C. S. Lewis: Encountering God's Truth through Fiction

By: David W. Fagerberg

Narrated by: David W. Fagerberg

This course is a remarkable exploration of the most popular Christian writer of the 20th century.

An atheist for the beginning of his adulthood, C.S. Lewis later converted to Christianity, largely due to the influence of Catholic writers J. R. R. Tolkien and G. K. Chesterton. He then went on to become one of the most powerful Christian writers of his time, penning such quintessential apologetic works as Mere Christianity. Today, he is cherished by Christians and non-Christians throughout the world.

In this 15-lecture audio course, you will explore Lewis’ fiction, discovering many of his most beloved works anew by examining them through a theological lens. By looking at such themes as the central doctrines of creation, the fall, the vices and the virtues, asceticism, and deification, you will come to a deeper understanding of Lewis' fiction. In particular, Lewis’ gift for poetic images and dramatic narrative lent itself to powerful expressions of transfiguration in his novels.

First, you will begin with an explanation of these themes, discovering how they are illustrated in such works as The Screwtape Letters, Pilgrim's Regress, and The Space Trilogy. Later, you will dive into Lewis’ most popular novels, the Chronicles of Narnia series.

Discover the enduring spiritual power of Lewis’s fiction today.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

©2013 Now You Know Media Inc. (P)2013 Now You Know Media Inc.

I cried at the beauty wrought through Lewis

If you haven't read the Chronicles and others (Screwtape Letters, Mere Christianity, the Great Divorce), stop and go consume them. Then come back to appreciate Lewis even more. Worth it? Many times over.

Loved every second

Interesting, easy to listen to, thought provoking and, honestly life changing. Would recommend for anyone who loved the Narnia series, is it rated in Lewis’ background, or likes to learn more about the Lewis books they read.

Highly Recommended

It's a series of lectures - apparently from the class Fagerberg teaches on Lewis at Notre Dame. The content is similar to Fagerberg's book on Lewis, but greatly expanded. Fagerberg knows Lewis well, all of his works, and draws quotations and insights together very deftly. Illuminating and inspiring.

This is rich material

A relaxed performance of a great lecture series. If like me, you enjoy thinking with Lewis more than looking at Lewis himself (which is fun, too, but great as he was as a man, his gift was in showing us Someone Else), this is a top resource (along with Into the Region of Awe and The Medieval Mind of CSL).

There's a lot packed into this audio, but the stuff on The Silver Chair made that Chronicle a new favorite for me. There's treasure throughout, though. Great, great thoughts on Narnia here, and no leaps in logic or obnoxious controversial claims, no torturing Lewis into the author's own personal views, that tedious habit of many Lewis scholars. Just a careful, intelligent study.