The C.S. Lewis Symposium

Cosponsored by Religious Education and Continuing Education, Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University Conference Center
Provo, Utah

C. S. Lewis is arguably one of the greatest defenders of the Christian faith of the twentieth century. A man of deep and profound intellect, Lewis had the remarkable capacity to speak to persons of varied backgrounds—theologians, pastors, academicians from various disciplines, and the man or woman on the street. He had the ability to reduce complex theological issues to language and images with which the lay person could identify and appreciate. His was a common touch with uncommon ideas. His published works, over sixty volumes, continue to be enjoyed by millions.

C. S. Lewis was educated at Oxford and later became a fellow of that institution for almost thirty years. In 1954 he became the first Professor of Medieval and Renaissance English at Cambridge University. Books were his love, and learning was his passion. But he was neither reclusive nor stuffy in his approach to life. Criticized for many years by his colleagues for turning his gifts and training to the defense of Christianity, he nevertheless felt that Christianity was worthy of an intelligent defense, a labor that deserved his best effort.

In one sense, C. S. Lewis was far more practical than sacramental, far more prone to speak of personal engagement with divinity than to focus on ecclesiastical or liturgical matters. His popularity in LDS culture, as with a broader Christian readership, is no doubt related to the fact that he does not come across as denominational or wedded to any particular religious persuasion. In his adherence to "mere Christianity," he is every man's preacher, every woman's exegete, the thinking Christian's supreme apologist. Lewis had a broad and comprehensive view of Christianity, and his writing, though direct and penetrating, seldom excluded any professed believer in Christ.

Religious Education and Continuing Education at Brigham Young University are pleased to sponsor a conference in honor of the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of C. S. Lewis. He was born on 29 November 1898 and died on 22 November 1963. It is hoped that this conference will broaden the understanding of all Christians—those who know his writings well and those who have only a passing acquaintance with his life and work.

BYU Continuing Education programs do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, or ethnic or national origin. All participants must maintain the ideals and standards, including the dress and grooming standards, of the university while on campus. The Division of Continuing Education at Brigham Young University is committed to providing a learning atmosphere that reasonably accommodates persons with disabilities who are otherwise qualified. Prior to attending the conference, all participants with disabilities are invited to discuss both the program requirements and available facilities with the program administrator. Call (801) 378-4853.

Call (801) 378-2735 for more information.

Program Schedule

7:30–8:00 p.m. Robert L. Millet—Introduction of the Conference Theme

8:15 p.m. Christopher W. Mitchell, Director of the Marion E. Wade Center, Wheaton College, Keynote Address—"Farewell to the Shadowlands: The Spiritual Pilgrimage of C. S. Lewis"

Saturday, December 5

8:30–9:20 a.m. Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Quorum of the Twelve—"C. S. Lewis: Insights on Discipleship"

9:30–10:00 a.m. Mary Jane Woodger—"The Words of C. S. Lewis as Used by the Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"

10:10–10:40 a.m. Paul E. Kerry—"C. S. Lewis and the Romantic Decade"

10:50–11:20 a.m. John S. Tanner—"The Psychology of Temptation in Perelandra and Paradise Lost"

11:30 a.m.–noon S. Michael Wilcox—"Stealing Past the Watchful Dragons"

Noon–1:20 p.m. Lunch

1:30–2:00 p.m. Brent D. Slife —"C. S. Lewis: Drawn by the Truth Made Flesh"

2:10–2:40 p.m. Andrew C. Skinner —"Going to Hell: Lewis on Temptation, Sin, and the Devil"

2:50–3:20 p.m. Daniel K Judd—"C. S. Lewis: Self-Love and Salvation"

3:30–4:00 p.m. Terrance D. Olson—"C. S. Lewis on Family and Self-Deception"

4:10–4:40 p.m. Brent L. Top—"C. S. Lewis on the Problem of Pain and Goodness of God"

4:50–5:20 p.m. Robert L. Millet—"Lewis on the Transformation of Human Nature"

5:20–5:30 p.m. Andrew C. Skinner—"A Summing Up"

(This article was originally found on http://coned.byu.edu/cw/cslewis/index.htm. Unable to find it with the original address, this is a copy of the one taken off that URL in 1998.)