Sorting by

×

Category: C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

C.S. Lewis & Friends

C.S. Lewis and Rock Music: Bands and Songs Inspired by the Great Christian Writer

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on C.S. Lewis and Rock Music: Bands and Songs Inspired by the Great Christian Writer
C.S. Lewis and Rock Music: Bands and Songs Inspired by the Great Christian Writer
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

C.S. Lewis is best known as a novelist, Christian apologist and literary scholar. His books have influenced theologians, philosophers and countless ordinary readers. But Lewis has also had a surprisingly significant influence on popular music. Rock musicians in particular have repeatedly drawn on his work. Some bands have taken their names from Lewis’s books or … Read More “C.S. Lewis and Rock Music: Bands and Songs Inspired by the Great Christian Writer” »

Share

How Evangelical Was C.S. Lewis?

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on How Evangelical Was C.S. Lewis?
How Evangelical Was C.S. Lewis?
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

One of my favourite Christian thinkers is C.S. Lewis. And I am not alone. Many evangelical Christians absolutely love Lewis. It is interesting to note that I never heard of C.S. Lewis growing up as an Anglican, despite Lewis being a dedicate Anglican. It is among evangelicals that Lewis finds a home. But why? In … Read More “How Evangelical Was C.S. Lewis?” »

Share

The Elves of Middle-earth: Understanding Tolkien’s Many Elven Peoples

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on The Elves of Middle-earth: Understanding Tolkien’s Many Elven Peoples
The Elves of Middle-earth: Understanding Tolkien’s Many Elven Peoples
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Among all the races of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium, none are more fascinating or complex than the Elves. Unlike the simplified portrayals often found in fantasy literature, Tolkien’s Elves are divided into numerous branches, clans, and cultures, each with its own history, language, traditions, and relationship to the other Elven peoples. The divisions among the Elves … Read More “The Elves of Middle-earth: Understanding Tolkien’s Many Elven Peoples” »

Share

Revisiting the Ransom Trilogy

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Revisiting the Ransom Trilogy
Revisiting the Ransom Trilogy
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

When people think of the fiction of C.S. Lewis, they generally think of the Chronicles of Narnia. They are great stories but I also highly recommend the Ransom trilogy, also known as the Space trilogy. These are Amazon affiliate links. These books are much less well known, but in my opinion are more interesting stories. … Read More “Revisiting the Ransom Trilogy” »

Share

The Palantíri of Middle-Earth: Tolkien’s Seeing Stones

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on The Palantíri of Middle-Earth: Tolkien’s Seeing Stones
The Palantíri of Middle-Earth: Tolkien’s Seeing Stones
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

In the mythology of J. R. R. Tolkien, few objects are as mysterious and influential as the palantíri, the ancient “seeing stones” that appear in The Lord of the Rings. These powerful artifacts allowed communication and vision across vast distances and played a major role in the political and military struggles of Middle-earth during the Third Age. Although … Read More “The Palantíri of Middle-Earth: Tolkien’s Seeing Stones” »

Share

The Origins of Tom Bombadil: Tolkien’s Most Mysterious Character

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on The Origins of Tom Bombadil: Tolkien’s Most Mysterious Character
The Origins of Tom Bombadil: Tolkien’s Most Mysterious Character
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Among all the memorable figures in The Lord of the Rings, none has inspired more debate than Tom Bombadil. He appears briefly early in the story, sings constantly, wears bright blue and yellow clothing, rescues the hobbits twice, seems entirely unaffected by the One Ring, and then disappears from the narrative almost as suddenly as he arrived. … Read More “The Origins of Tom Bombadil: Tolkien’s Most Mysterious Character” »

Share

What We Know About the Blue Wizards of Middle-Earth

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on What We Know About the Blue Wizards of Middle-Earth
What We Know About the Blue Wizards of Middle-Earth
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Among the many mysteries in the legendarium of J.R.R. Tolkien, few are as intriguing as the enigmatic Blue Wizards. Unlike their better-known counterparts, these figures remain shadowy, their fate uncertain and their purpose only partially revealed. Yet, by piecing together Tolkien’s writings, we can form a fascinating picture of who they were—and what role they may … Read More “What We Know About the Blue Wizards of Middle-Earth” »

Share

C.S. Lewis on Theories of Atonement

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on C.S. Lewis on Theories of Atonement
C.S. Lewis on Theories of Atonement
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Easter is the most important time of the year for Christians. Part of that is the recognition of Jesus’ death on a cross, something that is to be reflected on all year round. But how does Jesus’ death benefit us? Some Christians not only hold to a very specific theory, they believe that others must … Read More “C.S. Lewis on Theories of Atonement” »

Share

J. R. R. Tolkien: Chronological Bibliography

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on J. R. R. Tolkien: Chronological Bibliography
J. R. R. Tolkien: Chronological Bibliography
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Published During Tolkien’s Lifetime (1892–1973) 1937 – The Hobbit 1949 – Farmer Giles of Ham 1954 – The Fellowship of the Ring 1954 – The Two Towers 1955 – The Return of the King Note: Although often sold as three volumes, The Lord of the Rings was conceived and written as a single work. 1962 – The Adventures of Tom Bombadil 1964 – Tree and Leaf … Read More “J. R. R. Tolkien: Chronological Bibliography” »

Share

Are Students Being Forced to Believe That Tolkien Was a Racist?

Posted on By Stephen Bedard 1 Comment on Are Students Being Forced to Believe That Tolkien Was a Racist?
Are Students Being Forced to Believe That Tolkien Was a Racist?
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I recently encountered an article called Students shall not pass unless they accept Lord of the Rings is offensive. Claims that Tolkien was racist are not new but imposing this belief on students is new. When I hear claims like this, my first question is not “How do we fight this?” but “Is it true?” … Read More “Are Students Being Forced to Believe That Tolkien Was a Racist?” »

Share

C.S. Lewis Blog Highlights from the Last 30 Days

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on C.S. Lewis Blog Highlights from the Last 30 Days
C.S. Lewis Blog Highlights from the Last 30 Days
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

C.S. Lewis continues to inspire readers and scholars across the globe. Here are some notable blog posts and reflections written about Lewis in the last month: 1. Neil Gaiman’s Reflections on Lewis, Tolkien, and Chesterton In a revisit to an older speech, Neil Gaiman discusses the profound influence C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and G.K. Chesterton had on his … Read More “C.S. Lewis Blog Highlights from the Last 30 Days” »

Share

The Innocence of Father Brown

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on The Innocence of Father Brown
The Innocence of Father Brown
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I have read a number of G.K. Chesterton’s nonfiction works. I knew Chesterton was an influence on C.S. Lewis and so I wanted to check them out. I am less familiar with Chesterton’s fiction, although I had listened to his The Man Who Was Thursday on audiobook years ago. I had known that Chesterton had … Read More “The Innocence of Father Brown” »

Share

C.S. Lewis and the Language of Apologetics

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on C.S. Lewis and the Language of Apologetics
C.S. Lewis and the Language of Apologetics
Apologetics and Theology Blog, C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

What Lewis tries to accomplish in his popular apologetics is to let the readers taste the symbolic universe of Christianity from the inside. He invites them to immerse into the grand story and to soak in the atmosphere of the Gospel. He avoids watering it down with abstractions and moralistic platitudes. The modern reader is … Read More “C.S. Lewis and the Language of Apologetics” »

Share

Rings of Power: Season Two – Review

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Rings of Power: Season Two – Review
Rings of Power: Season Two – Review
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog, Comic Book Geek

The second season of Rings of Power has been very divisive. There were people who didn’t like the first season but it seems that with the second season, certain people disliked it even more and others absolutely loved it. The main problem, from what I can see, is that this is not based on a … Read More “Rings of Power: Season Two – Review” »

Share

Book of Norse Myths: Gods of the Vikings

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Book of Norse Myths: Gods of the Vikings
Book of Norse Myths: Gods of the Vikings
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I have always been interested in mythology and have read widely, especially Greek myths, as well as some Egyptian. But I have always had a soft spot for the Norse myths. Reading the Norse myths brings us to a whole other world. I recently read the Penguin Book of Norse Myths: Gods of the Vikings … Read More “Book of Norse Myths: Gods of the Vikings” »

Share

The Misquotable C.S. Lewis

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on The Misquotable C.S. Lewis
The Misquotable C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Don’t believe everything you read on the internet. – C.S. Lewis Lewis never said that, as the internet was a long way off when he died. But there are plenty of C.S. Lewis quotes that are less obviously not accurate. William O’Flaherty shares some great insight into this in this video. And if you enjoy … Read More “The Misquotable C.S. Lewis” »

Share

Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women
Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

One of the books that I have been wanting to read for a long time is Phantastes by George MacDonald. I have enjoyed other books by MacDonald and I know this particular book was influential on both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. This book is really a textbook fairy tale.What I mean by that is … Read More “Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women” »

Share

C.S. Lewis, Merlin, and Messy Apologetics

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on C.S. Lewis, Merlin, and Messy Apologetics
C.S. Lewis, Merlin, and Messy Apologetics
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

While I love C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, I must confess that I actually enjoy his Space Trilogy even more. I have always been a science fiction fan and I find the way he weaves in theology to this series to be very intriguing. I recently had an article on the final part of the … Read More “C.S. Lewis, Merlin, and Messy Apologetics” »

Share

The Incendus Letters – Review

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on The Incendus Letters – Review
The Incendus Letters – Review
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I remember when I read C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters for the first time. I thought it was both wildly entertaining and deeply profound in its insights into human nature. It was a one of a kind piece of literature. Or was it? Joshua Karras has taken on the challenge to write The Incendus Letters, a … Read More “The Incendus Letters – Review” »

Share

Rings of Power: Season One – Review

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Rings of Power: Season One – Review
Rings of Power: Season One – Review
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I have shared my first thoughts on the Ring of Power, now it is time to comment on the first season in general. I acknowledge that not everyone liked this series. I had some concerns about the series, although not the ones that many people complained about. For me it was just difficult in the … Read More “Rings of Power: Season One – Review” »

Share

The Rings of Power – First Thoughts

Posted on By Stephen Bedard 1 Comment on The Rings of Power – First Thoughts
The Rings of Power – First Thoughts
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog, Comic Book Geek

At the time I am writing this, the first two episodes of The Rings of Power series have been released. This Amazon series is based in the world of Middle-earth, created by J.R.R. Tolkien. First, I want to say that I am a huge Tolkien fan. I have read Lord of the Rings about a … Read More “The Rings of Power – First Thoughts” »

Share

The Nature of Middle-Earth – Review

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on The Nature of Middle-Earth – Review
The Nature of Middle-Earth – Review
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I am a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien and you could put his name on almost anything and I would likely buy it. I’m not alone and that is why, even though Tolkien has been dead for decades, new books with his name on it come out regularly. Many of those posthumous books were published … Read More “The Nature of Middle-Earth – Review” »

Share

George MacDonald by C.S. Lewis

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on George MacDonald by C.S. Lewis
George MacDonald by C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

One of the greatest influences on C.S. Lewis was George MacDonald. In fact the spirit of George MacDonald appears in Lewis’s The Great Divorce. Unfortunately, many Christians today are not very familiar with MacDonald. I have read some MacDonald but only his fiction, specifically The Princess and the Goblin. I definitely saw the influence of … Read More “George MacDonald by C.S. Lewis” »

Share

C.S. Lewis at the BBC – Review

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on C.S. Lewis at the BBC – Review
C.S. Lewis at the BBC – Review
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I have read many books about C.S. Lewis. They are all interesting because Lewis was such an interesting person. But most of them end up just telling the same story. C.S. Lewis at the BBC is able to break that pattern. As you may know, Mere Christianity was based on a series of talks that … Read More “C.S. Lewis at the BBC – Review” »

Share

Jesus and the Lord of the Rings

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Jesus and the Lord of the Rings
Jesus and the Lord of the Rings
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

It is no secret that J.R.R. Tolkien was a committed Christian. He was influential in the conversion of his friend C.S. Lewis. But how did his faith impact his writing? Tolkien was not near as explicit as Lewis with his portrayal of Jesus as Aslan. But the images are there if you know where to … Read More “Jesus and the Lord of the Rings” »

Share

J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography – Review

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography – Review
J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography – Review
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

It is impossible to overestimate the influence of J.R.R. Tolkien. He did much more than just write an interesting story about elves and dwarves. He has had a tremendous influence on the past few generations on a number of levels. Humphrey Carpenter has written J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography. He starts with Tolkien’s youngest years in … Read More “J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography – Review” »

Share

What About the Blue Wizards?

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on What About the Blue Wizards?
What About the Blue Wizards?
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I have always been intrigued by the wizards in Tolkien’s world of Middle-earth. Unlike other fantasy worlds, wizards for Tolkien are not humans who have learned sorcery. They are basically angels who have been incarnated in human bodies. There are not a lot of wizards, in fact there are only five. Two play an important … Read More “What About the Blue Wizards?” »

Share

J.R.R. Tolkien’s Influence on Holly Ordway

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on J.R.R. Tolkien’s Influence on Holly Ordway
J.R.R. Tolkien’s Influence on Holly Ordway
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

When people think of J.R.R. Tolkien, we usually think of the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings but he wrote many other things. One of them was an essay called “On Fairy-stories” In this article, Holly Ordway writes about how this essay affected her. Tolkien opened my eyes to the way that literature could … Read More “J.R.R. Tolkien’s Influence on Holly Ordway” »

Share

The Unfinished Sequel to the Lord of the Rings

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on The Unfinished Sequel to the Lord of the Rings
The Unfinished Sequel to the Lord of the Rings
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I love the mythology of Middle-earth that J.R.R. Tolkien created. The Hobbit was great and the Lord of the Rings was better. If only the Lord of the Rings had a sequel. There almost was. In this video he find out about the general outline of what Tolkien’s sequel was to look like. It sounds … Read More “The Unfinished Sequel to the Lord of the Rings” »

Share

Was J.R.R. Tolkien a Racist?

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Was J.R.R. Tolkien a Racist?
Was J.R.R. Tolkien a Racist?
Bedard on Discipleship, C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Every once in a while, there is a claim made that J.R.R. Tolkien was a racist. As far as I know, this is not based on his writings about race, but his portrayals of race in his fictional world of Middle-earth. The basic idea is that orcs (sometimes called goblins) are portrayed as completely evil … Read More “Was J.R.R. Tolkien a Racist?” »

Share

The Enduring Love For C.S. Lewis

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on The Enduring Love For C.S. Lewis
The Enduring Love For C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Michael Coren has written a piece on C.S. Lewis for UnHerd. “Rather like Tolkien, a friend and another Easter warrior, he was always far more appreciated by his readers than by his peers. If he hadn’t become a Christian and hadn’t written children’s stories he would have been far more respected within the academy, especially … Read More “The Enduring Love For C.S. Lewis” »

Share

What Would C.S. Lewis Say About COVID-19?

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on What Would C.S. Lewis Say About COVID-19?
What Would C.S. Lewis Say About COVID-19?
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Matt Smethurst has recently written a piece applying C.S. Lewis’s thoughts on the atomic bomb to the current panic abouy COVID-19. It’s now clear that COVID-19 is a deadly serious global pandemic, and all necessary precautions should be taken. Still, C. S. Lewis’s words—written 72 years ago—ring with some relevance for us. Just replace “atomic bomb” with … Read More “What Would C.S. Lewis Say About COVID-19?” »

Share

The Lost Letters of C.S. Lewis

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on The Lost Letters of C.S. Lewis
The Lost Letters of C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

The great tragedy of CS Lewis’s life was the loss of his wife, Joy Davidman, to cancer in 1960. Her death tested the faith of the Chronicles of Narnia author, who was also a prominent Christian thinker. Now a cache of previously unpublished letters from Lewis, written in the months before his own death, reveal the extent to which his … Read More “The Lost Letters of C.S. Lewis” »

Share

How Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings Changed Publishing Forever

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on How Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings Changed Publishing Forever
How Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings Changed Publishing Forever
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Sometimes, the right book comes along with the right message at the right time and ends up not only a literary classic, but a cultural phenomenon that ushers in a new age. One such book is the first official, authorized paperback edition of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien… You can read this article by … Read More “How Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings Changed Publishing Forever” »

Share

C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien & Owen Barfield

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien & Owen Barfield
C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien & Owen Barfield
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

When people think of the Inklings, they often think of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. But there were other members of the group, including Owen Barfield. How important is Barfield? Many often think of Tolkien’s influence on Lewis in becoming a Christian, but Barfield helped Lewis reconsider his atheism before that fateful conversation. The Unbelievable? … Read More “C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien & Owen Barfield” »

Share

Why is C.S. Lewis Still Popular Today?

Posted on By Stephen Bedard 1 Comment on Why is C.S. Lewis Still Popular Today?
Why is C.S. Lewis Still Popular Today?
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I recently went through our church library and got rid of most of the books. The reason was that the vast majority were terribly outdated. And yet I kept all of the C.S, Lewis books, even though they were older than many of the other books that I considered out of date. Why? I see … Read More “Why is C.S. Lewis Still Popular Today?” »

Share

The Influence Behind C.S. Lewis

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on The Influence Behind C.S. Lewis
The Influence Behind C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

One of the podcasts I listen to regularly is 5 Minutes in Church History. It is a nice quick introduction to different topics related to Christian history. A recent episode looked at C.S. Lewis, more specifically an important influence on Lewis. This episode gives some interesting background to George MacDonald. I think fans of Lewis … Read More “The Influence Behind C.S. Lewis” »

Share

What’s the Difference Between the Bible and Lord of the Rings?

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on What’s the Difference Between the Bible and Lord of the Rings?
What’s the Difference Between the Bible and Lord of the Rings?
Apologetics and Theology Blog, C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

The two books that I have read and reread the most are the Bible and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Recently, a skeptic asked me why we should read the Bible any differently than Lord of the Rings. After all, both tell epic tales, reflect on the nature of good and evil, describe supernatural … Read More “What’s the Difference Between the Bible and Lord of the Rings?” »

Share

The C.S. Lewis Bible – Review

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on The C.S. Lewis Bible – Review
The C.S. Lewis Bible – Review
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Some time ago I was browsing a second-hand store and spotted a copy of The C.S. Lewis Bible. I have devoted my life to studying and teaching the Bible and C.S. Lewis is one of my favourite authors. It sounded like a match made in heaven. The C.S. Lewis Bible uses the New Revised Standard Version … Read More “The C.S. Lewis Bible – Review” »

Share

Is J.K. Rowling the New J.R.R. Tolkien or C.S. Lewis?

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Is J.K. Rowling the New J.R.R. Tolkien or C.S. Lewis?
Is J.K. Rowling the New J.R.R. Tolkien or C.S. Lewis?
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series has been an international phenomenon. Harry Potter is arguably for this generation what Lord of the Rings and Chronicles of Narnia were for their generations. But can we say that J.K. Rowling is then new J.R.R. Tolkien or C.S. Lewis? I really do enjoy the Harry Potter books, especially the … Read More “Is J.K. Rowling the New J.R.R. Tolkien or C.S. Lewis?” »

Share

Top Five Things I Like About C.S. Lewis

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Top Five Things I Like About C.S. Lewis
Top Five Things I Like About C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

As I continue to celebrate my 50th birthday with top five lists, I turn my attention to C.S. Lewis. Lewis is easily one of my favourite authors and Christian thinkers. But what is it that I like so much about C.S. Lewis? I like that C.S. Lewis focuses on mere Christianity. Even though Lewis was … Read More “Top Five Things I Like About C.S. Lewis” »

Share

C.S. Lewis: Letters to Children

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on C.S. Lewis: Letters to Children
C.S. Lewis: Letters to Children
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

C.S. Lewis is by far one of my favourite authors and thinkers. His writings were instrumental in my early development as a Christian and they continue to impact me. When people think of C.S Lewis, they often think of his complex works such as Mere Christianity and Miracles. They are two of my favourites but … Read More “C.S. Lewis: Letters to Children” »

Share

What We Can Learn From Hobbits

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on What We Can Learn From Hobbits
What We Can Learn From Hobbits
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I am writing this on September 22, which is Hobbit Day. That is because September 22 is the birthday of both Bilbo and Frodo. These two are the most well known of the hobbits, a race that exist in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Tolkien created some extremely powerful beings for his world, everything from dragons to … Read More “What We Can Learn From Hobbits” »

Share

The Maker of the Maker of Middle-earth

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on The Maker of the Maker of Middle-earth
The Maker of the Maker of Middle-earth
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Who was J. R. R. Tolkien? Nearly everyone knows him as the author of two of the most beloved books of the 20th century: The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Many also know him as a member of the Inklings and a close friend of fellow writer and scholar C. S. Lewis. Fewer know Tolkien’s work … Read More “The Maker of the Maker of Middle-earth” »

Share

Top 10 Lines Falsely Attributed to C. S. Lewis

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Top 10 Lines Falsely Attributed to C. S. Lewis
Top 10 Lines Falsely Attributed to C. S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

C. S. Lewis, described by some as the “patron saint of American evangelicals,” is a very quotable writer, and evangelical Christians love to invoke him in sermons, social media posts, and casual conversation. However, you cannot always believe what you read. Expressions credited to him on social media or through google searches aren’t always actually … Read More “Top 10 Lines Falsely Attributed to C. S. Lewis” »

Share

C.S. Lewis’ Most Controversial Beliefs

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on C.S. Lewis’ Most Controversial Beliefs
C.S. Lewis’ Most Controversial Beliefs
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Without a doubt. C.S. Lewis is my favourite Christian author. Although he is popular among evangelicals, some of his beliefs are not without controversy. Few figures loom larger over the past century of Christianity than C.S. Lewis, whose rare and beautiful coupling of an indomitable mind and a sparkling imagination make for some of the … Read More “C.S. Lewis’ Most Controversial Beliefs” »

Share

Saint Chesterton?

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Saint Chesterton?
Saint Chesterton?
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

As an investigation into the life of Catholic apologist G.K. Chesterton nears a close, admirers of the English writer voiced hope that his sainthood cause could soon be opened. “Chesterton stands up as that saint who contradicts the world in terms of speaking out against a bad philosophy and bad thinking,” said Dale Ahlquist, president … Read More “Saint Chesterton?” »

Share

C. S. Lewis and the Great War

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on C. S. Lewis and the Great War
C. S. Lewis and the Great War
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Like his friend J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis fought in the First World War. Joseph Loconte has written an article on this for the National Review. In the spring of 1918, Germany and the Central Powers staged a final massive offensive that threatened to overwhelm British and French forces along the Western Front. Sir Douglas Haig, … Read More “C. S. Lewis and the Great War” »

Share

The Merry World of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on The Merry World of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit
The Merry World of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Jo Walton has written an article on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and his impressions of it. The unusual thing about The Hobbit for me was that Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit and a grown up. He had his own charming and unusual house and he indulged in grown up pleasures like smoking and drinking. He … Read More “The Merry World of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit” »

Share

G.K. Chesterton’s Philosophy in 3 Words

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on G.K. Chesterton’s Philosophy in 3 Words
G.K. Chesterton’s Philosophy in 3 Words
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Chuck Chalberg has written an article on G.K. Chesterton, summarizing his philosophy in three words: If one were to capture G.K. Chesterton’s philosophy to just a few words, it could be done in this sentence: Free will exists. Almost everything else that he wrote followed from this belief, including his objection to fatalism and determinism … Read More “G.K. Chesterton’s Philosophy in 3 Words” »

Share

Thoughts on Unfinished Tales

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Thoughts on Unfinished Tales
Thoughts on Unfinished Tales
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

When most people think about J.R.R. Tolkien, they think of the Hobbit and the Lord of Rings. While those are his most popular books, there are others, even others set in the same Middle-earth. The next one I would recommend is the Silmarillion. But after that, I would recommend Unfinished Tales. Tolkien’s son, Christopher Tolkien … Read More “Thoughts on Unfinished Tales” »

Share

Thoughts on the Last Battle

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Thoughts on the Last Battle
Thoughts on the Last Battle
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I recently finished rereading The Chronicles of Narnia with the final battle being The Last Battle. A good book (or series of books) is only as good as its conclusion and The Last Battle is a satisfying conclusion to the Narnia stories. If The Magicians Nephew is the Genesis of Narnia, The Last Battle is … Read More “Thoughts on the Last Battle” »

Share

Thoughts on the Silver Chair

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Thoughts on the Silver Chair
Thoughts on the Silver Chair
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Like any series of books, C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia vary in quality. Although they are all good, some are better than others. One of my favourites is The Silver Chair. This story features Eustace Scrubb, a character introduced in the Voyage of The Dawn Treader. Eustace should get the award for most developed character … Read More “Thoughts on the Silver Chair” »

Share

What Were Tolkien’s Inspirations for the Hobbit?

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on What Were Tolkien’s Inspirations for the Hobbit?
What Were Tolkien’s Inspirations for the Hobbit?
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit was published eighty years ago. It is a great time to be thinking about this book and the world that grew out of it. The Hobbit is so much more than the introduction to what would take place in Lord of the Rings. The Hobbit would be amazing even if it … Read More “What Were Tolkien’s Inspirations for the Hobbit?” »

Share

Beren and Luthien – Review

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Beren and Luthien – Review
Beren and Luthien – Review
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

It is amazing that so many decades after J.R.R. Tolkien’s death that he still has “new” books being released. Thankfully, his son Christopher Tolkien has gone through manuscripts and has released material. Christopher expects Beren and Luthien to be his final book. The story of Luthien and Beren is one of my favourite stories by … Read More “Beren and Luthien – Review” »

Share

G.K. Chesterton on Art and the Image of God

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on G.K. Chesterton on Art and the Image of God
G.K. Chesterton on Art and the Image of God
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Melissa Cain Travis, who teaches at Houston Baptist University, often has great things to say. I was not surprised when she recently wrote an article on the greater writer G.K. Chesterton. In The Everlasting Man, G.K. Chesterton argues that man, as a species, is different in kind, not just degree, from all other living creatures. … Read More “G.K. Chesterton on Art and the Image of God” »

Share

5 Big Things To Know And Celebrate About G.K. Chesterton

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on 5 Big Things To Know And Celebrate About G.K. Chesterton
5 Big Things To Know And Celebrate About G.K. Chesterton
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I really enjoy reading G.K. Chesterton. He is both wise and witty. Gracy Olmstead has written a post for The Federalist on what you need to know about Chesterton. Reading G.K. Chesterton’s work is a bit like a personal encounter with the Ghost of Christmas Present, from Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.” He’s a larger-than-life figure, … Read More “5 Big Things To Know And Celebrate About G.K. Chesterton” »

Share

C.S. Lewis: Christian Reflections – Review

Posted on By Stephen Bedard 1 Comment on C.S. Lewis: Christian Reflections – Review
C.S. Lewis: Christian Reflections – Review
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I’m always looking for some more C.S. Lewis to read. So I was quite happy to read a collection of his essays in the book Christian Reflections. Many of the chapters in this book were originally talks that he gave to a variety of groups. They are on a number of different topics, although all related … Read More “C.S. Lewis: Christian Reflections – Review” »

Share

Why Does God Allow Pain and Suffering?

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Why Does God Allow Pain and Suffering?
Why Does God Allow Pain and Suffering?
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

The problem of suffering is one of the most difficult subjects connected to faith. One of the resources we have in discussing this is C.S. Lewis. Whitney Dotson tackles this in an article in the Christian Herald. Since we are only very young, we learn to become quite acquainted with physical pain. It exists even … Read More “Why Does God Allow Pain and Suffering?” »

Share

Thoughts on The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Thoughts on The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Thoughts on The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I have been reading the Chronicles of Narnia to my daughter. We have now read five of the seven books having just completed The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Strangely, I have not seen the movie based on it and so I have no idea how close it stayed to the book. What I can … Read More “Thoughts on The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” »

Share

What C.S. Lewis Can Teach Us About True Love

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on What C.S. Lewis Can Teach Us About True Love
What C.S. Lewis Can Teach Us About True Love
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Love is one of the highest values of our culture. It is the subject of countless songs and stories. But what do we mean by love? Zachary Krueger turns to C.S. Lewis for wisdom on the nature of love. So I brewed a pot of coffee (the natural starting point of my inquiry), poured a cup … Read More “What C.S. Lewis Can Teach Us About True Love” »

Share

A Footnote to the Cross in The Lord of the Rings

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on A Footnote to the Cross in The Lord of the Rings
A Footnote to the Cross in The Lord of the Rings
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Although the Lord of the Rings is a popular fantasy story, many do not realize that the entire story is grounded in a Christian world view. Tolkien was a devout Christian who was instrumental in C.S. Lewis coming to faith. Scott Masson, a professor at Tyndale (where I also teach), has written an interesting article … Read More “A Footnote to the Cross in The Lord of the Rings” »

Share

How C.S. Lewis Encouraged J.R.R. Tolkien

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on How C.S. Lewis Encouraged J.R.R. Tolkien
How C.S. Lewis Encouraged J.R.R. Tolkien
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Two of my favourite authors are C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Not only were they friends, Tolkien was instrumental in Lewis becoming a Christian. What not as many people know is that Lewis helped encourage Tolkien to complete The Lord of the Rings. Alicia Kort has written an interesting article on their relationship for Newsweek. … Read More “How C.S. Lewis Encouraged J.R.R. Tolkien” »

Share

How J.R.R. Tolkien Redefined Fantasy Stories

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on How J.R.R. Tolkien Redefined Fantasy Stories
How J.R.R. Tolkien Redefined Fantasy Stories
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I have enjoyed the fantasy genre since my teen years. There is both good and bad fantasy. Much of the best fantasy has been inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. James Ellis has written an interesting article on this for Newsweek. Scholars, academics and casual enthusiasts have spilled tons of ink (both of the real … Read More “How J.R.R. Tolkien Redefined Fantasy Stories” »

Share

What Does it Mean to Become Like Christ?

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on What Does it Mean to Become Like Christ?
What Does it Mean to Become Like Christ?
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

James Knight has written an article on Becoming Like Christ. Lots of writing has had a huge impact on my life – particularly in the fields of philosophy, economics, politics, literature, science and, most pertinent here, theology. Here I want to talk about a particular chapter in C.S Lewis’s Mere Christianity called Let’s Pretend, that … Read More “What Does it Mean to Become Like Christ?” »

Share

C.S. Lewis on Pain and Suffering

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on C.S. Lewis on Pain and Suffering
C.S. Lewis on Pain and Suffering
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I recently did something that I have wanted to do for a long time. I read together two books by C.S. Lewis on a similar subject. I read both The Problem of Pain and A Grief Observed. The Problem of Pain was written in 1940. It is a solid apologetic treatment of the reasons for suffering. … Read More “C.S. Lewis on Pain and Suffering” »

Share

What If the Chronicles of Narnia Was Released Today?

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on What If the Chronicles of Narnia Was Released Today?
What If the Chronicles of Narnia Was Released Today?
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

In this age of information overload, we can sample media sources from every perspective. John Ehrett has put together a hilarious collection of imagined media reactions to the Chronicles of Narnia from the most popular sources today. It is funny because it is true. You really need to read his Here Are The Media Hottakes We’d … Read More “What If the Chronicles of Narnia Was Released Today?” »

Share

Dante, C.S. Lewis, and the Goodness of the Good

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Dante, C.S. Lewis, and the Goodness of the Good
Dante, C.S. Lewis, and the Goodness of the Good
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

How our conservative Christians or evangelicals known? For many people, evangelicals are known primarily for what we are against. But do Christians have anything positive to say? Jim Tonkowich has written an interesting article on this, drawing from the thought of C.S. Lewis. Lewis read Dante’s Inferno, the first book of the three-part Divine Comedy, … Read More “Dante, C.S. Lewis, and the Goodness of the Good” »

Share

C.S. Lewis’s View of Women

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on C.S. Lewis’s View of Women
C.S. Lewis’s View of Women
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Randy Alcorn has written an interesting article on C.S. Lewis’s view of women. In 1949, Lewis sent his five-year-old god-daughter Lucy Barfield the completed manuscript of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe with a letter saying, “I wrote this story for you,” which later became the dedication in the printed book. The way he … Read More “C.S. Lewis’s View of Women” »

Share

A Hobbit, a Wardrobe and a Great War – Review

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on A Hobbit, a Wardrobe and a Great War – Review
A Hobbit, a Wardrobe and a Great War – Review
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

If you were to look at my interests, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and military history would be near the top of my list. Therefore, I was quite pleased to come across A Hobbit, a Wardrobe and a Great War by Joseph Loconte. Many people know that C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien have some things in … Read More “A Hobbit, a Wardrobe and a Great War – Review” »

Share

Thoughts on Prince Caspian

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Thoughts on Prince Caspian
Thoughts on Prince Caspian
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I recently finished reading Prince Caspian. I had read it before, but most of my memories of the story come from the movie version. Prince Caspian was the second of the Chronicles of Narnia to be written, although it is the fourth chronologically according to Narnian history. Having reread the book, I enjoyed it much … Read More “Thoughts on Prince Caspian” »

Share

Lewis, Tolkien, and the Shadow of War

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Lewis, Tolkien, and the Shadow of War
Lewis, Tolkien, and the Shadow of War
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

Both J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis served in the First World War. Chris Gehrz has written on this: Tolkien, older than his future friend by nearly seven years, entered military service first, arriving in France in June 1916 — not quite three months after getting married and mere weeks before the beginning of the Battle of … Read More “Lewis, Tolkien, and the Shadow of War” »

Share

Tolkien, Lord of the Rings and the Horror of the Trenches

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Tolkien, Lord of the Rings and the Horror of the Trenches
Tolkien, Lord of the Rings and the Horror of the Trenches
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

If there is one historical event that gives some insight into J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings, it would be the trench warfare of the Forst World War. Nan Spowart has written a good article on this topic. The horrors of the trenches were depicted in fiction in JRR Tolkien’s epic The Lord of the Rings, his grandson … Read More “Tolkien, Lord of the Rings and the Horror of the Trenches” »

Share

Did Tolkien Waste His Life?

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Did Tolkien Waste His Life?
Did Tolkien Waste His Life?
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

How seriously should we take J.R.R. Tolkien? After all, he basically spent his time writing fairy tales (even if they were amazing epic fairy tales). Was that a waste of his genius? Jon Bloom has written an interesting article on Tolkien’s literary activity. There were imaginative flickers of Middle-earth in the precocious child, Ronald Tolkien. … Read More “Did Tolkien Waste His Life?” »

Share

J.R.R. Tolkien and the Creating of Fantasy Languages

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on J.R.R. Tolkien and the Creating of Fantasy Languages
J.R.R. Tolkien and the Creating of Fantasy Languages
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

We may enjoy the characters and plot of Tolkien’s stories, but his passion was really in creating languages. Philip Seargeant has written an interesting article on this topic. J.R.R. Tolkien began writing The Fall of Gondolin while on medical leave from World War I, 100 years ago this month. It is the first story in … Read More “J.R.R. Tolkien and the Creating of Fantasy Languages” »

Share

J.R.R. Tolkien’s Sorrowful Vision of Joy

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on J.R.R. Tolkien’s Sorrowful Vision of Joy
J.R.R. Tolkien’s Sorrowful Vision of Joy
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

I have seen numerous Christians put J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings on lists of books that Christians should NOT read. Perhaps this is out of concern for the use of wizards in his fiction. This may because of three things they do not know: Tolkien was instrumental in C.S. Lewis becoming a Christian. … Read More “J.R.R. Tolkien’s Sorrowful Vision of Joy” »

Share

Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit – Review

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit – Review
Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit – Review
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

One of my favourite books is J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. Too many people see The Hobbit as simply the prequel to The Lord of the Rings, a source for some interesting background information. We need to remember that The Lord of the Rings was the sequel and that it was written only because of the … Read More “Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit – Review” »

Share

The Fellowship of the Ring Movie Revisited

Posted on By Stephen Bedard No Comments on The Fellowship of the Ring Movie Revisited
The Fellowship of the Ring Movie Revisited
C.S. Lewis and Friends Blog

It is hard to believe that The Fellowship of the Ring movie came out way back in 2001. I can still remember the excitement of finally being able to see a live action version of my favourite story. I have seen the movies many times since then, but just recently watched The Fellowship of the … Read More “The Fellowship of the Ring Movie Revisited” »

Share