#08 C.S. Lewis on the problem of pain

In *C. S. Lewis—A Life*, Alister McGrath provides a comprehensive portrait of C.S. Lewis, delving into his transformation from atheism to Christianity and his literary achievements, including the *Chronicles of Narnia*. McGrath's meticulous research challenges some previously held beliefs about Lewis's life, offering new insights into his intellectual and personal journey.

In 'The Problem of Pain', C.S. Lewis addresses the age-old question of how a good and all-powerful God can permit pain and suffering. Lewis argues that human suffering is a consequence of the existence of evil and free will, and that God uses suffering as a tool to draw us nearer to Him. He categorizes pain as both physical and emotional, serving as a warning signal that alerts us to potential harm and compels us to make necessary changes. Lewis also discusses the Fall of Man and how it led to chaos and disaster, emphasizing that God's goodness is not negated by suffering but rather evidenced through His merciful intervention. The book concludes by reassuring that God's wisdom is infinitely superior to ours and that pain eventually leads us back to a loving relationship with our Creator.

A Grief Observed is a collection of C.S. Lewis's reflections on his experience of bereavement after the death of his wife, Joy Davidman, in 1960. The book explores the processes undergone by the human brain and mind during grief, questioning the nature of grief, faith, and theodicy. Lewis writes candidly about his anger and bewilderment towards God, his struggle to maintain his faith, and the gradual reacceptance of his theories on suffering. The book is compiled from four notebooks Lewis used to vent and explore his grief, offering profound insights into the human experience of loss and the search for meaning in the midst of suffering.

The series includes seven novels that span the entire history of Narnia, from its creation in 'The Magician’s Nephew' to its eventual destruction in 'The Last Battle'. The stories follow various children who are transported to Narnia, where they often assist the lion Aslan in battles against evil forces. The series is known for its allegorical themes, particularly Christian allegory, and its richly imagined world of magic, mythical beasts, and talking animals.