C. S. LEWIS
The Life and Works of the 20th Century’s Most Influential Christian Thinker and Writer
Instructor: Dr. Jefrey Breshears.
Time and Location:
Wednesdays, January 8 to April 2, 6:30 PM
Johnson Ferry Baptist Church – Room 345
Also available via Zoom – to participate, register here -> Zoom Sign Up
Recommended Readings:
C. S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy (Harcourt, 1995)
Jefrey D. Breshears, C.S. Lewis on Politics, Government, and the Good Society (Centre•Pointe Publishing, 2019, 2025)
Study Guide and Supplemental Readings:
Jefrey D. Breshears, “C. S. Lewis: The Life and Works of the 20th Century’s Most Influential Christian Thinker and Writer.” A study guide with additional course readings ($20). Available in class or on Amazon (coming soon).
Course synopsis: C. S. Lewis was one of the most influential Christians of the 20th century and a prolific author whose writings have impacted Christians across all denominational lines and traditions. In a poll taken by Christianity Today in 2000, Lewis was voted the most popular Christian author of the century, and Mere Christianity was chosen the greatest Christian book of the last hundred years. Furthermore, Lewis lived a fascinating life.
This course covers the major influences and events in Lewis’ life, including…
- His lonely and turbulent childhood and military service in World War I;
- His early career as an atheist scholar and professor;
- His conversion to Christianity;
- His major works in Christian apologetics, science fiction, and children’s literature;
- His involvement in “The Inklings” with J.R.R. Tolkien and others; and
- His relationship with Joy Davidman Gresham.
C. S. Lewis was no average Christian, but he was, to use his own term, a “mere Christian” – one whose life was devoted to the basic core beliefs and practices of the historic Christian faith. In that respect, he serves as a model for us all. As John R. W. Stott once noted, “C. S. Lewis was a Christ-centered, great-tradition mainstream Christian whose stature a generation after his death seems greater than anyone ever thought while he was alive, and whose Christian writings are now seen as having classic status.”
