Into the Region of Awe: Mysticism in C. S. Lewis (audio)

C. S. Lewis is generally regarded as a commonsense Christian whose theology is understandable and practical. And yet, from his memoir Surprised by Joy to his beloved Chronicles of Narnia, from his nonfiction essays to his letters, C. S. Lewis’ works display a distinct sense of the mystical. In this book, David C. Downing explores the breadth of Lewis’ writing, introducing us to the context of Christian mysticism in Lewis’ day and to the writers who most influenced him. Lewis’ critique of mysticism is instructive to us in this day of eclectic religious thought. Exploring Lewis’ sense of the mystical can help us safeguard ourselves from false mysticism, even as it opens the way to a full experience of God’s presence. “The author’s affection for his subject ably informs this sensitive reading of Lewis’ life and writings. Highly recommended.” “Downing offers a wonderful corrective to a C. S. Lewis we are tempted to cut down to fit our own mental, spiritual, and imaginative wardrobe. Beautifully written, a joy to read.” “David Downing has probed, with great skill (and fidelity to Lewis’ own vision), the works which we all know, and has opened up to us a fresh appreciation of this component in Lewis’ writings.”