Question on CS Lewis

[Widlast]

Uh no. I never said that. Sorry, if you don't want to discuss reasonably then please don't post in this thread.

Goodbook, you are obviously young and not particularly well read. You need to come at these subjects as a student, to learn, not as a judge, as you have portrayed yourself so far. As others have said, you really don't seem to be able or willing to grasp the subjects under discussion.

If Lewis confuses you, then wait until you have grown a bit then read him again. True Christianity is deep and rather complex, because it is real. Real things tend to be complicated.
Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying.

 

[MournfulWatcher]

When someone is in the occult they of course are blinded. A christian knows that God doesn't look on witches and wizards as following him if they are unrepentent and actively involved in witchcraft, or even curious about them - for example, people have been damaged by looking at horoscopes and believing lies about them.

of course witches and wizards can repent, and people can repent of dabbling in the occult and making up stories about them. It is something I don't want anything to do with, even though it's all around in our culture today.

Did you miss the part where people have said that C.S Lewis left paganism behind and followed Christianity?

Lewis used mythology as a tool in his books. Who isn't entertained by things like talking animals, magic, adventures, and dragons?

The Witch in the book wasn't SUPPOSED to be good. She is not presented in a positive light, that is why she's the villain. The point of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was that the Witch was defeated, because she was evil. Lewis never showed witchcraft as good. The Bible often talks about witchcraft and sorcery, but it's also presented negatively, because it's bad. Same with Narnia.

I really get the feeling that you're selectively reading everyone's posts and not considering their thoughts and answers. You're just repeating the same arguments over and over that have repeatedly been debunked.

I am not being aggressive, but it is frustrating when it feels like someone isn't listening to you.

 

[Strong in Him]

Well, it was just a question about him thats all.

Of course I don't know everything as I didn't know him personally. I don't understand the animosity people are showing on this thread.

Very likely it's because you wrote this thread saying "I don't understand why C S Lewis is admired and why he said .........". You asked a question and said you didn't understand.
People have been trying to answer your question and help you understand. This may lead you to appreciate C S Lewis more or you may still say "well his writings aren't for me". But even though there are some people here who are very knowledgeable about Lewis and his writings, and have answered your questions, you still insist on saying "well this book of his SEEMS to be about ....." "Lewis appeared to write ........ or be involved in ......". Or "Wikipedia says ...... and here is a website which says .......".
If you want to know the answer to your questions, read what people are saying - as you chose to ask them on this forum. Asking for help and then ignoring those who try to give it to you is bound to cause some irritation.

When someone is in the occult they of course are blinded. A christian knows that God doesn't look on witches and wizards as following him if they are unrepentent and actively involved in witchcraft, or even curious about them - for example, people have been damaged by looking at horoscopes and believing lies about them.

of course witches and wizards can repent, and people can repent of dabbling in the occult and making up stories about them. It is something I don't want anything to do with, even though it's all around in our culture today.

And this is a good example of what I am saying. You have been told that Lewis was not involved in the occult. He was interested in paganism, which is not the same thing. And I don't think he was interested because he wanted to convert but just to find out, and understand, what they believed.
Yet in spite of this you talk about Lewis as being someone who was IN the occult.

The question is, "do you genuinely want to know about C S Lewis and be helped to understand him better?" If so, there are many who can help you. You may still not like his writings at the end of it, but at least you will have a better idea of what he was about.
If, on the other hand you are saying, "C S Lewis was a non Christian, was involved in the occult, his writings are obscure and unhelpful and Christians shouldn't read them"; if you have already made up your mind and don't want to know, then that might help explain why you are not reading the answers you are given.

 

[doctorwho29]

I dont know why CS lewis is so revered when he couldnt even get a simple thing right and turned scripture into a fantasy in which everything is opposite.

He wrote lots of books but there doesnt seem to be any testimony of his christian walk....any works to show for his faith. Works meaning, whether he looked after orphans or the poor etc. as James mentions.

People can say they are christian and then make quite a living from it but I just question what made CS lewis so christian that people start quoting him above scripture. It just doesnt seem right.

I'd suggest you check out "Supervised By Joy." It's an autobiography by Lewis that tells something of his conversion. Also, Jesus is big enough that He can be called a lion as well as a lamb. Lewis created an allegory in which animals were dominant in Narnia and thus their leader was the stereotypical King of Beasts which is a lion. It's the form Jesus takes when in Narnia although He did appear as a lamb in "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader."

You are free to not like Lewis; I'm just trying to give him more of a fair trial

 

[doctorwho29]

Also, using a witch in the book is simply using a traditional fairy tale villain. Lewis was not trying to make people turn to the occult. In fact, all the witches in his Narnia series are evil and are killed by Aslan or His servants in the end.

 

[bloodbought09]

Ah goodbook, just keep reading that good book. I commend you for taking the higher road when people want to make you out to be less a Christian than them.

The bible does say "Those who compare themselves one to another are not wise".

I'll stick with the bible as well. Presently reading Romans and going through Galatians at church.

 

[Goodbook]

Im beginning to regret i started this topic.
I did ask someone who was older than me at my writers group what she thought of CS lewis and surprisingly she said she hated screwtape letters. But her son loved the Narnia series.
She said he wouldnt read anything else, i.e all other fantasy stories failed in comparison.
But I think its the fantasy that appeals to children, not necessarily the message...like the talking animals. Lots of childrens stories have anthropomorphism in them, my favourite was Animal Farm, although of course many children read it and didnt know it was an allegory about communism.

I asked why she didnt like screwtape letters and she said it was ungodly, like having a dialogue with the devil. It did remind me of that new age book 'conversations with God' by neale donaldson walsh. Im not sure if that was meant to be fiction or true but it was touted as non fiction. But you do have to beware of channelled writings like that.

What most people arent aware of is that anyone whos dabbled in the occult and actually many fiction writers do this, will get demons talking to them.

 

[Goodbook]

Freedom diaries however, I read that and it was more about prayer journalling I didnt discern that as false as it did glorify God. With new age writing a when they refer to God its not the God we know as our Father who sent his only son Jesus.

Its a false god.

Anyway. My writing friend said that the book mere christianity didnt impress her much either. She is a published author.

My take is...I am a bit sceptical of the claims people make about cs lewis being a better christian than anyone else, or the best ever theologian. It may be their personal view but its not the view of a lot of people, and not everyone will like his work or see it as christian. And thats ok. Hes not perfect. And he didnt write the bible! So even when ppl quote from him its only his man made word not the quick and powerful word of God which is scripture.

 

[MournfulWatcher]

I asked why she didnt like screwtape letters and she said it was ungodly, like having a dialogue with the devil. It did remind me of that new age book 'conversations with God' by neale donaldson walsh. Im not sure if that was meant to be fiction or true but it was touted as non fiction. But you do have to beware of channelled writings like that.

What most people arent aware of is that anyone whos dabbled in the occult and actually many fiction writers do this, will get demons talking to them.

Again, I fail to find evidence of the occult in C.S. Lewis' books. And what is your idea of "dabbling in the occult"? Does that include just studying mythology, which Lewis did? That's pretty strict.

Some people dislike the Screwtape Letters, which I understand, but for many Christians it was insightful. Lewis uses strong irony throughout the entire book; I do understand people being uncomfortable, though, with reading from the demons point of view. I felt, however, that it wasn't glorifying the devil, but cleverly giving Christians advice on how to spot temptation and avoid it.

No one is trying to claim that C.S Lewis' writings are above the Bible. Many people enjoy reading them because they contain valuable insight. Lewis' work actually helped bring a lot of atheists to Christ; an atheist will not read the Bible and immediately think "Wow, this is all so true and makes perfect sense to me!" Sure, a few have before; but most are going to analyze and be confused by it because they won't fully understand it. That's why it's important for Christians to have evidence and logical reasoning to back their claims, which Lewis displays.

Mere Christianity isn't necessarily geared towards Christians who already solidly believe in the truth of Jesus Christ. It is for the unconvinced and for new Christians, which is likely why you personally found it boring or uninformative as you are not new to the faith.

NO book can compare to the Bible. That is obvious; everyone knows this. But it can be difficult to understand and make sense out of sometimes. Look at the laws in Leviticus; if someone who had never read the Bible picked one up and started reading Leviticus, do you think it would make much sense to them? That's why it's important to have good Christian literature as well., such as Mere Christianity.

And as far as Narnia goes, it is a work of fiction, well-done in my opinion. There are important Christian themes that can be found in it, especially for children. I think it's unfair of you to doubt Lewis' Christianity just because you don't like seeing witches in his book (and I'll remind you that it presents witches the same way as the Bible: negatively). And there is no such thing as someone being a better Christian than another, as we are all equal in God's eyes.

 

[Strong in Him]

What most people arent aware of is that anyone whos dabbled in the occult and actually many fiction writers do this, will get demons talking to them.

Again, you're ignoring what people say about C S Lewis not having dabbled in the occult.

Anyway. My writing friend said that the book mere christianity didnt impress her much either. She is a published author.

I'm glad you've found someone to agree with you.

My take is...I am a bit sceptical of the claims people make about cs lewis being a better christian than anyone else, or the best ever theologian. It may be their personal view but its not the view of a lot of people, and not everyone will like his work or see it as christian. And thats ok. Hes not perfect. And he didnt write the bible! So even when ppl quote from him its only his man made word not the quick and powerful word of God which is scripture.

1. I think we know what your take on this is, and you're entitled to it. Again, you've received many of these answers because you said you didn't understand about C S Lewis. People have been trying to help you to understand by explaining things that either you didn't know, or had misunderstood.
2. C S Lewis wasn't a better Christian than anyone else, and I'm not sure people are claiming that he was. He may have helped, encouraged and/or influenced more people than the average Christian has, but that doesn't mean he was better.
3. Everyone here knows, and he himself knew, that he didn't write the Bible; I don't think anyone has claimed otherwise. People might quote your posts on this forum - they too are only man made and not the Bible. Nowhere is there any law, instruction or teaching that Christians cannot read, and enjoy, Christian books as well as the Bible.

Again, if you don't like him, don't read his books. If you want to try to understand him as you claimed, then read what people here are saying. If that still leads to you saying "I don't like him"; fine.

 

[Light of the East]

Lewis did not enjoy writing the Screwtape Letters:

“Of all my books,” Lewis admitted in a 1963 interview, “there was only one I did not take pleasure in writing.” He found The Screwtape Letters “dry and gritty going. At the time, I was thinking of objections to the Christian life and decided to put them in the form ‘That’s what the devil would say.’ But making goods ‘bad’ and bads ‘good’ gets to be fatiguing.”

12 Things you might not know about The Screwtape Letters.

 

[AlexDTX]

I'm not sure I understand why CS Lewis wrote the things he did, it seemed like he was christian but then he wrote about lions and witches and wardrobes.

i remmeber seeing this movie as a child and I did not think it was actually christian. It was more fairy tale. Actually it scared me a bit when I was young because it suggested that wardrobes could be portals to this other world.

Later when I became a christian CS Lewis writings didnt make much senese either. It seemed he was advocating anglicanism as a religion rather than actually being born again.

I tried to read 'mere christianity' but nothing registered, just seemed like an out of date apologetic for religion. Screwtape letters seemed to glorify demons. I did not enjoy reading the screwtape letters, I thought, very clever, but no gospel in it.

What do other people think? Anybody actually know him personally? Why was he writing about witches etc when we are meant to avoid all appearance of evil? I would not say chronicles of narnia are christian. Its fantasy, with twisted elements of christianity in it.

If this has been stated before, please forgive the repetition. There are 190 replies so far, and that is too many for me to read. That being said, here is my reply.

Lewis has written many books. The Chronicles of Narnia are just his most famous. He was a very thoughtful man, but I have not sensed that he had the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but assume he had the new birth. For no man can call Jesus Lord except by the Holy Ghost (see 1 John 4:2). The Problem with Pain is one of his most thoughtful theological books that I have read. As for fiction, I absolutely loved the Perelandra Trilogy.

As for the Chronicles of Narnia, it has been believed that Lewis wrote the book on two levels: simply as a fantasy for children with ethical situations, and as a metaphor to Christianity. Michael Ward wrote that he believes a third level was also intended of which he explains in his book, The Narnia Code. The Inklings were a scholastic group of writers in England who explored mythology. JRR Tolkien was in this group along with CS Lewis and Dorothy Sayers. According to Ward, each book represents a planet from the pre-Copernican belief in the seven planets. He makes a compelling case, of which I recommend you read his book. In a nut shell, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is about Jupiter. Prince Caspian is about Mars; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is about the Sun (not a planet, but part of the Medieval system); The Silver Chair the Moon; The Horse and his Boy about Mercury; The Magician's Nephew about Venus; and the Last Battle about Saturn.

Obviously we are not concerned with astronomy but the ancient beliefs about the planets.

It is a pity Lewis was not aware of the Witness of the Stars by EW Bullinger which argues that the constellations get their names from the names of the stars of which God had named and the Arabs had preserved. This is more plausible to me and would have been good to incorporate in his Chronicles of Narnia.

I guess the main thing about Lewis is that he was like Billy Graham of his day. He had a talk radio show which is where Mere Christianity was first aired before being compiled into a book. He tried to bridge the denominational barriers in his time. We forget that heresy as a Greek word means division. Division as heresy was already in the early church as seen in Corinthians. Lewis was combating that age old heresy.

 

[Goodbook]

Sorry i havent read all the replies as been busy with others things. But interesting viewpoints obviously not everyone is the same and we were born in different eras. If he was still alive here you could just write to him and ask him I suppose.

 

[Goodbook]

Yes well I didnt know cs lewis was irish. So thats where all the pagan fantasy stuff came from. Well some of it. He obviously wasnt english.

Irish writing tends to be heavy on the wordplay. Maybe you have to be kinda irish to understand it. There would be in jokes that you would miss.

 

[Goodbook]

Lol Billy Graham isnt around anymore so who is the Billy Graham of OUR day???

I wasnt around when Billy Graham was active either. Although I have read some of his books and his sons books and I got them a lot more than I did CS lewis.

The Grahams didnt write fantasy though. Anne Graham Lotz, his daughter, is said to be an excellent preacher. i havent heard her preach but read she didnt even go to bible college or formerly trained. But obviously her dad handed down to her the love of the Word.

 

[Goodbook]

Lewis did not enjoy writing the Screwtape Letters:

“Of all my books,” Lewis admitted in a 1963 interview, “there was only one I did not take pleasure in writing.” He found The Screwtape Letters “dry and gritty going. At the time, I was thinking of objections to the Christian life and decided to put them in the form ‘That’s what the devil would say.’ But making goods ‘bad’ and bads ‘good’ gets to be fatiguing.”

12 Things you might not know about The Screwtape Letters.

Thats interesting. I dont think you would make a gift of the screwtape letters to anyone, esp a new christian. Some people wouldnt appreciate the satire. i did find it tedious reading it.

 

[Strong in Him]

Lol Billy Graham isnt around anymore

He's still alive!

 

[Strong in Him]

Thats interesting. I dont think you would make a gift of the screwtape letters to anyone, esp a new christian. Some people wouldnt appreciate the satire. i did find it tedious reading it.

I've bought it since reading this thread. It's good.

 

[JCFantasy23]

I've bought it since reading this thread. It's good.

I can't wait to read it personally, it sounds fascinating. Will be awhile before I get to it probably, my TBR list is a mile long. I'll bump it up since this thread is reminding me of it.

 

[Luke17:37]

When I read Mere Christianity, I also wondered why Lewis was lifted up in Christian circles. I particularly took issue with his discussion on salvation, which he said depended on baptism, belief and Eucharist (not repentence and belief). But there were many "red flags" when I read this work.

There are many websites which discuss Lewis' teachings from his books. He rejected penal substitution, Biblical inerrancy, etc.

Lewis himself rejected the notion that the Narnia books were written as a Christian allegory. "Some people seem to think that I began by asking myself how I could say something about Christianity to children; then fixed on the fairy tale as an instrument; then collected information about child-psychology and decided what age group I'd write for; then drew up a list of basic Christian truths and hammered out 'allegories' to embody them. This is all pure moonshine. I couldn't write in that way at all. Everything began with images; a faun carrying an umbrella, a queen on a sledge, a magnificent lion. At first there wasn't even anything Christian about them; that element pushed itself in of its own accord" (Of Other Worlds, p. 36).

The alleged allegory Christians insist on breaks down when Aslan (the supposed Christ figure) accepts a person who worshiped Nash (the supposed Satan figure). Aslan imputes the person's lifelong worship of Nash to himself (universalism). Aslan also endorses and encourages Lucy to cast spells, and refers to the "magic" which he and all of Narnia is supposedly subject to. Aslan doesn't die for everyone--he only dies for Edmund--implying that the rest don't need forgiveness/a sacrifice.