Posted on 11/25/2021 11:09:23 AM PST by SeekAndFind
Legendary Christian writer and thinker C.S. Lewis went from “vigorous debunker of Christianity” to one of history’s most transformative and apologetic faith voices.
But most people today are much more acquainted with his hit books, like Mere Christianity and The Chronicles of Narnia, than the finer details of his compelling faith journey.
Nearly 60 years after Lewis’ death, that spiritual evolution is getting a fresh look through the popular, new film, “The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of C.S. Lewis.”
Actor Max McLean, who plays Lewis in the movie, recently told Faithwire about the author’s stunning transformation from “hard-boiled atheist” to Christian apologist. Watch McLean explain:
“[Lewis] lost his mother to cancer at the age of 9, [and] he had a terrible relationship with his father. … And he also experienced the butchery of being in the trenches of World War I,” McLean said. “And he came to the conclusion after that that either there’s no God behind the universe, a God who’s indifferent to good and evil — or worse, an evil God.”
But as we know, that was hardly the end of Lewis’ spiritual journey. He eventually came to accept Christ and to formulate some of the best and most compelling arguments for God and the Bible.
McLean said Lewis is, in some ways, a “paradox,” as he was a private man who had so many public proclamations that have spanned decades and transformed lives.
“Not only does he explore things spiritually and emotionally, but he ties it together intellectually so that there’s no bifurcation of the spiritual, the emotional,” he said.
McLean also detailed the impact Lewis’ legacy has had on his own life. The actor said he was an adult convert to Christianity and the legendary author has helped him, through reading and studying his works, to “navigate the Christian faith in a way that’s deep — that’s profound.”
“Lewis helps me to stay on track,” he said.
McLean is in a unique position, as the actor has repeatedly adapted Lewis’ works for the theatrical stage for two decades now, using his acting chops to bring vivid spiritual writings to life.
Considering Lewis’ literary legacy, it should come as no surprise that his story, as told through “The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of C.S. Lewis,” is resonating.
The movie continues to be extended into 200 theaters across the U.S., and has brought in more than $2.5 million — a stunning showing to say the least.
McLean said the reaction has been a “wonderful surprise,” as the movie was only scheduled to show for one night on Nov. 3. Now, the film will continue in various markets through at least Nov. 25.
Find out more about the movie here.
Should be an interesting movie. Who plays Mrs. Moore?
Bookmark
Watched this and loved it.
Highly recommend for anyone with the maturity to delve into an intellectual debate on Christianity.
It actually even has a few explosions for those so inclined.
Longtime CS Lewis fan here. Thank you for posting and bookmarking. So sad it is not shown in my area, and hoping Amazon Prime will pick it up. I really want to see this movie!
and for the reason for the conversion?
Bkmrk.
We saw it and were quite glad we did.
Lewis was visited by a fan from the U.S., a divorcee named Joy Grisham. They fell in love. She came down with cancer, and Lewis married her so he could keep her in England and care for her. She brought a young son Douglas Grisham with her to the UK. After she died, Lewis kept the lad and raised him as his own. The son now in his 40s or later. He was on the 700 Club some years ago. After sowing the obligatory wild oats, drugs, etc., he accepted Christ, eventually married and they now have a ministry in Australia. The movie SHADOWLANDS, starring Anthony Hopkins told the story up to Joy’s passing.
How JRR Tolkien Helped Lead CS Lewis to Faith - Eric Metaxas
Gresham
Conversion is not found in a fortune cookie. It is a complex process for somebody as well read and convicted in his atheism as Lewis was.
RE: the reason for the conversion?
To make a long story short, CS Lewis looked at the historical evidence for and against Christianity objectively and reluctantly concluded that the evidence favored Christianity.
The details of this can be found in his book : SURPRISED BY JOY. Most public libraries have it I think.
I loved it...a few places, the words brought tears.
I loved that movie. Very sad, though.
Saw it last week at a local theater. AWESOME! Very well done. We’re very lucky here, 2 theaters support the showing of Christian movies.
Narnia Ping List.
Latest news about the C.S. Lewis biopic.
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