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Whether you've read a lot or a little of the works of C.S. Lewis you can be surprised by the wit and wisdom of this great 20th Century defender of the faith. Described by someone as the "most thoroughly converted man I have ever known," Lewis lived and wrote about the Christian life to convince skeptics and encourage believers that Christianity is the truth. You will have the opportunity to read a brief biography and view a short video on his life. Class discussions will be based on short excerpts from The Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity, The Four Loves, and other writings of Lewis. Our goal is to motivate you to read Lewis on your own and discuss his works with others.
Text: C.S. Lewis: Readings for Meditation and Reflection
The Chronicles of Narnia contain some of the best devotional literature available. But don't tell the children; just let them read for the fun of it. Kathryn Lindskoog's Journey to Narnia will be our guide as we discover some of God's truth smuggled into these timeless tales written by C.S. Lewis. Delightful reading assignments and class discussions will motivate you to read the chronicles on your own. Then you will feel confident to lead family discussions centered on these classic adventures.
Text: Journey To Narnia
C.S. Lewis has answers. In fact, he may bring questions about the Psalms to light you never thought you had. Why do the poets want their enemies dead? Why are we commanded to worship? Why would someone want to spend his whole life in the temple? What's so great about the Law? …and much, much more. We'll discover the richness of the Psalms (and other books of the Bible) with Lewis as our guide.
Text: Reflections on the Psalms
At age 57 C.S. Lewis married Joy Davidman, an American poet with two young boys. After four brief but delightful years, Joy succumbed to cancer. Lewis's response was to write a journal. He wrote it for his benefit; he published it for ours. A Grief Observed shows his progress through pain. Whether you've lost a marriage partner, or a close family member or friend, or know someone who has, discussing A Grief Observed can be a means of grace. In addition, we'll discuss the Afterward to this book, one of the best short biographies of Lewis written by his friend, Chad Walsh.
Text: A Grief Observed
What will you be like in Heaven? Will your attitudes, speech, and actions change? Can you begin to live a heavenly life here on earth? These are just a few of the questions C.S. Lewis addresses in his classic fantasy, The Great Divorce. This discussion-oriented study will make you more “heavenly minded” and more “earthly good”.
C.S. Lewis thought it might be good for us to know some of the devil's schemes so we can resist them. These humorous, yet sobering, letters from a senior demon to his nephew Wormwood, give us a forewarning. They may sound all too familiar. It has been said that The Screwtape Letters is the most engaging account of temptation - and triumph over it - ever written. Join us and find out.
Text: The Screwtape Letters
The Chronicles of Narnia aren't just for children. In fact, Lewis wrote fairy tales because that's the way he could say what needed to be said. They can be read on a child's level and on an adult level. He even wrote to a young girl concerning The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe:
“But someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. You can then take it down from some upper shelf, dust it, and tell me what you think.”
Let's take one down from the shelf and learn from one another.
Text: The Voyage of the “Dawn Treader” or one of the other six your group would like to discuss.
Someone has observed that nearly all of Lewis's works have the aim of arousing our desire for heaven or showing us how to live in proper anticipation of our true home. It is interesting to note that several of his works end with a description of the glories of eternity. We can't discuss them all, but we'll read several, including his sermon, The Weight of Glory, a chapter entitled "Heaven", and excerpts from the Narnian tales.
Texts: The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses
What prompted an atheistic prig (his word) to become a Christian gentleman? The Good News of Jesus Christ! Once C.S. Lewis discovered that Christianity was Good News, he wanted to share it with others. His expression of the "bottom line" - the ground on which all who have faith in Jesus Christ can agree - has been preserved in Mere Christianity.
If you've never read it, it may surprise you with its clarity. If you've read it several times, there will be much for you to discover in our discussions. Either way you'll grow and receive some insight to share with others.
Text: Mere Christianity
The Chronicles of Narnia convey an explicit Christian message. At Quest Ministries we believe that all fantasy literature conveys an implicit Christian message. Mythologist Joseph Campbell concluded that all stories are part of the one story: once humans lived in Paradise; we were banished from Paradise; we are seeking to re-enter Paradise. C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien wrote fantasy literature as an expression of this desire to enter the world we long for. You will discover how you can use interest in the Star Wars series, the Harry Potter series, The Lord of the Rings, and “The Matrix” as a way of conveying Christian truth to your friends.
The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and the Harry Potter series all have roots in the world of mythology.
C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien believed that Christianity is the fulfillment of all myths. Indeed, the universal myth of the dying god who sacrifices himself for the people shows an intrinsic awareness of the human need for redemption not by one's own efforts but as a gift from some outer realm. You will discover how you can use modern mythology as a springboard for conveying Christian truth.
What if you were sent to another planet to help the Eve of that world resist the temptation - what would you do? That was Ransom's assignment; one he discovered after arriving on the planet Perelandra. If he were to succeed think of the possibilities. Join us for this adventure in imagination. You will grow in your understanding of your role as a Christian in the universe.
Text: Perelandra
If one of these descriptions interests you, we'll do it!
If they prompt other ideas, we can consider those as well.
These seminars are presented on a fee basis plus travel expenses.
“I had never read any of Lewis's works but since this course started I have received five of his books and really enjoyed them.”
“[Stan's] love for his works makes a person want to investigate them further.”
“This class made Lewis's works reach the top of my reading lists.”
“Stan was not only informative in his presentation he was courteous when dealing with the occasional dissenting view.”
“I appreciated how the class was led - very encompassing and encouraging. He related selections from Lewis to personal experience.”
“Wonderfully organized and thoughtful presentations. Your enthusiasm is contagious. I'll be reading more C.S. Lewis.”
“The attendance has been at a peak level and the enthusiasm of our people has been great to see. I am particularly excited to see our people introduced to the great literature of C.S. Lewis. There is no substitute for the development of a growing edge in the spiritual lives of our people. I have approached Stan about returning to do a specific study on a singular writing of Lewis.”
“The instruction and information you shared with the adult class proved to be timely and inspiring. Whether persons had read "The Chronicles of Narnia" or not, you drew all attendees into the experience of considering Lewis's message about true Christian faith.”