From the enigmatic worlds of Narnia to the profound depths of Christian apologetics, the words of C.S. Lewis have resonated with generations, inspiring, challenging, and captivating readers around the globe. His timeless wisdom, profound insights, and imaginative brilliance have left an indomitable mark on literature, theology, and the human spirit. Lewis’s prose, like a radiant beacon, illuminates the complexities of faith, the nature of good and evil, and the unyielding power of love in the face of adversity. Whether exploring the realms of fantasy or delving into the intricacies of Christian doctrine, Lewis’s words possess a captivating allure that transports readers to new heights of understanding and wonder.
Lewis’s literary prowess is undeniable, his wordsmithing akin to a master craftsman. He paints vivid tapestries of imagination, weaving together threads of allegory, mythology, and personal experience with effortless grace. His characters, from the whimsical creatures of Narnia to the introspective seekers of his theological works, resonate with depth and authenticity, becoming companions on a literary pilgrimage. Lewis’s ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and accessibility is a testament to his profound understanding of the human psyche. Through his relatable characters and engaging prose, he invites readers into a world of introspection, where they can grapple with their own beliefs, values, and the meaning of life itself.
Moreover, Lewis’s words transcend the boundaries of mere entertainment; they ignite a fire within the soul, inspiring readers to embrace virtue, seek truth, and live a life of purpose. His insights into the human condition are both incisive and compassionate, offering solace in times of doubt and encouragement on the path of spiritual growth. Lewis’s writings are not simply intellectual exercises but rather transformative experiences that have the power to shape hearts and minds. His words, like a gentle yet persistent guide, beckon readers to embark on a journey of discovery, leading them to a deeper understanding of themselves, their faith, and the world around them.
The Weight of Glory
C.S. Lewis’s “The Weight of Glory” sermon is a profound and eloquent meditation on the nature of human desire and the ultimate destiny of mankind. Lewis begins by arguing that the human heart is restless and ultimately unsatisfiable by any worldly thing. He writes, “We were made for greatness.” Lewis believed that we were created for something more than the mundane and the ordinary. We are meant to live lives of purpose and meaning, and to seek the things that will truly satisfy our souls.
Lewis then goes on to describe the “weight of glory” that awaits those who believe in God. He writes, “The glory of God is the overflowing of his love in its most intense form.” This glory is not something that we can earn or deserve, but it is something that we can receive as a gift from God. It is a gift that will transform our lives and give us a taste of the joy that awaits us in heaven. Lewis writes, “It is the weight of love. It is the weight of joy. It is the weight of peace. It is the weight of glory.”
The “Weight of Glory” is a sermon that is full of hope and encouragement. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is a greater purpose for our lives. It is a sermon that will inspire us to live our lives to the fullest and to seek the things that will truly satisfy our souls.
The Magician’s Nephew
Aslan
Aslan is a wise and powerful lion who represents God in The Magician’s Nephew. He is a loving and protective figure who guides the children through their journey.
Quotes
“Courage, dear heart.”
“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost.”
Polly Plummer and Digory Kirke
Polly and Digory are two children who are transported to the magical world of Narnia. They are brave and curious and learn valuable lessons about themselves and the world around them.
Quotes
“I suppose one can’t be brave all the time. But one can try.”
“The only people who can make you feel inferior are those you choose to let do so.”
| Character |
Quote |
| Aslan |
“Courage, dear heart.” |
| Aslan |
“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost.” |
| Polly Plummer |
“I suppose one can’t be brave all the time. But one can try.” |
| Digory Kirke |
“The only people who can make you feel inferior are those you choose to let do so.” |
The Last Battle
The Last Battle is the seventh and final book in C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series. It was published in 1956 and tells the story of the end of Narnia and the Last Judgment.
Quotes from The Last Battle
The Last Battle is full of memorable quotes that explore themes such as good and evil, faith, and hope. Here are a few of the most famous quotes from the book:
- “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”
- “There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable.”
- “The further up and the further in you go, the more you understand that everything was made, and the better it was made, and the starting-point was, and is, and will be forever — utter goodness.”
Goodness and Evil
One of the central themes of The Last Battle is the conflict between good and evil. Lewis explores this theme through the characters of Aslan the lion, who represents good, and Tash the ape, who represents evil. Aslan is a powerful and majestic creature who is always ready to help those in need. Tash, on the other hand, is a cruel and malicious creature who seeks to destroy everything that is good.
The conflict between good and evil is ultimately resolved in the Last Judgment, when Aslan separates the good from the evil and sends each to their eternal reward or punishment.
Here is a table that summarizes some of the key quotes from The Last Battle that explore the theme of good and evil:
| Quote |
Meaning |
| “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” |
Courage is necessary for all good actions, because it is the quality that allows us to overcome our fears and do what is right, even when it is difficult. |
| “There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable.” |
Love is always a risk, because it requires us to open ourselves up to the possibility of being hurt. However, it is also the only way to truly experience joy and fulfillment. |
| “The further up and the further in you go, the more you understand that everything was made, and the better it was made, and the starting-point was, and is, and will be forever — utter goodness.” |
As we grow in our understanding of the world, we come to see that everything is ultimately good. This is because the world was created by a good God, and everything in it reflects his goodness. |
The Screwtape Letters
A Constant Temptation
“The best moment to catch them is when they are fresh from some moral struggle.”
The Power of Influence
“You can never make a mortal man good by treating him as if he were already good.”
The Dangers of Ignorance
“If you don’t make a lot of mistakes, it means you don’t make much of anything.”
The Importance of Pride
“Pride is essential to us; not for our happiness, but for our efficiency. It is the spirit that makes us want to cut a better figure than our fellows.”
The Role of Doubt
“A man who can’t tell the truth about himself can’t tell the truth about anything else.”
The Temptation of Despair
“Hope is the great enemy of the church.”
“The sins of the flesh are bad, but they are far less bad than the sins of the soul. For the sins of the flesh are only a symptom of the sins of the soul, and it is the sins of the soul that damn a man.”
The Pilgrim’s Regress
Lewis’s philosophical novel explores the journey of a man who seeks happiness and meaning through various beliefs and experiences, including Christianity, occultism, and atheism. The novel offers insights into the human search for truth and the dangers of a shallow or misguided faith.
The Role of Imagination
“Imagination is the organ of meaning.”
Lewis argues that imagination plays a crucial role in understanding the world and finding meaning in life. Through imagination, we can transcend the limits of our senses and perceive the deeper truths that lie beyond.
The Dangers of Materialism
“The man who puts his trust in things is a fool.”
Lewis warns against the dangers of placing too much emphasis on material possessions and worldly pleasures. He believes that such attachment can lead to a shallow and unfulfilling life.
The Importance of Humility
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
Lewis emphasizes the importance of humility in seeking truth and meaning. He believes that we should approach our beliefs with an open mind and a willingness to learn from others.
The Uniqueness of Christianity
“Christianity is not a religion for the meek, but for the violent. It is not a religion for the faint of heart, but for the brave.”
Lewis contrasts Christianity with other religions, arguing that it is a unique and challenging faith that demands a strong commitment and a willingness to live by its teachings.
The Power of Grace
“Grace is the undeserved, unmerited gift of God’s love.”
Lewis believes that salvation is a gift of God’s grace and that it is not something that can be earned or achieved through our own efforts.
The Struggle with Doubt
“Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is one element of faith.”
Lewis acknowledges that doubt is a natural part of the Christian life, and he encourages believers to wrestle with their questions and seek answers through prayer and study.
The Importance of Joy
“Joy is the serious business of heaven.”
Lewis believes that joy is a central aspect of the Christian life and that it should be a major motivation for our actions and beliefs.
Miracles
C.S. Lewis wrote extensively on the topic of miracles, offering insights and perspectives that continue to resonate with readers today. Here are some of his most thought-provoking quotes on the subject:
1. The Problem of Miracles
“If miracles never happened, would the world be a more rational place?” Lewis asks. He argues that the absence of miracles would not necessarily make the world more rational, but rather more mysterious.
2. The Importance of Belief
“The most important thing about miracles is that they force us to reconsider our ideas about the world.” Lewis suggests that belief in miracles can help us break free from our preconceptions and open our minds to new possibilities.
3. The Role of Science
“Science insists on the uniformity of nature. But it is our insistence on uniformity that makes the nonuniformity of nature worth enquiring into.” Lewis acknowledges the value of science but emphasizes that it should not be used to dismiss miracles out of hand.
4. The Evidence for Miracles
“The cumulative case for the historicity of the Gospel story is overwhelming.” Lewis argues that there is compelling evidence to support the historical reality of the miracles recorded in the Bible.
5. The Nature of Miracles
“A miracle is not a suspension of natural laws. It is not a violation of the rules of nature, but a re-arrangement of them.” Lewis suggests that miracles do not violate natural laws but operate within them in ways that we do not yet fully understand.
6. The Purpose of Miracles
“The purpose of a miracle is not to convince the skeptic. It is to confirm the faith of believers, and to provide a sign of God’s presence and power.” Lewis argues that miracles are not primarily intended to prove the existence of God but to strengthen the faith of those who already believe.
7. The Danger of Miracles
“There is a danger in miracles, even for those who believe in them. They can become a source of pride and self-righteousness.” Lewis warns against relying too heavily on miracles as a source of spiritual comfort.
8. The Relationship between Faith and Miracles
“Faith is not a matter of credulity. It is a matter of trust.” Lewis suggests that faith in God is not based solely on miracles but on a personal relationship with God.
9. The Importance of Hope
“Miracles are a sign of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest times, God is still with us.” Lewis emphasizes that miracles provide a source of hope and encouragement in a world that can often seem overwhelming.
10. The Ultimate Miracle
“The most stupendous of all Christian claims is that the eternal God became a man, lived a human life, died a human death, and rose again as a man.” Lewis argues that the resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate miracle and the foundation of the Christian faith.
| The Seven Deadly Sins |
| Pride |
| Envy |
| Gluttony |
| Lust |
| Anger |
| Greed |
| Sloth |
| Quote |
Description |
| “Miracles are a re-arrangement of the laws of nature.” |
Miracles do not violate natural laws but operate within them in ways that we do not yet fully understand. |
| “The most stupendous of all Christian claims is that the eternal God became a man.” |
The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate miracle and the foundation of the Christian faith. |
| “There is a danger in miracles, even for those who believe in them.” |
Miracles can become a source of pride and self-righteousness, and it is important to avoid relying on them too heavily as a source of spiritual comfort. |
Best Quotes by C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis, a renowned theologian, philosopher, and writer, has left an enduring legacy with his profound and thought-provoking quotes. Here are some of the most notable and impactful quotes by C.S. Lewis:
- “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
- “You can make anything by writing.
- “If you’re not trying to improve the world, you’re probably trying to make it worse.”
- “The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.”
- “We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
- “Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you love someone, you will presently come to love him.”
- “Love anything, and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. The alternative to tragedy, or at least to the risk of tragedy, is damnation.”
People Also Ask About Best Quotes by C.S. Lewis
What is the most famous quote by C.S. Lewis?
One of the most famous and widely quoted sayings by C.S. Lewis is: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
What are some of the most inspiring quotes by C.S. Lewis?
Some of the most inspiring and uplifting quotes by C.S. Lewis include: “You can make anything by writing.” and “We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
What are some of the most thought-provoking quotes by C.S. Lewis?
C.S. Lewis is known for his insightful and thought-provoking quotes. Some of the most notable ones include: “If you’re not trying to improve the world, you’re probably trying to make it worse.” and “The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.”
