Romans 16:17-18 tells us, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” (NKJV)

            These verses encourage us to avoid those who teach doctrines that are contrary to what is established as truth. To avoid those who with “…flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” I am proposing a few reasons to avoid C. S. Lewis.

Reason # 1: A False Doctrine of Salvation.

In his book Mere Christianity C. S. Lewis writes,

There are people who do not accept the full Christian doctrine about Christ but                                      who are so strongly attracted by Him that they are His in a much deeper sense    than they themselves understand. There are people in other religions who are being led by God’s secret influence to concentrate on those parts of their religion which are in agreement with Christianity, and who thus belong to Christ without   knowing it.^[1]

            These are C. S. Lewis’ own words. It is the idea that people can be saved without knowing they are saved. It is the idea that people don’t have to accept Christ, all they have to do is follow His ways and they are saved. Is the idea that someone can be a Buddhist and still go to heaven; that someone can be a Muslim and still go to heaven, that someone can be a Mormon and still go to heaven, etc. What a repulsive idea! What blasphemy against the blood and scarifies of my Savior Jesus Christ. Where is the conversion? Where is repentance? Where is Jesus? I feel that I have to present this point because this is the aspect of C. S. Lewis theology that goes against God’s ultimate purpose for His children to have a relationship with Him, in spirit and in truth (John 4:24) We most remember that love delights in truth not in lies (I Corinthians 13:6)

            Lewis became friendly to a philosophical and fantastic version of Christianity. Through searching for this paper I have seen video after video, professors, scholars, Christian Apologist, pastors and others, being mesmerized by the smooth words of C. S. Lewis. It has become an issue of great concern for me.

Reason # 2: Contradicting the Creation as Clearly Stated in the Book of Genesis

For long centuries God perfected the animal form, which was to become the vehicle of humanity and the image of Himself. The creature may have existed for ages in this state before it became man: it may even have been clever enough to make things, which a modern archaeologist would accept as proof of its humanity. But it was only an animal because all its physical and psychical process were directed to purely material and natural ends.^[2] C. S. Lewis

            Can we believe in some kind of idea of evolution and at the same time sustain that we are Christians? Where did C. S. Lewis get this idea that we descended from animals? Was he in agreement with Darwin theory of evolution? What can he say about the original sin? Again, these are troubling ideas indeed that must be addressed.

Reason # 3: C. S. Lewis Did Not Believe in the Infallibility of the Bible

I have therefor no difficulty accepting, say, the view of these scholars who tell us that the account of Creation in Genesis is derived from earlier Semitic stories which were pagan and mythical.^[3] C. S. Lewis

            This is only one example; there are others that clearly allow us to see that C. S. Lewis did not believe that the Word of God was infallible. I know that there are many Biblical issues that are difficult to understand. I am also aware that we are growing in our knowledge of God and in our understanding of Scripture. No one on this earth knows it all. First Corinthians 13:9 remind us that we know in part. But there are Gospel Truths and foundational doctrines without which we have no faith as Christians. Were those truths known during the times of C. S. Lewis?

            Through C. S. Lewis we can see a continuation, even through our days, of the constant attempt to mix Christianity with something else as if Jesus Christ is not enough. Even as I totally agree with his explanation of the reason for suffering and some of the purposes he also offered. I must make a stand against the questionable and troubling theology of this man. I know it is easy for us to come against the teachings of our culture. The violence and immorality in movies, video games, music and even in many of our T.V. shows, but who judges the C. S. Lewis of this world?

 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8 (NKJV)

^[1] C. S. Lewis, “Mere Christianity” Complete S. C. Lewis Signature Classics, 3-177 (New York: Harper Collins Publisher, 2002) p. 165

            ^[2] C. S. Lewis, “Mere Christianity” Complete S. C. Lewis Signature Classics, 593

            ^[3] C. S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms, (New York: First Mariners Books Edition, 2012) 18-19