Clive Staples Lewis
C S Lewis was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He was a British writer and lay theologian, who held academic positions in English literature at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities. He is best known for his works of fiction, especially The Screwtape Letters, The Chronicles of Narnia and the Space Trilogy as well as for his non-fiction Christian apologetics, such as Mere Christianity. C. S. Lewis suffered personal suffering in his life, which caused him to doubt the existence of God. He lost his mother at age 10, was wounded in the trenches during WWI and lost his best friend during that conflict. As a teenager, he was an atheist, and it wasn’t until he was in his thirties (partly through his friend J.R.R. Tolkien) that he accepted God. His conversion required years of intellectual struggle and came only after he was convinced that faith was reasonable. In his own words from Mere Christianity, he wrote: “one of the best, perhaps the only service I could give my neighbors was to explain and defend the belief (in God).” He died November 22, 1963, in Oxford, England.
Prayer
Eternal God, light of the world and Creator of all that is good and lovely: We bless your name for inspiring Clive Staples Lewis and all those who with images and word have filled us with desire and love. Through Jesus Christ our Savior who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.
Scripture
John 21:15-17, 24-25
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs.”
Reflection
At one time or another in our lives I think many of us have doubted the existence of God, especially during times of pain and suffering.
Name the books you read that were penned by C. S. Lewis. What was your favorite? Did you gain any personal insights that helped you in your spiritual journey?