C. S. Lewis [Modern Apologist] Flashcards
(32 cards)
What was C.S. Lewis’s early life and family background?
Born in 1898, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to a middle-class family. His father was Albert Lewis, a solicitor, and his mother, Florence Lewis, was a clergyman’s daughter. He had a close relationship with his brother Warren and grew up in a book-filled home that encouraged wide reading.
How did an early tragedy impact C.S. Lewis’s faith?
In 1908, Lewis’s mother, Florence, died of cancer, leading to a loss of “settled happiness” and a profound shift in his view of religion, contributing to early disillusionment with Christianity.
Describe C.S. Lewis’s education and his view on Christianity.
After his mother’s death, Lewis attended various boarding schools, which he disliked. He viewed Christianity as dull and lacking intellectual rigour until his exposure to different Christian perspectives through reading.
How did Oxford and World War I influence C.S. Lewis?
Lewis won a scholarship to University College, Oxford, from 1917, but his education was interrupted by military service in World War I, where he was wounded in action. He achieved First Class Honours in Classics, Philosophy, and English and was a self-described “vociferous atheist” during his early Oxford years.
What led to C.S. Lewis’s spiritual awakening and conversion to Christianity?
Influences included readings and friendships with devout Christians like J.R.R. Tolkien and Hugo Dyson. A pivotal moment was a long night of discussion with Tolkien and Dyson about Christianity’s mythic and factual truth, leading to a gradual acceptance of God, as described in “Surprised by Joy.”
How did C.S. Lewis’s conversion impact his life and legacy?
Lewis’s evolution from a sceptical, disillusioned young man to a committed Christian intellectual significantly informed his academic work and led to influential Christian apologetics in the 20th century, leaving a profound impact on both religious and literary fields.
What is the origin and impact of “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis?
Originating from a series of WWII radio broadcasts, “Mere Christianity” focuses on basic Christian beliefs common across denominations, avoiding denominational specifics to target a broad audience. It’s cited as a highly effective piece of Christian apologetics, leading to numerous conversions.
What subject does “The Problem of Pain” address, and what is C.S. Lewis’s argument?
“The Problem of Pain” addresses theodicy - the problem of suffering in a world governed by a good God, arguing that pain serves as a means for spiritual growth and realisation of the need for God. It’s praised by philosophers like Eleonore Stump.
What genre and theological insights are found in “The Chronicles of Narnia”?
A children’s literature series and theological allegory, “The Chronicles of Narnia” features seven books with rich Christian symbolism, notably through the character Aslan, a Christ-figure, imagining Christ in a fictional world with deep theological implications.
What format and themes does “The Screwtape Letters” explore?
In a satirical format of letters from a senior demon to his nephew, “The Screwtape Letters” explores human failings, temptations, and spiritual warfare, and is studied in religious settings for its insights into spiritual life.
What are the themes and influence of “The Great Divorce”?
“The Great Divorce” explores themes of heaven, hell, and human choice, with an argument that hell is a self-chosen state, emphasising free will. It has inspired theologians like Timothy Keller and Cornelius Plantinga.
What critiques have been made of Lewis’s works, and how has the response been?
Critics like John Beversluis argue Lewis’s works contain logical inconsistencies. Despite critiques, Lewis’s influence remains strong in modern Christianity, showcasing the enduring relevance of his theological insights.
What summarises the legacy and influence of C.S. Lewis’s works?
Lewis’s works blend literary imagination with theological insight, making complex theological concepts accessible to the average reader and influencing religious beliefs and practices globally. He is recognised for the seriousness and depth of his Christian writing, as noted by figures like Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury.
How does C.S. Lewis define “Mere Christianity”?
“Mere Christianity” refers to the core Christian beliefs that transcend denominational boundaries, likened to a great hallway leading to different rooms (denominations), emphasising unity among Christians and advocating for tolerance and kindness across ‘rooms’. It is praised for its historical rootedness and broad appeal.
What is unique about C.S. Lewis’s concept of Trinitarian theology?
C.S. Lewis describes the Trinity as a divine dance (“perichoresis”), highlighting a dynamic relationship within the Trinity and with humanity, offering a vivid and relational understanding of this core Christian doctrine.
How does C.S. Lewis approach Christology in his works?
Lewis views the Christ-event as the fulfilment of myth and legend, with Jesus Christ being the true realisation of the ‘Dying God’ myth, merging historical Christianity with mythic elements for a deeper understanding. He calls his Christology “a true myth”.
What are C.S. Lewis’s views on atonement and the church’s role?
Lewis focuses on reconciliation through Christ’s death and the importance of repentance and redemption, asserting the church’s essential role in understanding and experiencing God.
How does C.S. Lewis depict human participation in divinity?
Using the imagery of humans as statues coming to life, Lewis discusses theosis or divinisation - the concept of humans sharing in divine life, reflecting his deep theological engagement with the transformative potential of faith.
What criticisms have been made of C.S. Lewis’s theological approach?
Critics like John Beversluis argue Lewis’s apologetics lack philosophical rigour. However, figures like Rowan Williams acknowledge Lewis for elevating the seriousness of Christian writing, highlighting the debate around his intellectual contributions.
What is the legacy and influence of C.S. Lewis’s theological work?
C.S. Lewis’s impact is influential across denominational lines, making complex theological concepts accessible and engaging. Recognised as one of the most important Christian thinkers of the 20th century, his work continues to inspire and challenge believers and seekers alike.
What was C.S. Lewis’s role in the 20th century, and what types of works did he produce?
C.S. Lewis was the foremost Christian apologist of the 20th century, producing works ranging from scholarly texts to children’s literature, with his peak period of influence from 1940-1955, as noted by Alister McGrath.
What were the two approaches C.S. Lewis used in his apologetics?
Lewis utilised rational apologetics, employing logical arguments in works like “The Abolition of Man” and “Miracles,” and imaginative apologetics, using allegory and metaphor in works like “The Screwtape Letters” and “The Great Divorce,” to illuminate Christian truths.
What are some key arguments C.S. Lewis made for Christianity?
Lewis’s key arguments included the Argument from Morality (universal sense of right and wrong suggests a divine moral lawgiver), Argument from Desire (human longing for something beyond this world implies God’s existence), and Argument from Reason (questioning the reliability of human reasoning if not grounded in a rational source, God).
How did C.S. Lewis’s approach to apologetics evolve over time?
Lewis’s early phase emphasised a rational defence of Christianity, but his later phase recognised that faith involves more than reason, including a transformation of the heart.
