Cs Lewis The Most Reluctant Convert Quote
Introduction
CS Lewis was a renowned British writer and theologian who is known for his works such as The Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity, and The Screwtape Letters. He is also known for his journey from atheism to Christianity, which he called his “most reluctant convert”. This article explores the quote “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity” and how it relates to his conversion.
Background
CS Lewis was raised in a Christian household but lost his faith during his teenage years. He became an atheist and remained so until his thirties. However, through his studies and discussions with other intellectuals, he began to question his atheism and eventually became a Christian. He described this journey as his “most reluctant convert”.
Childhood Influences
CS Lewis was born in Belfast, Ireland in 1898. He was the second son of Albert Lewis, a lawyer, and Flora Lewis, a homemaker. Lewis’ mother died when he was just nine years old, which deeply affected him. He and his older brother Warren were sent to boarding school in England, where they were both subjected to physical and emotional abuse. These experiences shaped Lewis’ worldview and may have contributed to his later atheism.
Academic Pursuits
After completing his education at Oxford University, Lewis became a professor of English literature. He was highly respected in his field and wrote several academic works, including The Allegory of Love and A Preface to Paradise Lost. However, it was his popular works, such as The Chronicles of Narnia, that brought him mainstream success.
The Quote
The quote “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity” is often attributed to CS Lewis. However, there is no definitive source for this quote, and it may have been misattributed to him.
Conversion to Christianity
CS Lewis’ journey from atheism to Christianity was a gradual process that took several years. He was influenced by other intellectuals, such as JRR Tolkien and GK Chesterton, who were also Christians. However, it was his discussions with his friend and fellow writer Owen Barfield that had the greatest impact on him.
Reluctance
Despite his growing interest in Christianity, CS Lewis was reluctant to convert. He felt that it would be a betrayal of his intellectual integrity to abandon his atheism. However, he eventually came to realize that Christianity was not at odds with reason and logic, and that it offered a more complete worldview than atheism.
Legacy
CS Lewis’ works continue to be popular today, and his journey from atheism to Christianity is often cited as an example of intellectual honesty and spiritual exploration. The quote “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity” is often used as inspiration for those who are struggling to make a difficult decision.
Conclusion
CS Lewis’ journey from atheism to Christianity is a testament to the power of intellectual inquiry and spiritual exploration. The quote “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity” may or may not have been said by Lewis, but it is certainly a sentiment that he would have agreed with. Making a difficult decision is never easy, but once it is made, the rest is just a matter of sticking with it.
