challenge to C.S. Lewis, A
Book Description
In this thought-provoking scholarly examination, Peter Milward presents a nuanced critique of one of Christianity's most celebrated modern voices. Drawing from his unique perspective as both a former student and longtime correspondent of C.S. Lewis, Milward offers an insider's view of the renowned medieval scholar's approach to faith and academia.
Milward argues that Lewis's Protestant background and Northern Irish roots created a fundamental barrier to truly understanding the Catholic medieval mind he studied so extensively. While acknowledging Lewis's brilliance as a medievalist, Milward contends that this religious divide led to a significant blind spot in Lewis's scholarship. The author suggests that Lewis emphasized pagan elements in medieval thought while downplaying the distinctly Christian worldview that actually shaped that era.
This critique extends beyond academic circles into Lewis's popular apologetic works, where Milward identifies what he sees as a Protestant interpretation of "mere Christianity" that fails to capture the full breadth of the Christian tradition. The book reveals an apparent contradiction in Lewis's writings: while seeking to present medieval perspectives to modern audiences, Lewis remained fundamentally disconnected from the religious heart of medieval Christendom.
For readers interested in the intersection of faith, scholarship, and intellectual honesty, Milward's challenge invites deeper reflection on how our own backgrounds shape our understanding of spiritual truth. This scholarly dialogue demonstrates the ongoing importance of examining our assumptions about faith and history.
Who Is This For?
š Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~4 hours)
š Length: 138 pages
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