This is the year of C.S. Lewis. Clive Staples "Jack" Lewis, 1898-1963 is the patron saint of thinking Christians. His writings have influenced millions. His book, The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader, is the inspiration for my blog.
I will be doing a lot of Lewis blogging in the months to come. Lewis' writings span an immense spectrum. Science Fiction; Children's Literature; Apologetics and more. Many do not realize that Lewis revitalized children's literature, and gave science fiction respectability and acceptance as a literary genre.
Lewis' work, Mere Christianity, absolutely lit a fire underneath me when I first read it in 1985. The Chronicles of Narnia are an all-time favorite in my household. I have read them to my kids twice. Ever wonder why I picked The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader as my favorite of the series? Since I get asked that so much, and since "Voyage Of The Dawn Treader" is the number #1 search string used to find my blog, I will answer that question in a separate post.
For now, I want to publicize the Narnia on Tour tour. Check the site for dates and locations.
"The primary goal of the tour is to foster informed, local conversation about Lewis, his faith, imagination, and writing."
Hey Jolly Blogger, let's go to the November 3rd lecture at the Borders in Camp Hill, PA. That is an easy four hour drive from Roanoke. What say you?
It does appear that 2005 is shaping up to be the year of Lewis, and I couldn't be happier about it. I'll really be looking forward to reading your Lewis blogging. Also, wanted to let you know as well that most of us at my group blog: http://eternalrevolution.com will be collectively reading the Chronicles of Narnia together this fall and blogging it quite a bit along the way.
Posted by: Chad | August 13, 2005 at 19:18
I can't wait to read your group blog as you share your thoughts on the Chronicles of Narnia!
Check back on The Dawn Treader for more Lewis blogging this fall.
Posted by: Dawn Treader | August 14, 2005 at 19:56
I've always felt that Lewis' apologetic work (well, Mere Christianity, anyway) was poor at best. The arguments given there generally fall into two categories: logically sloppy arguments that simply do not hold, and arguments that are completely nonsensical unless you already believe (or at least are highly inclined to believe) in Christianity.
The sex drive versus hunger argument and the lord, liar, or lunatic argument are just two examples of the first category that I can think of, off the top of my head.
Posted by: tgirsch | August 16, 2005 at 16:22
Tgirsch,
I'm curious as to whom you would consider to be a good - or at least less 'sloppy' - apologist for Christianity?
Posted by: Chad | August 17, 2005 at 16:28
I'm actually not familiar with many Christian apologists, but then I'm not a big fan of apologetics in general. I read Mere Christianity years ago on the recommendation of some friends, and was unimpressed. As logic and reason go, it's sloppy; but I can't really compare it to other works in apologetics.
But you should also know, if you didn't know from following other threads on this blog, that I'm not a Christian any more, so I'm not necessarily the best guy to ask. :)
Posted by: tgirsch | August 18, 2005 at 13:52
Actually, check that. I think Augustine is a much better apologist than C.S. Lewis. At least in Confessions.
Posted by: tgirsch | August 18, 2005 at 14:02
"The Chronicles of Narnia are an all-time favorite in my household. I have read them to my kids twice"
I loved those when i was a kid, though even then i thought Susan wa sunfairly shafted
Posted by: kevin | August 18, 2005 at 16:10
Susan was pretty good with a bow and arrow, n'est ce pas?
Augustine was indeed impressive.
I think Lewis is far more of a shrewd logician than you give him credit for, Tom. Lewis' impact (measured in the millions) continues to be felt and continues to multiply. This does not support your assertion that he was a sloppy thinker.
I'll continue to do more Lewis blogging -- and will cover Lewis' apologetic work in more detail. His development of the tertium quid of the Tao ("natural law") is razor sharp. His "argument from desire" is fresh and original. I look forward to your input.
Posted by: Dawn Treader | August 19, 2005 at 06:51