C.S. Lewis on Politics, Government, and the Good Society

by Jefrey D. Breshears

C. S. Lewis is generally regarded as the foremost Christian thinker and writer of the 20th century. A first-rate scholar, philosopher, apologist, theologian, literary critic, science fiction writer, poet, and author of children’s fantasy novels, he wrote with charm, wit, insight, and occasional eloquence. Lewis was neither a professional philosopher, theologian, Bible scholar, historian, psychologist, nor a social scientist, but he thought and wrote perceptively on all these subjects. A rarity among intellectuals, he integrated both reason and imagination into his life and works. Lewis understood that unless conditioned by humility and Christian discipline, reason tends to solidify into sterile Rationalism while imagination tends to drift toward idealistic Romanticism. Therefore, Christian maturity necessitates a thoughtful and faithful integration of both mind and heart. Although Lewis’ writings on political philosophy are often overlooked, in fact he was in fact as acute and perceptive in this vital area of life as in other aspects of Christian discipleship. Lewis understood that Christianity is more than a religion and more than personal piety. As a life-transforming relationship with God via faith in Jesus Christ, Christian faith is a lifestyle and a comprehensive worldview that should encompass all the pertinent issues of life – including one’s social and political values and beliefs. Lewis’ views on political philosophy are as relevant today as when he wrote them, and all Christians who take wholistic discipleship and their citizenship responsibilities seriously will benefit from his insights and wisdom.

82 pages, Paperback

Published December 21, 2019

Reviews

[Allegra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love CS Lewis and loved this in-depth exploration of his views on politics. Very timely read in the overly political culture of today.

[Troy Ancona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick and relatively an easy read.

Lewis is well known to have an aversion for politics, despite that Breshears does a good job at pulling together quotes from various Lewis works completed over the years and stitching together a simple model of what Lewis felt about citizens and governments.

From a basic founding principle to three great evils of governmental philosophy and finally where did Lewis fall on forms of government. Finally what would Lewis feel about the modern democratic socialism that was in its early stages in Lewis’ lifetime.

If there is a weak link is there is a little bit of speculation in some of his statements (more on bringing Lewis into today’s culture) and as much quoting of other authors (in places) as quoting Lewis. In some spots it sounds like the author uses Lewis to set up his perspective, this could be more of the format of the book.

Finally he does provide sourcing but on occasions it is not clear where his quote is found. But enough information is provided that most readers can flesh it out.

This would make a good adult (or student) study witb an option of bringing in other Lewis books (other authors as well) to read excerpts from. Biblical verses are provided on some relevant cases but i easily thought of others.

[Aaron Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

The devil claims politics as his own.
Government, at its best, is a necessary evil.
Power corrupts politicians.
Limits of power over others.
Most behavior should be tolerated, but not sanctioned or promoted. Christians should not impose their morals on others.

[Julio A Borges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buen resumen

Es un libro que ayuda a consolidar de modo sencillo la perspectiva política de Lewis. Lo recomiendo como introducción
Buen contraste con us politics