The C.S. Lewis podcast #241 Charlie Reeder: Longing for the Hidden Country: CS Lewis, Sehnsucht, and Spirits in Bondage
Dec 22, 2025
Joining the discussion is Charlie Reeder, a recent Oxford graduate and expert on C.S. Lewis's themes of longing. He dives into the concept of Sehnsucht, exploring Lewis's early poetry collection, 'Spirits in Bondage', and its links to his later Christian thought. The conversation emphasizes how Lewis wrestled with an intense desire for something beyond this world long before his conversion. Charlie sheds light on the often-overlooked nuances of Lewis's work, revealing a profound quest for the 'hidden country' that shapes his life and faith.
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Oxford Immersion Sparked By Conversion
- Charlie first encountered C.S. Lewis after becoming a Christian and then immersed himself in Lewis studies at Oxford.
- He joined the Oxford C.S. Lewis Society and consulted Michael Ward while researching Lewis for his dissertation.
Timeless Relevance: Morality And Longing
- Charlie argues Lewis remains relevant because works like The Abolition of Man address the modern denial of objective morality.
- He also sees Lewis's theme of longing as timeless and applicable across generations.
Wade Centre Finds: Annotated Prayer Books
- Charlie spent time in the Marion E. Wade Centre examining Lewis's annotated Bible and Book of Common Prayer.
- He noticed a numbered list on blank pages he suspects might record Lewis's favourite psalms, including Psalm 19.