Did C.S. Lewis believe Jesus was God? This question has intrigued many readers and scholars alike, as C.S. Lewis, a renowned author and Christian theologian, has left a profound impact on the understanding of faith and Jesus Christ. In this article, we will explore Lewis’s beliefs and how he arrived at the conclusion that Jesus was indeed God.
C.S. Lewis, born on November 29, 1898, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, was a British writer, poet, and academic. He is best known for his works of fiction, including “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “The Space Trilogy,” as well as his non-fiction works, such as “Mere Christianity” and “Surprised by Joy.” Despite his extensive contributions to literature, Lewis’s personal faith and beliefs remain a subject of much interest and debate.
In his book “Mere Christianity,” Lewis presents a comprehensive defense of the Christian faith, including the divinity of Jesus Christ. He argues that Jesus is not only a man but also God in human form. Lewis’s belief in the divinity of Jesus is rooted in several key points:
1. The Resurrection: Lewis asserts that the resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith. He argues that if Jesus rose from the dead, it is a powerful evidence of His divinity. In “Mere Christianity,” he writes, “If Christ has risen, then Christ is God.”
2. The Miracles: Lewis believes that the miracles attributed to Jesus are not just extraordinary events but evidence of His divine nature. He states, “The miracles are not the best evidence that Jesus was God, but they are the best evidence that He was a divine being.”
3. The New Testament Accounts: Lewis examines the accounts of Jesus in the New Testament and finds them compelling. He writes, “The Gospels are histories, not myths. They tell us about a man who was born, lived, died, and rose again. This man is Jesus Christ.”
4. The Early Christian Creeds: Lewis acknowledges the importance of the early Christian creeds, such as the Apostles’ Creed, which declare Jesus as both God and man. He writes, “The creeds are not just ancient documents; they are summaries of the Christian faith that have stood the test of time.”
In conclusion, C.S. Lewis firmly believed that Jesus was God. His belief is grounded in the resurrection, miracles, New Testament accounts, and the early Christian creeds. Lewis’s conviction that Jesus was divine has influenced countless individuals and continues to inspire discussions about faith and the nature of Jesus Christ.
