Among the reasons I love summer is the profound gift of time…time to read. As I was organizing my vacation reading material on my Kindle, I noticed that I did not have any C. S Lewis books “teed up.” Summer cannot be summer without a new look at something by the “Apostle to the Skeptics.” So I found an old copy of The Great Divorce (it depicts a bus ride from hell to heaven) and threw it into my airplane bag.

Thumbing through my copies of many of his books got me to thinking about the breadth of material this man left us (he died in 1963). I thought this might be a great topic for us to review this week. If you have not read Lewis, you must start immediately! And if you are an experienced fan, time to treasure an old friend and reread a book or two. Here’s partial listing in order of my personal favorites:

Surprised by Joy: This is his spiritual autobiography and it would be a great place to start your C.S. Lewis pilgrimage.

Chronicles of Narnia: Seven children’s’ books filled with simple stories peppered with profound truths. Favorite quotes:

“‘Safe?’ said Mr. Beaver; ‘don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tell you? Who said anything about safe? Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.'” (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe).

“‘Aslan, you are bigger. That is because you are older, little one, answered he. Not because you are? I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger.'” (Prince Caspian)

“A voice had begun to sing. It was very far away and Digory found it hard to decide from what direction it was coming. Sometimes it seemed to come from all directions at once. Sometimes he almost thought it was coming out of the earth beneath them. Its lower notes were deep enough to be the voice of the earth herself. There were no words. It was hardly a tune. But it was beyond comparison, the most beautiful sound he had ever heard.” (The Magician’s Nephew)

Mere Christianity: Written during World War II, this is a definitive handbook on Christian theology. Favorite quote: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”

The Screwtape Letters: This is a satirical novel in which the senior tempter (Screwtape) writes letters of advice to a junior demon (Wormwood). In the 31 letters, Screwtape gives his prot�g� lots of advice on the best way to undermine any potential faith that the “Patient” might have. It is a must read!

Miracles: A heady dissection of the basis for miracles and faith. The Problem with Pain: A straightforward work of theology. This is a tough but meaningful read. And on it goes…

Don’t let this week go by without investing in a Lewis book. You most definitely will not regret it!

By His Grace and for His Glory,
Sherry L. Worel