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You're going to love this guy, you just don't know it yet. I'm willing to defend C S. Lewis as the greatest author of the 20th Century. While other authors may surpass him in certain areas of literature, none can claim the kind of success and praise he garnered in writing not only theology, but also fiction, science fiction, children's stories, history, poetry, newspaper articles, and critical analysis. In one book his logic is a sword he uses to cut through intellectual defenses. In another he's playful and imaginative, building fantastical worlds you can get lost in. But in all of them he is authentic and thoughtful, showing us what it's like to live out the Christian faith.
There's a lot to choose from in the Lewis canon so peruse the list and find one that strikes you. I'll list his most popular first to get you started.
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Mere Christianity
by C. S. Lewis
One of Lewis’ most popular books, Mere Christianity stands as one of the foremost apologetic books ever written. Now, I’ll be honest, this is not an easy read. But if you put the work in it is more than worth it. Lewis shows how there must be a God, and then discusses the basics of Christian theology. His keen intellect will help you understand your faith better and help you better articulate that to others. Originally this was three separate books, so there is a little bit of a break in between them. But every bit of it is valuable and useful. I come back to this book often.
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The Screwtape Letters
by C. S. Lewis
This was my introduction to C. S. Lewis and have been hooked ever since. In this book Lewis writes from the perspective of an older demon trying to teach a younger demon how to tempt humans. This book will prompt you to think about how much Satan can get into our heads to distract us from following the Lord. Originally these letters were published weekly in a newspaper in England, so each letter is usually a self-contained topic and very short in length. If you’ve read it, go back and read it again, you’ll find that new sections hit you in new ways at different times of your life. |
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The Great Divorce
by C. S. Lewis
This is my favorite book of all time. In this short fantasy novel Lewis explores what Heaven and Hell may really be like. But the real thrust of the book tries to answer the question, “ Why do people reject God?” “There are only two kinds of people in the end: Those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’ All that are in Hell choose it. Without that self –choice there could be no Hell.”
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The Chronicles of Narnia
by C. S. Lewis
The recent release of the theatrical version of Lewis' first chronicle has brought these books to the fore lately but these books have been beloved for over half a century. And if you're thinking that you're a little old for children's books, it's time to revisit your childhood. Lewis remarked once that any book worth reading when you're a child is always worth reading. What you will find in these simple stories is an amazing feat of spiritual brilliance. The same concepts that seemed hard to grasp in Mere Christianity are fleshed out here in simple and compelling terms. If you have never sat down and read these books, it's time to get started!
You can read the Chronicles either in the order they were written or in the order that they occur as one long story. I personally prefer the latter, while Lewis had no particular preference. In order the Chronicles run thus:
The Magicians Nephew
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
The Horse and His Boy
Prince Caspian
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Silver Chair
The Last Battle
My friend Davy would be upset if I also did not provide the order in which they were published:
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (1950)
Prince Caspian (1951)
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952)
The Silver Chair (1953)
The Horse and His Boy (1954)
The Magicians Nephew (1955)
The Last Battle (1956)
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The Problem of Pain
by C. S. Lewis
Yeah, not a fun title, but one we have to deal with anyway. Lewis tackles the question of why we have to deal with pain if God is a loving God. Wouldn't He want to keep our lives free of pain? So why does He allow it? It's a short read but will challenge you to think beyond the surface and find that God's ways and plans are greater than ours. You might even find that God can use pain as well as pleasure to lead us to Himself. |
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A Grief Observed
by C. S. Lewis
I have purposefully listed this book after the pervious entry. This book was written after the publication of problem of pain and also after the death of Lewis' wife, Joy. Instead of a theological treatment of pain, this book is the pain itself. Less a book than a personal memoir Lewis decided to publish his journal from the days and months after his wife's death. What we find is a brutally honest look at someone wrestling with their faith in the midst of unimaginable pain. If you've found yourself in a similar situation, you will find a fellow mourner in these pages. I respect Lewis even more for his willingness to not just talk abut pain, but to allow us to walk with him through it. |
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Miracles
by C. S. Lewis
Lewis lived in a time where reason was king and the supernatural was spurned from all sides. Our post-modern world that refuses to believe in a supernatural absolute truth was building its foundation in Lewis' lifetime. Hence this book as a defense in the belief of miracles. It's straightforward, honest, logical, and compelling. If you have a hard time believing things you can't see, or you think you're above such things, I dare you to read this book! |
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The Weight of Glory
by C. S. Lewis
Lewis published numerous articles, many of which were compiled and published during his lifetime. This is one of the most popular of such collections. The title essay is worth the price of the entire book. If you're a fan of Piper's Desiring God you'll find the seed thoughts about enjoying God within these pages. Other articles such as "Why I am not a Pacifist" ought to keep you thinking as well. |
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Reflection on the Psalms
by C. S. Lewis
The Psalms have been an inspiration to believers for millennia and Lewis is no stranger to them. Some chapters walk through a particular problem he ran into while reading the Psalms, such as why David's plea to bash in the heads of his enemies' children is recorded in God's Holy Word. Others address different types of psalms, helping us address concerns such as why God demands that we praise Him. If you're a fan of the Psalms you'll enjoy this one. |
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The Four Loves
by C. S. Lewis
Love is an overused word. The same word gets applied to our spouses and our favorite food. In this book Lewis tackles the four Greek words for love and explains their differences. From the frivolous acquaintances that surround us to deep friendships to the erotic passion of lovers to the agape love of God. You'll be surprised as Lewis identifies traits in yourself and others that you've never noticed before but make complete sense. He may also help you keep your feelings properly channeled and give you more realistic expectations fro the different types of relationships in your life.
Note: You can also get this in an audio version read by Lewis himself! It is the only professional recording of him reading one of his works.
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Till We Have Faces
by C. S. Lewis
Probably not the first Lewis book to read, but for fans this is a must. I have to admit, I had no idea why Lewis wrote this book until right before the end. Lewis, a passionate fan of mythology, retells the mythic tale of Cupid and Psyche. This one will require some reflection but it's worth the effort. I recommend you read The Four Loves before you tackle this one though. It may help you unlock it's mysteries. |
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The Space Trilogy
by C. S. Lewis
Comprised of three different novels, Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength, Lewis' Space Trilogy is a triumph of imagination and theology. Especially entertaining is the fact that Lewis was writing these novels before anyone had ever been to space, allowing him to build stories in our solar system that would seem archaic today. The basic premise takes God's work outside the confines of our planet and extends them into the Solar System. What if God started over on another planet? What if we weren't the first planet God created life on?
Out of the Silent Planet is a short fun read you can tackle in a weekend. It's a little slow starting, but will give you lots to think about. It may not be your favorite, but it's worth reading if only to get you to the next book.
Perelandra is in my top 5 for good reason. This book challenges me again and again. Be careful or you'll get sucked in deeper than you expected! The theological insights of this book continue to challenge and inspire me. Much like The Great Divorce this book will do much to shape your idea of Heaven as well as force you to lament our Fall.
That Hideous Strength is my least favorite of the three, but still worth reading. Lewis more directly tackles the problems of his culture in this installment, making it a little less accessible to those of us living 50 years and a continent away. However, his predictions of the effects of the modern culture are pretty dead on. If you're an Arthur fan you'll find this entertaining as well.
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Surprised by Joy
by C. S. Lewis
This is Lewis' autobiography chronicling his early life and conversion to Christianity. An atheist until the age of 30 Lewis called himself "the most reluctant convert in all of Christendom." But he couldn't deny the existence of a joy and life beyond himself. If you have some overly intellectual friends hostile to the faith this book might be of use to them. I will warn you, it's a bit dry and wasn't my favorite. But for any fan of Jack its a must. |
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