C. S. Lewis is an incredibly popular writer among Christians to this day. So much so that different denominations try to claim him as their own. But I’m a big fan of his, and I find him a brilliant writer and a sharp observer of human nature, despite not subscribing to the Christian viewpoint that he tries to push in most of his work.
I loved the first Narnia book as a kid, but for the first time last year, I read all 7 books in the Narnia series. It was a fun, imaginative, joyful fantasy adventure. I can’t imagine Narnia without characters like Reepicheep and Puddleglum now. And while I take it as fiction rather than fact, his portrayal of Heaven is one of the most beautiful and affecting I’ve ever read.
I’ve also read his apologetic works. In many of them, like Mere Christianity, Miracles, and The Problem of Pain, I don’t agree with the arguments he’s making, and they likely wouldn’t be convincing to anyone who doesn’t already share his views. But his writing still sparkles, and there are plenty of gems of genuine insight. And I may just be the type of person who likes reading books I disagree with – there’s something fun about arguing back against him in your head. And recognizing that a poor argument can be written in a convincing, authoritative style can help you learn to spot misinformation better.
While Lewis is in many ways a product of his times, I find him very relevant in 2024. The Abolition of Man is concerned, in the first part, with a polemic about morality that you may agree with or not (I didn’t). But in the second half, he warns that in the future, a small handful of powerful elites will be able to shape and manipulate human nature itself using technology. What could be more relevant to our age of AI and social media? And in a slightly more obscure work, An Experiment in Criticism, he talks about how to be a good reader. His chapter about “the reading of the unliterary” is, well, let’s just say it’s very relevant to today.
I just got done reading A Grief Observed, which is his most heart-wrenching and personal book. It’s essentially a record of how he tried to work through his grief through writing, and even questions the very foundations of Christianity. It was almost painful to read, but I think anyone who’s ever experienced the death of a loved one would see themselves in this book, even find comfort from it.
So, excuse the ramble, but I just felt the need to make this post because I wonder how alone I am. Are there other non-Christian Lewis fans here? Or Christians who can join me in admiring him? Or anyone who thinks he’s an outdated, bigoted hack? Or anyone else who admires an author who strongly advocates for views they disagree with?
by Kenoticket