C.S. Lewis - Icon Profile | Alexandria
C.S. Lewis (1898-1963), born Clive Staples Lewis and known to friends as "Jack," stands as one of the 20th century's most influential Christian intellectuals, fantasy writers, and literary scholars. His remarkable transformation from steadfast atheist to passionate Christian apologist, combined with his creation of beloved fictional worlds, has left an indelible mark on both religious and literary landscapes.
Born in Belfast, Ireland, Lewis's early life was shaped by the loss of his mother to cancer when he was nine, an event that initially drove him from faith. His intellectual journey began at Oxford University, interrupted by service in World War I, where he was wounded in the Battle of Arras. The war's horrors and his friendship with fellow Oxford professor J.R.R. Tolkien played crucial roles in his eventual conversion to Christianity in 1931, a process he later described as being "surprised by joy" – a phrase that would become the title of his spiritual autobiography.
Lewis's literary output spans an impressive range of genres, from scholarly works like "The Allegory of Love" (1936) to Christian apologetics such as "Mere Christianity" (1952), and the beloved children's series "The Chronicles of Narnia" (1950-1956). His ability to weave Christian themes into engaging fantasy narratives revolutionized religious literature, making complex theological concepts accessible through allegory and imagination. The figure of Aslan, the great lion in Narnia, represents perhaps his most masterful symbolic achievement, embodying Christian themes without sacrificing narrative power.
Lewis's legacy continues to evolve in contemporary culture, with his works finding new relevance in discussions of faith, reason, and imagination. Modern adaptations of his Narnia series have introduced his vision to new generations, while his essays on pain, grief, and love (particularly "A Grief Observed," written after his wife's death) remain poignant guides for those grappling with life's fundamental questions. His concept of "mere Christianity" – focusing on core beliefs common to all Christian denominations – continues to influence ecumenical dialogue and modern Christian thought. What makes Lewis's work particularly enduring is not just its intellectual rigor or imaginative power, but its unique ability to bridge the perceived gap between reason and faith, science and religion, reality and fantasy.