The Bible and C. S. Lewis
A Study of the Christian World-View
An Introduction to the Study
The Purpose and Content of the Study
This study is designed to present the Christian world-view using the Bible and the works of C. S. Lewis. It is not designed to argue the truth or correctness of one Christian denomination over the other or one Christian sect over the other. Its intent is to present the Christian answers to some key questions humankind has had throughout history.
Guiding Principles.
To make sure everyone is starting from the same understanding, the authors have outlined their world view in the following principles.
- Jesus Christ is the focus of this study. As C. S. Lewis has emphasized several times in his writings, it is far more important what God thinks of us than what we think of God.
- The Bible is the authoritative Word of God. C. S. Lewis was not infallible; he never claimed to be a theologian. If he disagreed with the Bible, then the authors emphatically agree with the Bible rather than Lewis.
- The studies expound, as C. S. Lewis expounded, "Mere Christianity. " Mere Christianity is the core set of beliefs held by the majority of Christians throughout the ages. Lewis believed what Jesus claimed to be: the unique Son of God. He believed that Jesus was literally born of a virgin, crucified, buried, and that He physically rose again never to die again. Mere Christianity teaches the doctrine of the Trinity: that Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are all three God, and that God is one. C. S. Lewis tried to demonstrate that the supernatural does exist and that miracles did occur. Mere Christianity teaches that Christ died for our sins, that He was resurrected to prove that He conquered death and that to receive forgiveness of sin one must respond in faith to Him.
The Structure of the Studies.
The studies cover the major issues that C. S. Lewis struggled with in his own life and subsequently addressed in his writings: the problem of suffering and pain, the existence of the supernatural or the miraculous, and how Christianity is the only world-view that consistently explains the nature of man and the universe. Each study covers one topic. Each has quotations from C. S. Lewis that were selected from a wide assortment of his writings. Each study also has passages from the Bible which relate to the topic and it also has discussion questions. The materials are intended to be a "reader" so that you can prepare beforehand for the discussion. Most of the studies are too long to be discussed in one session. It is to be hoped that you will be able to pick and choose what topics you can discuss.
