An Atheist in Oxford
In the heart of Oxford, a young Clive Staples Lewis found himself entrenched in atheism. Born in Belfast on November 29, 1898, Lewis was raised in a Protestant family, yet the death of his mother when he was just a boy shattered his early faith. His father's subsequent grief and Lewis's experiences during World War I only deepened his disdain for the idea of a loving God. By age 17, he declared to his friend Arthur Greeves, "I believe in no religion. There is absolutely no proof for any of them."
Drawn by Myth and Beauty
Despite his atheism, Lewis was drawn to mythology and literature, unknowingly encountering Christian themes through authors like George MacDonald and G.K. Chesterton. As he grappled with life's complexities, a question nagged at him: How could he, as an atheist, be so troubled by a universe that seemed unjust? This internal conflict hinted at a moral law, suggesting a lawgiver.
The Most Reluctant Convert
The turning point came in 1929, when Lewis admitted the existence of God. He described this moment as reluctantly giving in, confessing, "Perhaps, that night, the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England." However, his journey wasn't complete until 1931, after a fateful conversation with friends J.R.R. Tolkien and Hugo Dyson. They challenged him to see that Christian myth was a unique narrative that had become historical truth in Jesus Christ. Soon after, on a trip to the zoo with his brother, Lewis embraced Christianity, recognizing Jesus as the true source of fulfillment.
Surprised by Joy
Lewis's newfound faith reshaped his life. He became a prolific Christian apologist, penning works like *Mere Christianity*, which presented a rational case for faith. In his autobiography, *Surprised by Joy*, Lewis recounted how his longing for joy had always pointed him toward God. Now, he understood this joy as a divine signpost, guiding him to his Creator. C.S. Lewis's conversion is a testament to Jesus's power to transform even the most reluctant hearts, leading him to give thanks for a faith that would inspire millions.
