Deeper into C.S. Lewis: Seventy-Five Years After Atheism
02/02/06
by Paul R. Miller
Lewis... faith and fun Sometime this September, seventy-five years ago, Lewis made that final step from his world of aggressive disbelief, to decisive belief, in God. While we may enjoy his works prior to this significant decision, it is this transformation in Lewis' world that brought about so much that many have come to admire and love.
To fully appreciate the impact of this decision on Lewis, it would be a worthwhile project to read through, or re-visit, Lewis' autobiography, Surprised by Joy and get a sense of what Lewis once was, and what he saw himself become.
There are other noteworthy biographies, but tastes may vary. One particular volume one should take time walking through is Humphrey Carpenter's, The Inklings: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Charles William, and Their Friends. Yes, it was published by Allen & Unwin nearly 30 years ago, but it contains all sorts of insights and remarkable tidbits of information that will make one more of an aficionado and less of a fan. The book centers more on Lewis, but we also learn of some of the friends who guided Lewis' literary interests and those whom Lewis encouraged in likewise fashion.
Another volume that was brought to my attention is Terry Lindvall's delightful work, Surprised by Laughter: The Comic World of C.S. Lewis. It is not the kind of book one picks up for light Saturday or Sunday afternoon-rainy-day-lazy-day reading. However, one quote from the book remains with me: "One bright and compelling feature we can see, sparkling in his (or Lewis') sunlight and sparkling in his moonlight, is laughter. Yet it is too large to see at once, because it inhabited all Lewis was, and did."
Enjoy this anniversary year, getting to know the faith and fun of this remarkable scholar, who could strike up deep conversations with cabbies and silence irascible critics, delight children and challenge adults.
Happy Anniversary! ...I like chocolate cake, by the way.
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