. And not unlike many in my generation, I have sought some sort of higher meaning, a connection between the everyday activities and something that lasts, something that is good, even something perfect. Creativity is cherished these days, but in a secular culture, it is bland and pointless--something is missing. Given Sayer's analogy in this book, creativity becomes something that connects our everyday activity with something perfect. In doing so, she inspires volition and creativity. Anyone who feels something is missing from our current culture--especially everything we consider creative--this book is perfect. Work like this will be what people will remember about the 20th century.
Rating:
Summary: Mind-Blowing
Review: In Dorothy L. Sayers' book, The Mind of the Maker, between a fantastic discussion on creative writing (detective fiction, primarily) the author addresses two of the biggest sociological questions: "Who am I?" and "Why am I here?"
The answer to the first question is simply: a human created in God's image. The answer to the second question is a bit more complex, as Sayers first explores what God's image is, particularly the triune nature of the Christian deity. By comparing The Creator to an artist (primarily a creative writer, Sayers' forte), Sayers shows the purpose of life to be that of a creator as well.
While Sayers' analogy works best for those with an already artistic temperament, in her final chapters she addresses the question of what happens if you work on a toilet assembly line or some equally unglamorous profession. In the case of the toilet assembler, Sayers suggests that while he or she may simply be turning a screw, what's really being created is a more sanitary and hygienic world. She observes that individuals need to separate the value of money from the value of the work (why both capitalism and communism are, she says, ultimately dehumanizing) and find a higher purpose in one's occupation instead.
While rethinking one's purpose may be the over-all goal of the book, it certainly isn't the only subject addressed. The origin of evil, the difference between human and universal laws, free will, and some of the ancient creeds come up for discussion. If you've been confused by the topic of the Trinity, Sayers provides one of the best analogies I've ever read. If you've been stymied by skeptics accusing the church of casting God in man's image (instead of the other way 'round), Sayers' response alone is worth the purchase price of the book.
This is the first of Dorothy Sayers' theological books I've read. I've been a fan of her Lord Peter Wimsey detective novels, and read about this book in one of her biographies. I began reading the book expecting a treatise on creative writing, but was pleased to find so much more.
Rating:
Summary: An exquisite, detailed look at God.
Review: Sayers claims this is not her apology, and it is not, but she deals with many theological concepts in this work. Sayers wonderfully depicts the idea of the Trinity by comparing it to literature. The ideas are fresh, and profound, which makes the book tough to get through at times. The chapter on God being analogical is great and should be read by all. It perfectly captures the idea that God is truly unknowable until we die, which is why so many of us are on a quest to grow closer to him throughout our life.
Rating: 
Summary: fresh
Review: Sayers claims this is not her apology, and it is not, but she deals with many theological concepts in this work. Sayers wonderfully depicts the idea of the Trinity by comparing it to literature. The ideas are fresh, and profound, which makes the book tough to get through at times. The chapter on God being analogical is great and should be read by all. It perfectly captures the idea that God is truly unknowable until we die, which is why so many of us are on a quest to grow closer to him throughout our life.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating Insights
Review: Sayers starts with the orthodox concept of the Trinity and suggest that the mind of man as creator is analogous. By examining the mind of man as creator and the work he creates, we can acquire a better understanding of the Holy Trinity. While this might seem outlandish at first, it works! When you think about theological concepts just as concepts, they can be very hard to grasp. But Sayers uses concrete examples to illustrate theological concepts, and avoids the temptation to overextend her analogy. She concentrates mainly on the writer-creator, since she herself is a writer. Her insights on the creative process of writing are almost as interesting as the light they shed on the nature of God. These insights go well beyond the concept of the Trinity--she offers an interesting perspective on the existence of evil, free will, and much more. I've never read anything like this.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent! Amazing discussion of the creative process.
Review: Sayers' uses the analogy of the creative process to explore the trinity, transcendence vs immanence of God, and other diffucult theological concepts. Her discussion not only enlightens our understanding of God, it has interesting implications for the creative process in general.
Rating: 
Summary: Helpful analogy of the Trinity
Review: The doctrine of the Trinity may be the hardest doctrine for Christians to grasp. Sayers uses the creative process (Idea, Energy, Power) as an analogy for exploring the Trinity, Incarnation, free will versus sovereignty, etc. Her logic is generally well-thought, though her analogy is limited by the lack of a distinct personality of each part of the creative process. Still, this gem is a deeper exploration of God than most of us will hear elsewhere. Must reading for all.
Rating:
Summary: Helpful analogy of the Trinity
Review: The doctrine of the Trinity may be the hardest doctrine for Christians to grasp. Sayers uses the creative process (Idea, Energy, Power) as an analogy for exploring the Trinity, Incarnation, free will versus sovereignty, etc. Her logic is generally well-thought, though her analogy is limited by the lack of a distinct personality of each part of the creative process. Still, this gem is a deeper exploration of God than most of us will hear elsewhere. Must reading for all.
Rating:
Summary: An exquisite, detailed look at God.
Review: This book shows fresh & original ideas into the mind of the Maker. Very deep, insightful, and filled with illuminating reflections on the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jakob.
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