The Most Reluctant Convert — Movie Review

This short film (73 minutes) is based on C. S. Lewis’s autobiography, Surprised by Joy. It follows Lewis’s journey from atheism to belief in an absolute to acceptance of the spiritual component of life, and finally to Christianity. Max McLean does an excellent job portraying an older Lewis, looking back and narrating his own early life. Lewis’s wit, intellect and self-deprecating humor shine through the performance, as his own words are used. He was led to faith gradually, through conversations, experiences, logic and ultimately by God! There was no Damascus Road experience. As he puts it,

““I was driven to Whipsnade one sunny morning. When we set out I did not believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, and when we reached the zoo I did. Yet I had not exactly spent the journey in thought. Nor in great emotion. “Emotional” is perhaps the last word we can apply to some of the most important events. It was more like when a man, after a long sleep, still lying motionless in bed, becomes aware that he is now awake.”

From Surprised by Joy, C. S. Lewis

VERDICT: 5 STARS. Well-done and engaging. My husband and I both loved it!

For more film reviews see:

A Hidden Life — Movie Review

Show Me the Father–Movie Review

90 Minutes in Heaven — Movie Review

C. S. Lewis on our Union with Christ

It seems I’m not done with last month’s topic yet. I came across this quote and had to share!

“The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs.  If they are not doing that. all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself are simply a waste of time.  God became Man for no other purpose.  It is even doubtful, you know, whether the whole universe was created for any other purpose” 

C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Note to Lutherans: Martin Luther also spoke about Christians as “little Christs”

For more about C. S. Lewis see:

The Making of C. S. Lewis by Harry Lee Poe–Book Review

C. S. Lewis on Stewardship

C.S. Lewis on the Uncertainty of Life

Spiritual Friendship — What is it?

I’ve been spending some time lately sorting through old letters, photos and papers, and it has reminded me of the gift of Christian friendship I’ve enjoyed over the years. Why not give thanks today for all who have befriended you in your journey with Jesus. Here are some quotes to help!

Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire? – C.S Lewis

He is your friend who pushes you nearer to God. – Abraham Kuyper

A true friend is the greatest of all blessings. – Francois de La Rochefoucauld

There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship. – Thomas Aquinas

And finally, when you remember what your friends have meant to you, do this!

If You Know People In Your Church Or Your Neighborhood That Are Facing Adversity, I Encourage You To Offer A Hand Of Friendship To Them. That Is What Jesus Would Do. – Jonathan Falwell

As they tell us in Via de Cristo, Make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Christ.

For more about spiritual friendship see:

Remembering Old Friends

Friends in the Lord

Walking Together

The Making of C. S. Lewis by Harry Lee Poe–Book Review

This book is the second in a trilogy by author Harry Lee Poe. The first book, Becoming C. S. Lewis, covers Lewis’s youth; the third has not been written; this one is about a man in transition, subtitled From Atheist to Apologist (1918-1945). Although it certainly discusses the spiritual changes in C. S. Lewis during this period, it covers so much more. The chapter titles tell the tale, as Lewis goes:

“From Philosophy to Literature”

“From Undergraduate to Fellow”

“From Poet to Scholar”

“From Scholar to Novelist”

“From Academic Work to War Work”

As one of his friends said, C. S. Lewis was always changing his mind. He wasn’t afraid to consider new ideas, take on new responsibilities, or reexamine his worldview– in other words, to grow! Poe’s book about him is very detailed, and draws heavily on primary sources such as letters and diaries written by Lewis and his friends. Even if you know quite a bit about Lewis, you are sure to learn more. It follows Lewis during the middle years of life as his relationships, career, and world view evolve. Considerable attention is given to his life as a writer, with descriptions of his work, both popular and academic.

Although I enjoyed this book, I’m not sure it’s for everyone, because it is so exhaustive. It’s more than a biography because it contains so much scholarly detail and literary criticism. However, the author manages to do this in a way that is not dry or boring (at least to me).

VERDICT: 5 STARS, An in-depth look at at the life of a fascinating Christian writer.

If you would like to purchase this book, follow the link below:

The Making of C. S. Lewis: From Atheist to Apologist | Crossway

For more about C. S. Lewis see:

Not a Tame Lion–The Spiritual Legacy of C.S. Lewis by Terry Gaspey–Book Review

C.S. Lewis on Forgiveness

C.S. Lewis on the Uncertainty of Life

The Lutheran Ladies received a free e -copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review. Disclaimer pursuant to FTC 16 CPR 255.