I remember reading some Lewis books like Mere Christianity, the Problem of Pain, Screwtape Letters and the Four Loves a few years back and thinking that he is rather unbiblical in certain areas. Yet undoubtedly from him comes a flair and wise eloquence which is at once attractive and illuminating. I also remember thinking of him as a fantastic writer, not so a theologian.
Which is why I think John Piper is spot on in his analysis of Lewis. He tells us what to avoid in Lewis, and what to learn from him:
On his flaws:
"Lewis is not a writer to which we should turn for growth in a careful biblical understanding of Christian doctrine. If we follow him in the kinds of mistakes that he made, it will hurt the church and dishonor Christ. His value is not in his biblical exegesis."
On his value:
"What was it about the work of C. S. Lewis that has helped me so much? The answer lies in the way that the experience of Joy and the defense of Truth come together in Lewis’s life and writings."
Read the whole thing here:
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByConference/46/4503_Lessons_from_an_Inconsolable_Soul/
A La Carte (May 17)
3 hours ago
thanks for putting this up.. it never occurred to me to be careful about the shortcomings of his works. i've unknowingly put c.s. lewis up on a pedestal because i let his eloquence and wit mar my judgement of the biblical-ness of his writing.
ReplyDelete