The Most Reluctant Convert

C. S. Lewis's Journey to Faith

By: David C. Downing

Narrated by: Patrick Cullen

His books have sold millions and include classics like Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Yet C. S. Lewis was not always a literary giant of Christian faith. How did he evolve from staunch atheism to become one of the most beloved and renowned Christian authors of our time?

For C. S. Lewis enthusiasts and students alike, this book offers a unique look at Lewis's personal journey to faith and the profound influence it had on his life as a writer. Written by Professor David C. Downing, author of the critically acclaimed For C. S. Lewis enthusiasts and students alike, this book offers a unique look at Lewis's personal journey to faith and the profound influence it had on his life as a writer. Written by Professor David C. Downing, author of the critically acclaimed Planets in Peril, this thoughtful book is a delight.

©2002 David C. Downing (P)2003 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[A]n intellectual biography that seizes and sustains interest as though it were a spellbinding suspense thriller." ( Booklist)
"Downing focuses on the interior developments in Lewis's thought rather than retelling his conversion story....The narrative's firm foundation in Lewis's thoughts makes it a plausible and joyful creative journey." ( Publishers Weekly)
"Filled with interesting detail about the intellectual and spiritual communities that surrounded Lewis, the analysis is impressive without sounding academic or intellectual." ( AudioFile)

A Myth Come True

Reluctant Convert was a short read, only about 5 hours long, retelling of Lewis' life and an excellent evaluation of the progress he made from childhood imagination through boyhood atheism, materialism, dualism, occultism, pantheism, idealism and finally to adult faith in God and later in Christ as his revelation. What an amazing journey! It was well told and read. Those "-isms" were clearly explained with tons of illustrative material. By the way Downing interprets the Mrs. Moore episode in an honest but sensitive manner. My headline is a Lewis quote that suggests that the revelation of God in Christ captures the essence of the dying rising gods but is profoundly historical in nature. I was thinking that Donald Downing has done us a favour by correcting many of the myths and misreadings of Lewis by giving us the straight goods about Lewis capturing his essential legacy.

Insightful look into the conversion of CS Lewis

Well researched, well written, well read look into the conversion of a most insightful man.

Scholarly discussion but needs a new reader

This discussion of the background and subsequent conversion to Christianity of C.S.Lewis is well written, interesting and thorough. The reader is adequate, but his decision to affect a British accent when quoting Lewis is jarring. I understand the reader’s desire to let Lewis’s own words stand out, but the accent is inconsistent, inauthentic and just weird…

Excellent story of God winning the rebellion

Fascinating to read of CS's gradual thinking and understanding of the world and God's role in it.

Officially a favorite. And I'm picky.

CS Lewis is currently one of my top 5 favorite authors of all time and has always been in my top 20. The more I Read of his books the more I like him.
I could never have written something so enlightened, engaging, and informed.
This book is insightful in ways that even a huge CA Lewis fan hadn't seen and is, in my opinion, one of the more valuable book of the past 200 years.
Thank you for this book Mr. Downing and fantastic read, Mr. Cullen.

Excellent insights into Lewis' spiritual journey

Well worth the listen for any Lewis fan or anyone wishing to understand the workings of a first date mind coupled to an insightful intuition and uniquely Irish spirituality.
I had expected to hear the stage play but got something very different, and in many ways, deeper and better.

A great book on one of my favorite authors

Usually, if I can read the primary sources, I do. My graduate work showed me the downside of critics and those who want to discount or as Lewis states interprets his motive and mindset on his far ranging writings. This author echoed and depended my appreciation and respect for Lewis the man. I learned much from Downing and thank him for writing such a book. I am a better man for it. It is a great read. I even bought the hard copy to stay in my library. It is worth your time and money to read. Respectfully Bill Steinwedell. May 2022 be a break through year for all who read this review.

From Childhood to Adulthood

I loved the way he wove his life as a child all the way to his death years later. His points are valid for the most part. I think we have to go through some bad times o be able to get to and appreciate the good times. As well as to get to God and make our peace with him. I would recommend this Audible Book.

Keep your thinking cap on!

A rewarding walk through Lewis's thoughtful journey to truth. A welcome refutation of the present creeping darkness around us all.

How did it all start

It's very good listening tolistening to it was and it was and is way better than trying to read it read it so yes audible is worth it I kept with it to the end it was very good to listen to and know where he all started