This was an answer to a query that I've made of Harvest Ministries about the validity of C. S. Lewis' Christianity, in view that there are many radical christian often criticize C. S. Lewis, calling him a heretic and a liar. Judge by yourself.
Hello Andre:
My name is Jim and I serve on the Correspondence Team here at Harvest Christian Fellowship. I will be responding to your email on behalf of Pastor Greg and his staff. I see no reason to think that C. S. Lewis was anything but the Christian believer that he purported to be. Even though some of his books contain witch characters and the like, they were used allegorically to capture the interest of his reading audience. To my knowledge his books are based upon his deep rooted Christian beliefs and contain many Biblical references. According to the biographical notes contained on the cslewis.com website, “On May 20, 1925, Lewis was appointed Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University, where he served for twenty-nine years until 1954. During his time at Oxford, Lewis went from being an atheist to being one of the most influential Christian writers of the 20th century; 1931 marks the year of Lewis's conversion to Christianity. He became a member of the Church of England. Lewis cites his friendship with J. R. R. Tolkien, as well as the writings of the converted G. K. Chesterton, as influencing his conversion.”
Here are a few quotes by C.S. Lewis that reveal to me his love for His Creator, God.
A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.
C. S. Lewis
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.
C. S. Lewis
God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.
C. S. Lewis
I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.
C. S. Lewis
There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way."
C. S. Lewis
Andre, people can say anything they want, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they are speaking the truth. Unfortunately, there is not “truth” filter on my internet browser. I wish there would be though…. C.S. Lewis was a wonderfully gifted writer and expositor. I am certain that many people have come to faith in Christ because of his books. I am equally as certain that many Christians have become more mature in their walk with the Lord because of Mr. Lewis insight and God-given wisdom.
In closing, I have included here a review of Lewis’ The Last Battle from a Biblical perspective. Titled accordingly, The Last Battle is the final chapter in the “Chronicles of Narnia” series by C.S. Lewis. As it happens, a clever ape and a not-so-clever donkey discover the hide of a lion. The poor donkey sees the hide as a mere curiosity, but his companion senses an opportunity for gain. With a stitch of a sewing needle here and there, reasons the ape, his donkey friend could be made to look like a lion—and no ordinary lion, mind you, but as the great Aslan himself! The deception works and the disheartened creatures of Narnia are fooled by this counterfeit Aslan who, by his decrees, begins delivering the good land and its citizens into the hands of her enemies.
Lewis was a master storyteller, but more importantly, he was a brilliant Christian apologist who truly believed the prophetic writings of Scripture. The distinguished Oxford professor began his academic career as a staunch atheist, but a thorough examination of the Bible led him to become, in his own words, “the most reluctant convert in London.” Apart from the inspired writers of Scripture, no Christian author is quoted more widely or esteemed more highly than C.S. Lewis.
The Last Battle symbolizes the climactic ending of Antichrist’s reign of terror when King Jesus triumphantly returns to establish His worldwide kingdom from Jerusalem (Revelation 18-22). Readers are kindly spared the usual eschatological arguments concerning the timing of the rapture; thankfully, Lewis omits all the pre-, mid-, and post-tribulation guesswork. What we have is a gripping allegory representing our Lord’s Second Coming minus some of the more speculative details. There is plenty of suspense and intrigue, twists and turns, and imaginative writing for captivating the restless hearts and minds of young readers—and older readers, too!
Andre, thank you for writing to us. I hope we have adequately answered your questions and have removed any doubt as to the authenticity of Lewis Christian-based writings. May God richly bless you and keep you.
In His Service,
Jim
Correspondence Team
No comments:
Post a Comment