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Name:
C.S. Lewis
Clive Staples Lewis
Dates:
Born: November 29, 1898 in Belfast, Ireland
Died: November 22, 1963 in Oxford, England
Biography:
C.S. Lewis was an author, a scholar of English literature and a famous Christian
apologist. During the 1920s he was an Oxford don and chair of Mediaeval
and Renaissance Literature. At this time he would later say that he was an atheist
but began to move towards a committed, evangelical flavor of Anglicanism.
His fame as an author came on two fronts. One was his fictional works, the most popular of which is the Chronicles of Narnia collection of works for young people, seven books which incorporate Christian themes and doctrines allegorically. The second front of his fame as an author came with books which were more openly written in defense of traditional Christian doctrines. These include the popular The Screwtape Letters, a collection of letters of advice from a demon to his nephew, and the famous book, Mere Christianity which had begun as a series of radio talks in 1941
Because of his simple style and advocacy of traditional, orthodox beliefs in a manner which is easily accessible, Lewis' apologetical works have become standard reading for Christians in the United States. He doesn't talk down to his audience; instead, he treats them as equals and writes for them rather than for philosophers and theologians. One of the consequences, however, is that his arguments often have extensive flaws in their logic and reasoning. His writings may serve as a basic introduction to basic Christian doctrines, but anyone who relies extensively upon them will be ill served in any serious discussion about Christian theology or religious philosophy.
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Related Resources:
What is Christianity?
What are the various Christian groups, denominations, sects and heresies? What are some key concepts in Christian theology? What are some of the most important events in Christian history? All of this and more are covered in the Christianity FAQ.What is the Philosophy of Religion?
Sometimes confused with theology, the Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. The line between theology and the philosophy of religion isn't always sharp, but the primary difference is that theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions, whereas Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion.What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear. Read more about how dictionaries, scholars and others have tried to define and explain religion.
