C.S. Lewis, from Atheist to Christian Author

 

Introduction

C.S. Lewis, one of the most renowned Christian authors of the 20th century, had a fascinating journey from atheism to faith. Best known for his timeless children's fantasy series, "The Chronicles of Narnia," and his Christian apologetic works such as "Mere Christianity," Lewis's conversion to Christianity serves as an inspiring story for many. In this blog post, we will delve into the life of C.S. Lewis and explore his journey from staunch atheism to devout Christianity.

Early Life and Atheism

Clive Staples Lewis was born in Belfast, Ireland, on November 29, 1898. Raised in a Christian home, Lewis lost his faith in his teenage years, turning to atheism by the age of 15. Lewis attributed his loss of faith to the death of his mother when he was only nine years old, coupled with the misery he experienced during his boarding school years.

As an atheist, Lewis embraced a materialistic worldview, believing that life was merely a series of random events. He pursued an education in literature and philosophy, eventually becoming a fellow and tutor at Magdalen College, Oxford. During this time, Lewis was heavily influenced by the works of Friedrich Nietzsche, George Bernard Shaw, and H.G. Wells, whose writings reinforced his atheistic beliefs.

Influential Friendships

Despite his atheistic views, Lewis found himself surrounded by devout Christians while at Oxford, including J.R.R. Tolkien, author of "The Lord of the Rings," and Owen Barfield, a philosopher and fellow author. These friendships played a crucial role in Lewis's eventual conversion to Christianity.

Tolkien and Lewis developed a deep friendship, and their discussions often centered on matters of faith, myth, and literature. Tolkien's strong Catholic faith and his belief in the power of myth to convey truth left a profound impact on Lewis. Owen Barfield's intellectual arguments on the nature of reality and human consciousness also contributed to Lewis's gradual shift away from atheism.

The Road to Conversion

Lewis's intellectual journey was marked by a series of critical moments that led to his eventual conversion. One such moment occurred in 1929, when he read G.K. Chesterton's "The Everlasting Man." This book challenged Lewis's materialistic worldview, arguing that the Christian faith was a more logical and meaningful explanation for the existence of the world and the human experience.

Another significant event was his reading of "Phantastes" by George MacDonald, a Christian fantasy novel that sparked Lewis's imagination and opened the door for him to see the world in a different light. In 1931, during a late-night conversation with Tolkien and Hugo Dyson, Lewis became convinced of the validity of Christian myths, recognizing their profound truths.

In the same year, Lewis made the decision to return to the Christian faith. He described his conversion as a reluctant one, stating, "In the Trinity Term of 1929 I gave in, and admitted that God was God, and knelt and prayed: perhaps, that night, the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England."

A Legacy of Christian Literature

After his conversion, C.S. Lewis went on to become one of the most influential Christian authors of the 20th century. His works include the "Chronicles of Narnia," "Mere Christianity," "The Problem of Pain," "The Screwtape Letters," and "The Great Divorce." Through these writings, Lewis explored complex themes such as the nature of good and evil, faith, and redemption.