Decades of College Students Edified by C.S. Lewis

A good many college students have read and become hooked on Christianity through Narnia’s creator, C.S. Lewis, according to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

“Quotes and arguments from Lewis are used extensively and convincingly in both evangelistic dorm discussions and in a host of books for believers,” InterVarsity Press Publisher Bob Fryling said in a Dec. 7 report posted on InterVarsity’s Web site. “His books have been widely read on campus for decades by both Christians and those curious about Christian faith.”

“If you survey senior staff, they will say that Lewis was extremely important for our work. A good many students were nourished on Lewis,” agreed Terry Morrison, director emeritus of Faculty Ministry.

Lewis studied and taught at Oxford University for decades, and it was there that he wrote and published treatises, essays, books, and articles on his faith. While best known now for Narnia, he was known then for his books dealing with religion, such as the classic apologetics book, Mere Christianity.

“In a university environment, Lewis has the stellar academic credentials that command intellectual respect, while his journey from atheism to Christian faith describes a personal and spiritual authenticity that is attractive and not easily dismissed,” said Fryling.

Lewis’ books also enjoyed resonance with Christian faculty, who said that Lewis is a role model.

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