C.S. Lewis As A Christian Apologist

Last night’s lecture was called “C.S. Lewis As A Christian Apologist.” I made some of the most random and unorganised notes in the lecture because I was a million miles away. I kind of switched off half way through so I didn’t make as many notes as I should have. The funny thing is the lecturer ‘Michael Ward’ reminded me of a young C.S. Lewis. Here are some bullet point thoughts, forgive the randomness of them, they are all over the place:

• An apology is a defense of an idea, thought or belief. The word apology doesn’t mean to ask for forgiveness as is the English word apology. Apology comes from the greek word apologia (απολογία).
• C.S. Lewis was an apologist (defender) for the Christian faith. Through reason he would give a rational defense of why Christianity is the truth.
• C.S. Lewis believed the best apology for Christianity was the life of a believer and the way we live our lives. Non-Christians are more likely to be attracted to Christianity through the non-verbal acts and conduct of our life. However he also believed in verbal apologetics.
• 1 Peter 3:15 is a verse for an apologist. The apologist is to be ready when asked, requested to speak, reactive. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear…”
• 2 Timothy 4:2 is for the Evangelist. They are to preach in season and out of season, whether asked or not. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.”
• C.S. Lewis believed Christianity was rational but at the same time was ultra-rational, i.e. that it was supernatural and divine and went way beyond the limits and scope of rationality.
• Apologetics ought to be done with humility, reverence and meekness. Not being forceful or hammering people to submission. It is absurd trying to win people through arguments and not faith.
• Christian apologetics is like a cleaner that cleans the way for others to see the beauty of Christ. Nothing more and nothing less. Apologetics is therefore the preparatory work for the Gospel.
• Austin Farrer’s article on .C.S. Lewis ‘The Christian Apologist’ is one of the best articles on C.S. Lewis.
• The Apologist cannot reveal God if God decides to be hidden. By faith one sees.
• C.S. Lewis moved from atheism to pantheism to theism and eventual to faith in Christ (Christianity).
• Christ does not give much defense or rational explaining of who He was. He let His works do this and the only sign He gave was the sign of Jonah i.e. the death and resurrection.

Interesting stuff!

Tags: Apologetics, Apologist, C.S. Lewis

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