I thought I had read a few weeks ago -- it may have been in Dr. Jacoby's Q&A's -- that C.S. Lewis fell away prior to his death. Did I understand that correctly? If so, where do we find that? Maybe in A Grief Observed -- where he shares about the painful death of his wife, Joy? Obviously it is very sad that he would get so close and then quit.... -- George Degan (New Jersey)
You are asking a question about possibly my favorite Christian writer. C. S. Lewis truly shares from his heart in A Grief Observed. He has lost his wife. It is hard to "mourn quietly" (Ezekiel 24:18).
I remember reading this book as a young Christian and being very bothered. (How could any true believer have such negative thoughts?) I think I understand now... It is in the tradition of the Psalms to share our most negative thoughts in prayer. That way we have a fighting chance to work our way past them.
No, I do not believe it is true that Lewis gave up his faith. I certainly never said that. (Though these days -- you never know! -- such a rumor may easily have started!) Much of what Lewis wrote has helped millions. I recommend (not as inspired, but as helpful) his entire library of Christian writings to the thinking Christian.
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