C.S. Lewis: Christian Apologist & Novelist: Christianity, Narnia
C.S. Lewis' fame as an author came on two fronts. One was his fictional works, the most popular of which are the Chronicles of Narnia, seven books for young people which incorporate Christian themes and doctrines allegorically. The second front of his fame came from books openly written in defense of traditional Christianity. 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.
People Taking Fiction as Fact: Does It Matter?
Dan Brown's popular book The Da Vinci Code is technically recognized by everyone as a work of fiction, but Brown himself insists that it is based upon real historical events, people, and facts. What he seems to think qualifies as 'fact' generally seems to really qualify as hoaxes, myths, and worse. Does this matter, though? Who cares if people imagine that fiction is actually fact?
Dan Brown's popular book The Da Vinci Code is technically recognized by everyone as a work of fiction, but Brown himself insists that it is based upon real historical events, people, and facts. What he seems to think qualifies as 'fact' generally seems to really qualify as hoaxes, myths, and worse. Does this matter, though? Who cares if people imagine that fiction is actually fact?
Cowardly Lion? C.S. Lewis is Morally Incoherent
Just about everyone knows that C.S. Lewis' Narnia books are really an extended allegory for Christianity. Just about everything that occurs is a reference to some aspect of a basic Christianity common to all denominations, often very thinly veiled. This can allow us to take a new, fresh look at Christianity, seeing all of its moral and logical flaws.
Just about everyone knows that C.S. Lewis' Narnia books are really an extended allegory for Christianity. Just about everything that occurs is a reference to some aspect of a basic Christianity common to all denominations, often very thinly veiled. This can allow us to take a new, fresh look at Christianity, seeing all of its moral and logical flaws.
Life and Works of C.S. Lewis: Christian Novelist and Apologist
C.S. Lewis and his writings have never lacked for popularity, but his public exposure has increased due to the creation of a film version of his successful 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,' the first book in his Chronicles of Narnia series. C.S. Lewis is often cited by Christian believers because of his apologetics in defense of Christianity.
C.S. Lewis and his writings have never lacked for popularity, but his public exposure has increased due to the creation of a film version of his successful 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,' the first book in his Chronicles of Narnia series. C.S. Lewis is often cited by Christian believers because of his apologetics in defense of Christianity.
C.S. Lewis: Biography of C.S. Lewis - Christian Author, Apologist
C.S. Lewis was an author, a scholar of English literature and a famous Christian apologist. The son of a lawyer, Lewis grew up in Ireland at a time when northern Ireland was not torn by the bitter strife which would eventually come to characterize its religious situation. Early on he developed a love for reading and learning. He rejected Christianity at an early age, deciding that Christian myths were inferior to others in the world and that the Christian god, if it existed, must be a sadist.
C.S. Lewis was an author, a scholar of English literature and a famous Christian apologist. The son of a lawyer, Lewis grew up in Ireland at a time when northern Ireland was not torn by the bitter strife which would eventually come to characterize its religious situation. Early on he developed a love for reading and learning. He rejected Christianity at an early age, deciding that Christian myths were inferior to others in the world and that the Christian god, if it existed, must be a sadist.
C.S. Lewis and Christian Allegory: Narnia, Science Fiction
C.S. Lewis may be best known for his children's books, in particular the Narnia series. When he first began this series he was already an accomplished author, but his publisher and friends argued against a move into children's literature on the assumption that it would harm his reputation as an author of more serious philosophy and apologetics. That didn't turn out to be the case.
C.S. Lewis may be best known for his children's books, in particular the Narnia series. When he first began this series he was already an accomplished author, but his publisher and friends argued against a move into children's literature on the assumption that it would harm his reputation as an author of more serious philosophy and apologetics. That didn't turn out to be the case.
C.S. Lewis vs. Atheism: Why Does Lewis Ridicule Atheists? - Lewis as Apostle to the Skeptics
C.S. Lewis is often described as an "apostle" to the skeptics - that he somehow has a special affinity for the arguments, sensibilities, and perspectives of religious doubters and can therefore more easily reach them than other apologists. Lewis was himself an atheist for many years, after all, so it's understandable why this would make sense.
C.S. Lewis is often described as an "apostle" to the skeptics - that he somehow has a special affinity for the arguments, sensibilities, and perspectives of religious doubters and can therefore more easily reach them than other apologists. Lewis was himself an atheist for many years, after all, so it's understandable why this would make sense.
C.S. Lewis, Christian Apologist: Are Lewis’ Theological Arguments Any Good?
Best known as a Christian apologist, C.S. Lewis argued for a reason-based Christianity rather than a faith-based Christianity. This is a curious decision on his part because, first, traditional Christianity is unquestionably faith-based, and second, Lewis' own conversion had more to do with his longing for myths that tell higher truths, and his conclusion that Christian myths tell the highest sort of truth there is.
Best known as a Christian apologist, C.S. Lewis argued for a reason-based Christianity rather than a faith-based Christianity. This is a curious decision on his part because, first, traditional Christianity is unquestionably faith-based, and second, Lewis' own conversion had more to do with his longing for myths that tell higher truths, and his conclusion that Christian myths tell the highest sort of truth there is.
C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien: Friendship and Disagreements Over Christian Theology
Many fans are aware of that C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were close friends. Tolkien helped convert Lewis to Christianity, whereas Lewis encouraged Tolkien to expand his fictional writing; both taught at Oxford, both were interested in literature, and both wrote fictional books which propagated basic Christian themes and principles. At the same time, though, they also had serious disagreements - in particular, over the quality of Lewis' Narnia books.
Many fans are aware of that C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were close friends. Tolkien helped convert Lewis to Christianity, whereas Lewis encouraged Tolkien to expand his fictional writing; both taught at Oxford, both were interested in literature, and both wrote fictional books which propagated basic Christian themes and principles. At the same time, though, they also had serious disagreements - in particular, over the quality of Lewis' Narnia books.
C.S. Lewis and the Argument from Desire: Arguing that our Desire for God Proves that God Exists
One of the earliest arguments offered by C.S. Lewis for believing in the existence of God can be labeled the 'Argument from Desire.' According to Lewis and other apologists, every desire is necessarily a desire for something, and every natural desire must have some object that will satisfy it. Since humans desire the joy and experience of God, therefore there must be a God that will satisfy our desires.
One of the earliest arguments offered by C.S. Lewis for believing in the existence of God can be labeled the 'Argument from Desire.' According to Lewis and other apologists, every desire is necessarily a desire for something, and every natural desire must have some object that will satisfy it. Since humans desire the joy and experience of God, therefore there must be a God that will satisfy our desires.
C.S. Lewis and Morality: Arguing that Morality Proves the Existence of God
A very popular argument with Christian apologists, including C.S. Lewis, is the argument from morality. According to Lewis, the only valid morality that can exist is an objective one -- all subjective conceptions of morality lead to ruin. Furthermore, an authentic objective morality must be grounded in a supernatural reality beyond our own world, thus he rejects all naturalistic conceptions of an objective morality as well. Does his argument succeed?
A very popular argument with Christian apologists, including C.S. Lewis, is the argument from morality. According to Lewis, the only valid morality that can exist is an objective one -- all subjective conceptions of morality lead to ruin. Furthermore, an authentic objective morality must be grounded in a supernatural reality beyond our own world, thus he rejects all naturalistic conceptions of an objective morality as well. Does his argument succeed?
Lord, Liar, or Lunatic: C.S. Lewis and the Jesus Trilemma - Was Jesus Whom He Claimed?
Is Jesus really whom he is reported to have said he was? Was Jesus really the Son of God? C.S. Lewis believed so and also believed that he had a very good argument for convincing people to agree: if Jesus was not whom he claimed, then he must be a lunatic, a liar, or worse. He was certain that no one could seriously argue for or accept these alternatives and that left only his favored explanation.
Is Jesus really whom he is reported to have said he was? Was Jesus really the Son of God? C.S. Lewis believed so and also believed that he had a very good argument for convincing people to agree: if Jesus was not whom he claimed, then he must be a lunatic, a liar, or worse. He was certain that no one could seriously argue for or accept these alternatives and that left only his favored explanation.
Chronicles of Narnia FAQ
Lots of people are probably going to see the Chronicles of Narnia movie, but they also probably have questions about it. The books are best-sellers around the world, but they still aren't familiar to a significant segment of the population. Thus, there needs to be a basic explanation of some of the issues involved in the movie.
Lots of people are probably going to see the Chronicles of Narnia movie, but they also probably have questions about it. The books are best-sellers around the world, but they still aren't familiar to a significant segment of the population. Thus, there needs to be a basic explanation of some of the issues involved in the movie.
Narnia's Message on Gender Roles, Social Roles
Critics of C.S. Lewis' Narnia books and of the Narnia movie typically focus on the less-than-subtle use of Christian doctrine. We should not overlook other problems, however, like for example the way gender roles are depicted or the reinforcement of social stratification.
Critics of C.S. Lewis' Narnia books and of the Narnia movie typically focus on the less-than-subtle use of Christian doctrine. We should not overlook other problems, however, like for example the way gender roles are depicted or the reinforcement of social stratification.
Narnia's Religious Problems
Disney, the movie studio distributing the film adaptation of C.S. Lewis' first Narnia book, has been working closely with Christian groups and churches in order to encourage Christians to go see the movie. Christians don't seem to mind being used like this, but less religious moviegoers might be put off by some of the themes in the movie.
Disney, the movie studio distributing the film adaptation of C.S. Lewis' first Narnia book, has been working closely with Christian groups and churches in order to encourage Christians to go see the movie. Christians don't seem to mind being used like this, but less religious moviegoers might be put off by some of the themes in the movie.
C.S. Lewis and Faith: Defending Faith in God by using Reason, Attacks on Naturalism
Christian apologist C.S. Lewis had a curious relationship with faith. On the one hand, he couldn't very well deny the importance of faith because it has been a core component of Christianity since the very beginning - both Jesus and Paul praise it as vital. At the same time, however, his overall goal was to provide a rational apologetic that justified acceptance of Christianity on intellectual grounds. This would make faith superfluous.
Christian apologist C.S. Lewis had a curious relationship with faith. On the one hand, he couldn't very well deny the importance of faith because it has been a core component of Christianity since the very beginning - both Jesus and Paul praise it as vital. At the same time, however, his overall goal was to provide a rational apologetic that justified acceptance of Christianity on intellectual grounds. This would make faith superfluous.
C.S. Lewis and Naturalism: Can Naturalism Explain Reason, Nature, and Morality?
C.S. Lewis wanted to explain nature on the basis of his supernatural god; as a consequence, naturalistic explanations for nature represented a major threat - just as it does for contemporary apologists. Lewis argued against naturalism in a variety of contexts. It plays an important role not just in his discussions about morality, but also in his arguments about the nature of reason.
C.S. Lewis wanted to explain nature on the basis of his supernatural god; as a consequence, naturalistic explanations for nature represented a major threat - just as it does for contemporary apologists. Lewis argued against naturalism in a variety of contexts. It plays an important role not just in his discussions about morality, but also in his arguments about the nature of reason.
C.S. Lewis, Christian Apologetics, and Novels: Major Sources
Bibliographic list of major sources used for articles on C.S. Lewis: his life, his apologetics, his Christinianity, and his fictional novels.
Bibliographic list of major sources used for articles on C.S. Lewis: his life, his apologetics, his Christinianity, and his fictional novels.
C.S. Lewis' Narnia: Where's the Love?
The Chronicles of Narnia series is hugely popular among children, especially Christian children. Unfortunately, people read this allegory of Christianity just as uncritically as they do C.S. Lewis' overt Christian apologetics. If they did read it more critically, they might discover that the stories don't present Christianity as nicely as they assume.
The Chronicles of Narnia series is hugely popular among children, especially Christian children. Unfortunately, people read this allegory of Christianity just as uncritically as they do C.S. Lewis' overt Christian apologetics. If they did read it more critically, they might discover that the stories don't present Christianity as nicely as they assume.
Re-Reading the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
C.S. Lewis' book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has been enjoyed by millions of children all around the world, but how many people go back and re-read the books as adults? How many approach the books with a skeptical perspective, questioning whether all the messages and passages are really appropriate?
C.S. Lewis' book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has been enjoyed by millions of children all around the world, but how many people go back and re-read the books as adults? How many approach the books with a skeptical perspective, questioning whether all the messages and passages are really appropriate?
Mailbag: C.S. Lewis, Part 1
"How does a Christian, then, deal with the atheism of so many? How is a Christian to respond to a bitter atheist, like Sartre, or Shopenhauser? And, lastly, how shall a Christian present Christianity to an unChristian group, without there being derision, hostility, misapprehension? Almost too simply the answer is within THE CASE FOR CHRISTIANITY, by C.S. Lewis."
"How does a Christian, then, deal with the atheism of so many? How is a Christian to respond to a bitter atheist, like Sartre, or Shopenhauser? And, lastly, how shall a Christian present Christianity to an unChristian group, without there being derision, hostility, misapprehension? Almost too simply the answer is within THE CASE FOR CHRISTIANITY, by C.S. Lewis."
Mailbag: C.S. Lewis, Part 2
"Every atheist MUST read this work, as it will remind them that religion, whether for them true or not, is not easily dismissed as is commonly supposed. It has uncanny depth. C.S. Lewis has something to say, ladies and gentlemen. Every theist, every atheist, every deist must own this book."
"Every atheist MUST read this work, as it will remind them that religion, whether for them true or not, is not easily dismissed as is commonly supposed. It has uncanny depth. C.S. Lewis has something to say, ladies and gentlemen. Every theist, every atheist, every deist must own this book."
Books About C.S. Lewis
Classic Literature Guide Esther Lombardi presents 10 books about C.S. Lewis: his life, his writings, and his religious beliefs.
Classic Literature Guide Esther Lombardi presents 10 books about C.S. Lewis: his life, his writings, and his religious beliefs.
C.S. Lewis: A Biography
Esther Lombardi discusses a biography of C.S. Lewis: "In this biography, A.N. Wilson explores the life and works of C.S. Lewis, from his early childhood, through years of fighting in World War I, his relationships, his books, and his friendships."
Esther Lombardi discusses a biography of C.S. Lewis: "In this biography, A.N. Wilson explores the life and works of C.S. Lewis, from his early childhood, through years of fighting in World War I, his relationships, his books, and his friendships."
Chronicles of Narnia Movie - Photos, Interviews, More
Movies Guide Rebecca Murray has a large collection of mateiral on The Chronicles of Narnia The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe movie: casting news, photos, trailer, credits, and websites for the film based on The Chronicles of Narnia The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe book by C.S. Lewis
Movies Guide Rebecca Murray has a large collection of mateiral on The Chronicles of Narnia The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe movie: casting news, photos, trailer, credits, and websites for the film based on The Chronicles of Narnia The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe book by C.S. Lewis
Critiques of C.S. Lewis
Collection of critiques of C.S. Lewis' writings, apologetics, and arguments in defense of Christianity and the existence of God.
Collection of critiques of C.S. Lewis' writings, apologetics, and arguments in defense of Christianity and the existence of God.