The continuing popularity of C.S. Lewis (1889 – 1963) would have surprised no one more than Lewis himself. This past Friday marked the 50th anniversary of Lewis’ death, which saw many gather to celebrate Lewis’ newly carved memorial in stone at the poet’s corner of Westminster Abbey in London. Anyone who takes a little time to read Lewis knows why he is rightly honored among such greats as Dickens, Wordsworth, Keats, and Shakespeare. Most who read one of Lewis’ books, go on to read another. This in turn leads to insightful discussions about one’s favoriteC.S. Lewis work. Is there one that stands out for you? It is hard to choose, for Lewis wrote none other than The Chronicles of Narnia, with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe selling 85 million copies and being translated into 41 languages. On the teaching side, there is Lewis’ book Mere Christianity, which includes and expands his BBC radio talks on basic Christianity during WW II. When Christianity Today magazine asked 100 of its contributors and church leaders to nominate the ten best religious books of the 20th century (books that not only were important when first published, but also having enduring significance for the Christian faith and church”), by far the most nominated was Mere Christianity. If you haven’t read it or read it lately, you certainly don’t want to miss what is considered the best religious book of the 20th century.
As a fitting tribute in memory of such an influential Christian, please permit me to honor C.S. Lewis, not by writing more about him. There is no shortage of good articles and writing about him. I want instead to offer a broad sampling of Lewis’ own words which others and myself experience as especially helpful, insightful, or just interesting about his life. Do you have a C.S. Lewis quotation you find most helpful? Please consider the following and be encouraged, convicted and inspired for the Lord:
For quotations please see Tribute to C S Lewis below:
Tribute to C S Lewis (click to view)
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