These discussion reports are used by permission.
If by "discussion group" both electronic and in-person, then I currently lead a Lewis reading/discussion group at my church. I have included information below on the group. So far I have had only one ML member respond, but her work schedule doesn't permit getting to it at this time. Although we meet at 6:30 now, that may change beginning in Jan. due to changes in other schedules. Perhaps other Long Island folks will respond through your site. The church is working on getting a site together, so you may be able to find me there soon.
All the best, Michael
* * * * * * * * * *
C. S. Lewis Reading Group
This November marked the 100th anniversary of C. S. Lewis' birth, as well
as the 35th year following his death to this world. Even if all you know
of him is "The Chronicles of Narnia", or the movie "Shadowlands," you
know the strength of his faith, and the impact his writings have in
changing lives.
You are invited to join in a C. S. Lewis reading group every Wednesday
night at the Presbyterian Church of Islip, 340 Main Street, Islip, NY.
The group currently meets at 6:30 p.m. If you are interested, please
contact the Church office at 516-581-1080.
* * * * * * * * * *
FYI -- Reports on meetings so far (11/11 to 12/09/98):
Meeting of 11/11/98:
In attendance: Michael, Herb, Joan, Clare, Pam, Jill
Current Book: _The Screwtape Letters_
.. . . I had ordered copies of the first three books we are to discuss,
but they had not arrived yet, so 1 of the folks from last week had still
not begun reading SL, and 2 of them had listened to the John Cleese
tapes, and the 2 new members had already read the book at least once.
Logistics! Anyway, I thought you few MLers would be interested in an
abbreviated report on the group (from memory, since no notes are taken),
as vicarious participants. Feel free to send me your comments, which I
will share with them.
The meeting started with me reading the "Preface to the Paperback
Edition" (not incl. on the tape). That opened up the discussion to the
nature of evil, the devils, and rationality.
Pam expressed the feeling that evil, by its very nature, is irrational,
or caters to the irrational. The impression she had of SL (she is a
long-time Lewis reader) was that Screwtape was much too reasonable to be
a convincing agent of evil. This, and other points about the book, she
attributed to Lewis' "ivory tower" and class mentality. I pointed out
that although his approach is rational, a laying out of an agenda or
battle-plan, the aim is to create in the patient a faith based upon the
unreal, upon illusions, the irrational. We got into a discussion about
other religious systems (Pam was trained as an anthropologist) which open
practitioners up to evil spirits by the abandonment of
mind/consciousness. At one point Joan (new reader/listener) Joan stated
that she believed evil to be a particular entity rather than an
impersonal, amorphous force, which is what she heard Pam saying. Pam
rephrased her statements to emphasize her agreement with Joan. . Jill
(the pastor's wife) said that she didn't see the distance between Lewis'
approach and our society today, and that the same spirit of confusion and
evil influence is alive now. Mention of "Marilyn Manson" and youth
culture in connection with topic needed explanation for some in the
group, but also led us further into talk about evil as it is worked out
in the world today.
After I shared how much I saw of myself, the illusions and labored under,
the false god I worshiped under the teachings of Unity, Herb (Joan's
husband) shared how he also could see himself, and recognize the tactics
our Enemy uses to get us off the Way. We all agreed the humorous aspects
of the book. I also shared my disagreement with CSL's statement that in
writing the Letters he had to give up anything that was beautiful, or
elevated, in order to take on the persona of evil; "all dust, and grit,
and itch." Pam asked for an example. I said there were many, including
the description of the spiritual cloud that surrounded the patient. I
then read most of the last letter, with its description of the death of
the Christian--almost couldn't finish because I started getting
choked-up.
All-in-all a very good beginning. Next week we will begin on the Letters
themselves.
* * * * *
Meeting of 11/18/98:
Began with Letter 1, and promptly got off to a lively discussion that
ranged from the materialism of our culture to political and moral
agendas. Because we come from various denominational backgrounds, we got
into a brief exchange re those differences, as well as "parties" in the
churches.
One of the main points that came up was the importance of letting God
into the center of ours lives and endeavors, whereas Screwtape advises
Wormwood to keep Him in the outer ring. Dave pointed out that in all the
talk about politics and causes we had left Christ out of the picture--
the Center. It is so easy to get caught up in debate over this or that
party, or what causes are just (including war) or proper for Christians
to participate in, and forget the Person for the sake of Principle. Joan,
who is new to Lewis and from a Roman Catholic background, asked for
clarification. Dave explained that the difference is in the relationship
we have with God through Christ, rather than just labeling a program or
cause "Christian" (e.g., pacifism/patriotism, right-to-life/choice).
This led us into the use of language, particularly words and phrases, and
the changes that have come about just in our lifetimes -- e.g., the word
"Christian." Yet another of our Enemy's tactics dealt with so marvelously
in the "Letters."
Dave did request that I, as moderator/facilitator, might want to consider
creating outlines of each letter(s) we want to cover each night. This
would allow for a more structured study of the book, but also give us
freedom to wander "off-topic" and then get back. What we want to do is
hit all the themes Lewis deals with, using both Scripture and Lewis
himself to explore them to the fullest. I have agreed to do this. So if
any of you have suggestions, or maybe know where I can find such outlines
or study guides on the web, please write me.
We will be off this week for Thanksgiving, and will be taking a break
from SL for Advent.
* * * * *
Meeting of 12/02/98:
In attendance: Michael , Dave, Jill, Pam, Mike, Herb, Joan, Cathy
Michael opened meeting by reading the essay "Xmas and Christmas." Many
chuckles as the members recognized the truth of Lewis' observations
through the persona of Herodotus. Discussion of the frustrations Lewis
had with the "Exmas Rush" in this essay, as well as selected letters
Michael shared. Dave made an observation that it seemed Lewis may not
have been a "happy person," due to the many complaints he made on various
aspects of normal, everyday life. Pam once again attributed this to his
Oxbridge surroundings and academic elitism. Although we all agreed that
was a factor, Michael countered by giving examples of Lewis' social life
(with the Inklings and others) and genial personality as remembered by
various students, friends and family. It is the pure joy that comes
trough Lewis' writings in general that demonstrates his true love for
people, as seen in the light of eternity. "Happiness", as such, is not
the point--we are not meant for happiness in this world.
Mike S. raised the question of Lewis' popularity among evangelicals in
light of his views on Scriptural inerrancy. Michael shared the letter to
Clyde Kilby (of Wheaton) in which Lewis outlined some of his views on
this subject, which led to some heated discussion/debate on the points
raised in it, esp. the issue of historicity (facts) and truth. Dave
pointed out that it was Lewis' emphasis on "mere Christianity" that
answered the question of evangelical devotion. The group spoke a while
about Lewis' church affiliations, and shared some of their own
backgrounds: 3 Baptists; 1 Lutheran; 1 Roman Catholic; 1 Congregational;
1 Jew; 1 universalist/Presbyterian.
Dave brought the conversation back around to Xmas/Christmas by noting
that what Lewis found a problem was the busyness (and compulsory nature,
added Michael) of the "Exmas Rush" at the expense not only of the Feast
Day, but the love of God in Christ. We all agreed with this, and, as with
the opening essay, could see how much our own faith is challenged by this
Season.
* * * * *
Meeting of 12/09/98:
In attendance: Michael, Dave, Pam, Mike, Clare
Began with follow-up material from last week. Michael distributed copies
of J.I. Packer article, "Still Surprised by Lewis," in response to
question of the Lewis/Evangelical connection. Michael also shared some of
the responses from MERELEWIS members to the "Xmas & Christmas" topic.
Some discussion re the Dickens material led to questions on the problem
of evil.
Mike asked what Lewis' views were on the nature of good & evil,
particularly the devil and God as personifications of each. He introduced
subject of the Holocaust as prime example of God tolerating evil, even
though it is said He was in the camps, suffering and weeping with His
children. Pam addressed this by saying Lewis consistently argued against
a dualistic view, and that Christianity offers no simple answers, as do
other religious/philosophical systems. Biblical view of free-will &
predestination explored, with Dave leading the way. Michael related
illustration from "Night Gallery" series in which a former death-camp
official found himself experiencing the torment of Christ and those in
the camps.
This topic brought us around (with a bit of nudging from Michael) to the
Incarnation, the "set topic" for this week. Michael used Lewis'
illustration of a man diving into of a body of water to search for a
precious object. He had first to strip himself, and then plumb the slime
and corruption at the bottom in order to find the object, and then rise
through the murky depths to emerge in the bright sunshine at the surface,
triumphantly displaying the object of his search. Each of us is that
object, and Christ willingly made Himself vulnerable, and endured the
filth of sin on our behalf.
We also took time to explore the concept of discipleship, prompted by the
essay, "The Decline of Religion." The concept of total submission, so
clear in Lewis' writing, was our main focus. "When Christ bids a man
come," wrote Dietrich Bonhoeffer, "he bids him come and die." This dying
has to be done daily: first to self, then to world, then, perhaps in the
world through persecution. The manner in which persecution will come
varies: in many countries your life may be forfeit; here in the West,
your career or reputation or position in society. Dave pointed out that
the ease with which our enemies "conquer" us is due to our lack of
determination and discernment. We are easy targets for Screwtape and
fiends. It was observed that Lewis suffered from professional
snubbing--perhaps not as extreme as persecution, but hurtful and
definitely due to his taking a public stand for the Faith.
Next week: "The World's Last Night" -- Advent and the Return of the King
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