Top Christian Theologians by Theme and Denomination – Article 10
Theme: Theology and Culture / Apologetics
Denomination: Anglican / Evangelical (Lay Theologian)
1. Introduction
Clive Staples Lewis (1898–1963), known widely as C.S. Lewis, was a British literary scholar, Christian apologist, and author whose influence on Christian theology, cultural engagement, and popular spirituality remains unparalleled in the 20th century. Though not ordained or formally trained as a theologian, Lewis’s work has deeply shaped both Anglican and Evangelical thought, particularly through his imaginative apologetics, literary theology, and accessible engagement with faith and reason. His unique gift lay in communicating orthodox Christian doctrine in a way that was intellectually compelling, imaginatively rich, and culturally resonant.
2. Historical and Ecclesial Context
Lewis was born in Belfast, raised in the Church of Ireland (Anglican), and became an atheist in adolescence before converting to Christianity in 1931, influenced by friends such as J.R.R. Tolkien and the writings of George MacDonald and G.K. Chesterton.
His conversion was more than intellectual; it was a surrender to “joy”—a longing for something beyond this world. Once converted, Lewis became a passionate lay advocate for classical Christianity, defending the “mere Christianity” of the apostolic faith against the secularism and relativism of his day. His teaching at Oxford and Cambridge placed him at the intersection of literature, philosophy, and theology.
3. Theological Theme: Theology and Culture – Defending Faith in a Secular Age
Lewis’s work spans multiple theological areas, but his central theme is the engagement of Christian truth with modern culture, particularly through:
- Imaginative apologetics
- Rational defence of Christian doctrine
- Cultural critique rooted in biblical anthropology
- Literature and narrative as vehicles of theological insight
Lewis believed that the Christian faith is not a private myth but “the true myth”, the fulfilment of human longing and the key to understanding the human condition.
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen—not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”
(Is Theology Poetry?, 1944)
4. Key Works
● Mere Christianity (1952)
A compilation of radio broadcasts during WWII, this book introduces readers to the basic tenets of Christian faith, arguing from moral law to the need for Christ. Lewis explains complex doctrines—sin, atonement, incarnation, Trinity—with remarkable clarity and analogy.
● The Problem of Pain (1940) and A Grief Observed (1961)
In these books, Lewis explores theodicy—the question of why a good God allows suffering—drawing from philosophical reasoning and personal grief after the death of his wife, Joy Davidman.
● The Chronicles of Narnia (1950–1956)
These fantasy novels, though written for children, are profound allegories of Christian themes—creation, fall, redemption, and eschatology. Aslan, the Christ-figure, teaches sacrifice, resurrection, and kingship.
● The Screwtape Letters (1942)
A satirical look at spiritual warfare and temptation, written as a series of letters from a senior demon to a junior. It offers insight into human psychology, virtue, and divine grace.
5. Anglican Roots and Evangelical Resonance
Though Lewis identified as Anglican, his theology focused on what he called “mere Christianity”—core truths shared across denominations:
- Trinitarian orthodoxy
- Incarnation and atonement
- Moral accountability before God
- Grace and transformation through Christ
Lewis’s scepticism toward ecclesial division led him to avoid sectarian disputes. While not evangelical in the American revivalist sense, Lewis has become widely embraced by Evangelicals for his clarity on sin, salvation, and Scripture, and for his defence of objective truth.
6. Apologetics and Cultural Critique
Lewis’s apologetic method combined logical argument, literary imagery, and moral insight:
- Moral Argument for God: In Mere Christianity, he argues that the existence of a universal moral law implies a divine Lawgiver.
- Desire and Longing: In Surprised by Joy, he describes human longing (sehnsucht) as a clue to our transcendental origin.
- Cultural Diagnosis: In The Abolition of Man, Lewis warns that relativism and technocratic control will destroy human dignity and moral truth.
His critiques of modern education, scientism, and moral subjectivism remain strikingly prescient.
7. Influence and Reception
C.S. Lewis has had an unparalleled impact on Christian thought and public theology:
- Evangelicals admire his clarity, creativity, and firm orthodoxy.
- Anglicans esteem his integration of reason, liturgy, and tradition.
- Catholics respect his sacramental and incarnational worldview (he was nearly received into the Catholic Church).
- Secular readers continue to engage his writings as literary classics.
His influence spans theologians (e.g. Alister McGrath, N.T. Wright), apologists (e.g. Ravi Zacharias, John Lennox), and cultural critics (e.g. Peter Kreeft, Os Guinness).
8. Relevance Today
In a post-Christian West, Lewis offers:
- A rational and imaginative defence of Christianity amid secularism
- A model of non-combative cultural engagement
- A vision of discipleship rooted in truth and wonder
- Resources for spiritual formation in a distracted age
His works remain highly relevant in schools, churches, and universities. Even non-believers study him for his insight into human nature, narrative, and ethics.
9. Conclusion
C.S. Lewis was a theologian for the common reader and the thoughtful sceptic. By blending literary artistry, theological conviction, and cultural critique, he made Christianity intelligible and desirable to modern minds. His legacy is not found in academic treatises or ecclesiastical systems, but in stories, analogies, and arguments that draw readers toward the person of Christ and the truth of the gospel. His voice remains a bridge between faith and reason, doctrine and imagination, Church and world.
10. References
- Lewis, C.S. (1952). Mere Christianity. London: Geoffrey Bles.
- Lewis, C.S. (1940). The Problem of Pain. London: Geoffrey Bles.
- Lewis, C.S. (1942). The Screwtape Letters. London: Geoffrey Bles.
- Lewis, C.S. (1961). A Grief Observed. London: Faber and Faber.
- Lewis, C.S. (1943). The Abolition of Man. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- McGrath, A.E. (2013). C.S. Lewis: A Life. London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Kreeft, P. (1989). C.S. Lewis: A Critical Essay. San Francisco: Ignatius Press.
- Ward, M. (2008). Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis. Oxford: Oxford University Press.