📄The Areopagus Update – January/February 2020
(Excerpts from the new book by Jefrey D. Breshears, 📘C. S. Lewis on Politics, Government, and the Good Society: Relevant Insights and Sage Wisdom for Contemporary Christians (CentrePointe Publishing, 2020)
C. S. Lewis is generally regarded as the foremost Christian thinker and writer of the 20th century. A first-rate scholar, philosopher, apologist, theologian, literary critic, science fiction writer and author of children’s fantasy novels, he wrote with charm, wit, insight, and occasional eloquence. More than 50 years after his death, 36 of his books are still in print, and collectively they have sold nearly 275 million copies worldwide. In 2000 Christianity Today magazine voted Mere Christianity, his informal primer in Christian apologetics, the most influential Christian book of the century…. In light of his ongoing legacy, Lewis might well be regarded as one of the most significant and influential Christians in history….
As a “mere Christian” who sought to honor God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength, Lewis serves as an example for us all. As the philosopher and theologian Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-215) taught, every devout Christian should aspire to be a Bible scholar, a theologian, a philosopher, a contemplative practitioner, and a Christian apologist. Lewis embodied all these attributes, and as such he serves in many ways as a model for Christian maturity. A case might also be made that Lewis was perhaps the 20th century’s preeminent sage a man who integrated an astonishing breadth and depth of knowledge with profound wisdom….
Although Lewis’ writings on political philosophy are often overlooked and he is seldom regarded as an authority on matters related to modern political science, he was in fact as acute and perceptive in this vital area of life as in other aspects of Christian discipleship. Lewis understood that Christianity is more than a religion and more than personal piety. As a life-transforming relationship with God via faith in Jesus Christ, the Christian faith is a comprehensive worldview that should encompass all the pertinent issues of life – including one’s social and political views….
