Early Life and Atheistic Beliefs
C.S. Lewis, renowned author and scholar, was born on November 29, 1898, in Belfast, Ireland. His early years were marked by profound loss, including the death of his mother when he was just nine—a blow that led him to abandon his childhood faith. As a student, Lewis embraced atheism, believing that religion was merely a human invention. He once wrote to a friend, 'I believe in no religion. There is absolutely no proof for any of them.' His early works, such as his poetry collection *Spirits in Bondage*, reflected a dark worldview, as he grappled with the harsh realities of a world he deemed devoid of meaning.
The Stirring of Faith
Lewis's journey toward faith began with the stirring of 'Joy'—a profound longing he couldn't quite explain. This longing was sparked by literature that awakened within him a sense of holiness. Works by George MacDonald and friendships with Christian intellectuals like J.R.R. Tolkien at Oxford began to challenge his atheistic convictions. Through these influences, Lewis confronted the idea that his sense of justice required a moral lawgiver.
C.S. Lewis Conversion to Christianity
In 1929, Lewis reluctantly acknowledged the existence of God. He described his conversion to theism as being the 'most dejected and reluctant convert in all England.' Yet, the transformation didn't end there. In 1931, following a pivotal conversation with Tolkien and another friend, Lewis made a definitive commitment to Christianity. He later recounted a moment of realization: 'When we set out I did not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and when we reached the zoo I did.'
Life as Christian Apologist
Lewis's newfound faith led him to become one of the most influential Christian apologists of the 20th century. His works, including *Mere Christianity* and *The Chronicles of Narnia*, continue to inspire readers worldwide. Through his writings, Lewis articulated the essence of Christianity as 'God expressing Himself through what we call 'real things,' including the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus.
C.S. Lewis's story is one of intellectual and spiritual transformation, a testament to the power of faith to change a life. Through his journey from disbelief to belief, Lewis experienced a profound sense of joy and purpose, becoming a beacon of hope for those seeking truth.
