Early Years
Clive Staples Lewis, otherwise known as C.S. Lewis, was born in Belfast, Ireland on November 29, 1898. His childhood was a happy one and his parents were quite dedicated to providing him with an exemplary education due to their strong faith in Christianity. Lewis studied at various schools in an effort to solidify his beliefs and even had a private tutor to further his education in the Bible and Latin.Lewis also had a great interest in mythology and classical literature, which was given to him by his father, Albert Lewis.
At the age of 15, Lewis was sent to England to be schooled at a grammar school in Surrey. At this point in time, Lewis began to have doubts about his faith. He struggled with acceptance of the doctrines and principles of the Anglican Church and by the time he reached his twenties, he had become an atheist.
The Spiritual Awakening
In 1931, Lewis was thirty-three and had been teaching for four years as a tutor of medieval and Renaissance literature at Oxford. During this time, Lewis maintained friendships with both J.R.R. Tolkien and Hugo Dyson and would often discuss Christian theology and even their doubts about it.
One evening at Oxford, Lewis had a deep spiritual experience when he finally accepted his unexplainable belief in Jesus and became a Christian. This was a dramatic transformation for Lewis, who now saw the universe through a different perspective. He began to explore the Christian faith and, with the help of his friend Tolkien, Lewis read the Gospels, studied Christian history and doctrine, and finally accepted Christianity as his religion.
The Apologist
The mental and spiritual journey that Lewis experienced greatly impacted his writings. Lewis was an apologist, which means he explained and defended the Christian faith through his writings. He wrote about God, faith, and sin with a captivating imagery and language that could be understood by people of all ages. He was also keenly aware of the importance of influential literature, and he sought to bring modern readers to a new understanding of Christianity.
Lewis wrote several books on his religious beliefs, such as “The Screwtape Letters”, “The Problem of Pain”, “Mere Christianity”, and the “The Chronicles of Narnia”. Among these works were two autobiographical books, “Surprised by Joy” and “A Grief Observed”. In these works, Lewis openly discusses his life, faith, pain, and ultimate spiritual awakening.
The Impact
C.S. Lewis was an influential religious figure and his works have been widely praised. He had an incredible ability to bridge the gap between philosophy and religion and make it accessible to the common reader. His works contain depth, clarity, and insight, which allowed him to reach the hearts and minds of many.
His writings have encouraged readers of all ages to explore and find their own specific path to God. Lewis’s works are still widely read and studied today and close attention to it has allowed many to experience the same spiritual grace that brought Lewis to Christianity.
The Later Years and Death
Lewis continued his writing throughout his life, primarily focusing on Christian apologetics, fiction, and children’s literature. He maintained close and lasting relationships with friends and family. He is remembered today by those who personally knew and loved him and by those who had never even met him but were deeply impacted by his works. Lewis passed away on November 22, 1963 with friends by his side.
The Legacy
C.S. Lewis remains one of the most revered theological writers of the 20th century. His works are still leading many to a spiritual awakening and deepening of faith as they explore his worldview. An entire industry has been created around Lewis and his works, with museums, study groups, and a plethora of books about him and his works.
Today, C.S. Lewis is celebrated the world over for his impact on literature, religion, and society. With more than 400 works to his name, he left an indelible mark on the world in more ways than one.
The Power of Lewis’ Works
The power of Lewis’s works rests in their ability to captivate the reader and offer insight into Christianity without being overly preachy. His writing style is not meant to be perscriptive but rather to provide food for thought. He used skilled language to present both sides of an argument and gently encourage the reader to explore their own faith.
Lewis had a great appreciation for literature and saw literature as the means to spread an understanding of Christianity throughout the world. He was an expert on both pagan mythology and Christian theology, which allowed him to craft unique arguments for both sides. He used the power of storytelling and vivid imagery to engage the reader and bring them to an understanding of the spiritual truths that he believed in.
The Influence of His Works Today
Though his works may be rooted in Christian theology and beliefs, many of the topics he wrote about remain as relevant as ever today. His works speak to universal truths and resonates with people of all faiths and beliefs. Lewis has inspired generations to come to terms with their faith and to explore what their beliefs may be.
Today, many classes, workshops, and study groups devoted to exploring Lewis’s works are conducted all over the world. His writings have been translated into dozens of languages and continue to captivate readers to this day. His influence is still being felt today in the way we understand God, faith, and our world.
Conclusion
C.S. Lewis experienced a dramatic spiritual awakening which changed his views on Christianity and propelled him to explore the faith in a meaningful and profound way. His works resonated with readers all over the world and those who have read and studied them remain inspired and moved by his writing. His works provide insight into universal truths and remain as powerful today as ever before.
