C. S. Lewis: 1898-1963

For at least two generations most of the notable Christian intellectuals in England and America, such men as Eliot, Waugh, and C. S. Lewis, have been converts. No doubt this reflects a kind of reversal that has taken place in the religious situation during the past seventy-five years. In the nineteenth century, ordinary people were Christians, and knew a good deal about their religion in a traditional way, while the advanced figures were agnostic readers of Huxley, Spencer, Butler, and the like. Today, in contrast, Christianity in any doctrinal or historical sense has next to no meaning for the population at large, but possesses extraordinary intellectual vitality. It is even aggressive intellectually.

Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, by C. S. Lewis. Harcourt, $3.50

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Jeffrey Hart

Jeffrey Hart is a contributor to National Review.

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For at least two generations most of the notable Christian intellectuals in England and America, such men as Eliot, Waugh, and C. S. Lewis, have been converts. No doubt this reflects a kind of reversal that has taken place in the religious situation during the past seventy-five years. In the nineteenth century, ordinary people were Christians, and knew a good deal about their religion in a traditional way, while the advanced figures were agnostic readers of Huxley, Spencer, Butler, and the like. Today, in contrast, Christianity in any doctrinal or historical sense has next to no meaning for the population at large, but possesses extraordinary intellectual vitality. It is even aggressive intellectually.

Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, by C. S. Lewis. Harcourt, $3.50