C.S. Lewis was one of the most influential Christian authors and thinkers of the 20th century. He was born in 1898 in Belfast, Ireland and grew up in a religious family. As a young man, Lewis became an atheist but later reconverted to Christianity as an adult. He went on to become a prolific writer, publishing works of fiction, poetry, philosophy, and Christian apologetics.
Some key facts about C.S. Lewis:
- His full name was Clive Staples Lewis.
- He was born on November 29, 1898 in Belfast, Ireland.
- He was raised in a religious family that attended the Church of Ireland.
- As a teenager, he rejected his childhood faith and became an atheist.
- He served in the British Army during World War I but was wounded in battle.
- He studied and taught at Oxford University for much of his life.
- In 1931, through conversations with J.R.R. Tolkien and other friends, he reconverted to Christianity.
- He became a member of the Church of England.
- In 1956, he married American writer Joy Davidman. She died of cancer in 1960.
- He died on November 22, 1963 in Oxford, one week before his 65th birthday.
C.S. Lewis was a prolific writer who published over 30 books in his lifetime. Some of his most popular and influential works include:
- The Chronicles of Narnia – A fantasy series with Christian themes written for children.
- Mere Christianity – A theological book that explains the doctrines of the Christian faith.
- The Screwtape Letters – A satirical book consisting of letters from a demon offering advice to his apprentice.
- The Great Divorce – An allegorical tale that contrasts heaven and hell.
- Miracles – A philosophical defense of God’s intervention in the natural world.
- The Problem of Pain – An examination of the challenge evil and suffering poses to faith.
- A Grief Observed – A reflection on bereavement and suffering after his wife’s death.
- The Abolition of Man – A defense of objective truth and traditional morality.
In his writings, C.S. Lewis articulated many key themes and ideas that continue to influence Christian thought today. Some of his notable contributions include:
- Defense of Miracles – Lewis provided a robust philosophical defense for the possibility of miracles against naturalistic worldviews that denied supernatural intervention (see his book Miracles).
- Moral Argument for God’s Existence – Building on the writings of philosophers like Immanuel Kant, Lewis formulated a moral argument pointing to the existence of God based on the existence of objective moral truths that transcend evolutionary explanations.
- Jesus as Lunatic, Liar or Lord – In Mere Christianity, Lewis argued that Jesus claimed to be God incarnate and therefore could only be a lunatic, a liar, or truly Lord as he claimed. This became a famous apologetic argument for Christ’s divinity.
- Desire for Joy as Evidence for God – In works like Surprised by Joy, Lewis contended that the universal human desire for joy reflected our design by a joyful Creator who wants to meet that desire.
- Theological Depth to Children’s Stories – The Narnia stories creatively captured spiritual truths in imaginative children’s tales that have become classics of literature.
- Critique of Secularism – Lewis was a trenchant critic of materialistic philosophies and scientism. Works like The Abolition of Man argue that secularism threatens objective truth and traditional ethics.
C.S. Lewis had an eventful spiritual journey from childhood faith to atheism and back to Christianity as an adult. Some key influences and life events shaped his conversion and writing career:
- His mother’s death when he was 9 had a profound impact on him and started his early questioning of God and faith.
- His studies exposed him to skepticism and atheism, leading him to abandon his childhood Christianity during his teens.
- His service in World War I further reinforced his atheism as he questioned how a good God could allow such suffering in war.
- As a professor at Oxford, he started cultivating friendships with Christians like J.R.R. Tolkien who impacted his spiritual journey.
- In 1929, he began seriously considering Christianity again after having a long talk with his Christian friend and Oxford colleague, J.R.R. Tolkien.
- He reports being persuaded on a trip to the zoo in 1930 that “Joy” was the central quest of all human life.
- He describes finally committing to theism in 1929 after concluding that naturalism was insufficient, and committing fully to Christianity in 1931.
- Lewis cited the evidence from the gospels, his recognition of human sinfulness, and personal conversion experiences as leading to his return to faith.
C.S. Lewis had a unique ability to communicate theological truths in creative ways understandable to the common person. Here are some of the core theological themes woven throughout his writings:
- The Reality of Jesus – Lewis affirmed the gospel accounts of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus as historically reliable documents attesting to Christ’s divinity (John 20:31).
- The Existence of God – Lewis reasoned thoroughly to the existence of a divine Creator using arguments from morality, desire, the intelligent design of the universe, etc. (Romans 1:20).
- The Problem of Evil and Pain – While honestly wrestling with the challenge evil poses to belief, Lewis points to free will and God’s larger purposes to begin explaining suffering. (Job 38-42).
- Human Sinfulness – Lewis highlighted human propensity towards selfishness, pride and evil desires. This biblically accurate view of human nature underlies much of his writing. (Jeremiah 17:9).
- Jesus as Savior – For Lewis, Christ provides the solution to both human longings and human sinfulness. Only through trusting in Christ can salvation be found. (John 3:16).
- Heaven and Hell – Lewis accepted the biblical teaching of eternal rewards in heaven for believers and judgment in hell for unbelievers. His imaginative depictions sought to inspire heavenward living. (Revelation 21).
- Christian Living and Ethics – Moral truths find their basis in God’s character and commands. Lewis called believers to live out countercultural ethics centered on loving God and practicing humility, chastity, honesty and charity. (Colossians 3:1-17).
C.S. Lewis proved incredibly effective at translating theology for the average person. Several factors help account for his impact:
- His creative imagination helped craft vivid fictional worlds that illuminated timeless spiritual truths.
- His use of analogy and illustration helped simplify complex philosophical ideas.
- His background in literature gave him skill at storytelling and clarity in writing.
- His work as an Oxford don exposed him to intellectual objections he addressed compassionately.
- His status as a layman helped him connect with everyday readers unlike academic theologians.
- His willingness to tackle tough questions about suffering, doubt, and objections to faith resonated with readers.
- His emphasis on logic and reason established common ground with skeptics.
- His unique blending of reason and imagination, doctrinal depth and accessibility established his broad appeal.
While a hugely influential Christian thinker, C.S. Lewis also had his points of controversy and conviction that set him apart from some circles:
- His embrace of ecclesiological diversity and ecumenism led some to criticize his commitment to his Anglican identity.
- Some Reformed theologians argue Lewis’ view of salvation overemphasized human free will.
- Evangelicals sometimes critique Lewis for beliefs like purgatory and baptismal regeneration associated with his Anglicanism.
- His vision for rationally defending Christianity and ethics conflicts with postmodern rejections of universal truth.
- His traditional moral stances clash with progressive values on issues like homosexuality and gender roles.
- Some feminists take issue with the patriarchal depiction of gender in the Narnia series.
- As a bachelor for much of his life, he faced questions regarding his relationship with Mrs. Moore prior to marrying Joy Davidman.
While he never claimed to be a theologian, C.S. Lewis undoubtedly impacted 20th century Christianity with his heartfelt defense of the faith. He conveyed theological truths in a compelling, creative and accessible way. Lewis believed reason and imagination could work together to point people to the truth and beauty of Christianity. His legacy continues through his timeless fictional works like the Chronicles of Narnia as well as his many essays and books unpacking the reasonableness of Christianity for modern audiences. Lewis remains one of the most quoted Christian authors and influential apologists over half a century after his death in 1963.