C.S. Lewis's writings are prized for their genius at communicating the philosophical and theological rationale of Christianity in simple, everyday language. Now this inspired collection of three Lewis bestsellers--complete in one volume--allows you to sample some of the best ideas and arguments of this engaging Christian writer.
The first book Lewis wrote after his conversion, The Pilgrim's Regress is the Bunyanesque allegory of John and his pursuit of a mysterious, sweet desire that leads him through adventures with Mr. Enlightenment, Mr. Mammon, Mother Kirk, and others. You'll trace Lewis's own journey to faith in this semi-autobiographical account of a modern man's consuming search for spiritual fulfillment.
In two collections of shorter essays and letters, Christian Reflections and God in the Dock, you'll discover the wide scope of Lewis's interests--literature, science, theology, war, prayer, capital punishment, culture, and much, much more. Some of these pieces were written specifically for periodicals, others were read to societies in Oxford and Cambridge, still others were originally prepared as talks to diverse audiences. All, however, share Lewis's uniquely effective style and his tireless concern to relate basic--or "mere"--Christianity to every area of life.
Clive Staples Lewis was born in Ireland, in Belfast on 29 November 1898. His mother was a devout Christian and made efforts to influence his beliefs. When she died in his early youth her influence waned and Lewis was subject to the musings and mutterings of his friends who were decidedly agnostic and atheistic. It would not be until later, in a moment of clear rationality that he first came to a belief in God and later became a Christian.
C. S. Lewis volunteered for the army in 1917 and was wounded in the trenches in World War I. After the war, he attended university at Oxford. Soon, he found himself on the faculty of Magdalen College where he taught Mediaeval and Renaissance English.
Throughout his academic career he wrote clearly on the topic of religion. His most famous works include the Screwtape Letters and the Chronicles of Narnia. The atmosphere at Oxford and Cambridge tended to skepticism. Lewis used this skepticism as a foil. He intelligently saw Christianity as a necessary fact that could be seen clearly in science.
"Surprised by Joy" is Lewis's autobiography chronicling his reluctant conversion from atheism to Christianity in 1931.
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