C S Lewis and Sigmund Freud

8/8/2019 C S Lewis and Sigmund Freud

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C.S. Lewis and SigmundC.S. Lewis and SigmundFreud: Two ContrastingFreud: Two Contrasting

WorldviewsWorldviewsEric D. Achtyes, M.D., M.S.Eric D. Achtyes, M.D., M.S.

Clinical Assistant ProfessorClinical Assistant Professor

Department of PsychiatryDepartment of Psychiatry

Michigan State UniversityMichigan State University

College of Human MedicineCollege of Human Medicine

April 3, 2009April 3, 2009


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OverviewOverview

BackgroundBackground

Sigmund Freuds LifeSigmund Freuds Life

C.S. Lewis LifeC.S. Lewis Life Suffering and Pain: Freud and LewisSuffering and Pain: Freud and Lewis

Discussion/QuestionsDiscussion/Questions


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BackgroundBackground Dr. Armand M. Nicholi, Jr. - Book and PBS video:Dr. Armand M. Nicholi, Jr. - Book and PBS video: TheThe

Question of God.Question of God. Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School andProfessor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and

Massachusetts General Hospital.Massachusetts General Hospital. Asked to teach a class on Sigmund Freud toAsked to teach a class on Sigmund Freud to

undergraduates. Students wanted a countering opinion.undergraduates. Students wanted a countering opinion.Nicholi incorporated Lewis views.Nicholi incorporated Lewis views.

Has been teaching the courseHas been teaching the course Sigmund Freud and C.S.Sigmund Freud and C.S.Lewis: Two Contrasting World ViewsLewis: Two Contrasting World Viewsto Harvardto Harvard

undergraduates and at the Harvard Medical School forundergraduates and at the Harvard Medical School for>30 years as a critical review of literature.>30 years as a critical review of literature. Dr. Nicholis analyst, when he was in training, was Dr.Dr. Nicholis analyst, when he was in training, was Dr.

Felix Deutsch, who had been Freuds physician whenFelix Deutsch, who had been Freuds physician whenhis cancer was first diagnosed.his cancer was first diagnosed.


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BibliographyBibliography

Freud:Freud: An Autobiographical StudyAn Autobiographical Study Question of a WeltanschauungQuestion of a Weltanschauung Lay AnalysisLay Analysis Future of an IllusionFuture of an Illusion A Religious ExperienceA Religious Experience Totem and TabooTotem and Taboo Moses and MonotheismMoses and Monotheism

Psychoanalysis and FaithPsychoanalysis and Faith Civilization and Its DiscontentsCivilization and Its Discontents

Lewis:Lewis: Mere ChristianityMere Christianity MiraclesMiracles Surprised by JoySurprised by Joy The Screwtape LettersThe Screwtape Letters The Problem of PainThe Problem of Pain A Grief ObservedA Grief Observed


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Bibliography Cont.Bibliography Cont.

OtherOther

The Question of God,The Question of God,Armand Nicholi, Jr.Armand Nicholi, Jr.

The Illusion of a Future,The Illusion of a Future,Oskar PfisterOskar Pfister Genesis, Exodus, Matthew, John, Psalms fromGenesis, Exodus, Matthew, John, Psalms from

the Bible.the Bible.

Freud and the Problem of God,Freud and the Problem of God,Hans KungHans Kung


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The Question of GodThe Question of God
http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/074324785X/ref=sib_dp_pt


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Freud's Last SessionFreud's Last SessionWritten by Mark St. Germain, directed by Tyler MarchantWritten by Mark St. Germain, directed by Tyler MarchantAs suggested in the Epilogue ofAs suggested in the Epilogue of"The Question of God""The Question of God"by Dr. Armand M. Nicholi, Jr.by Dr. Armand M. Nicholi, Jr.

Starring: Fritz WeaverStarring: Fritz Weaver

June 10, 2009 - June 28, 2009June 10, 2009 - June 28, 2009

After escaping the Nazis in Vienna, legendary psychiatrist Dr. Sigmund Freud invites aAfter escaping the Nazis in Vienna, legendary psychiatrist Dr. Sigmund Freud invites a

young, little known professor, C.S. Lewis, to his home in London. Lewis expects to beyoung, little known professor, C.S. Lewis, to his home in London. Lewis expects to becalled on the carpet for satirizing Freud in a recent book but the dying Freud has acalled on the carpet for satirizing Freud in a recent book but the dying Freud has amore significant agenda. On the day England entered WW II, Freud and Lewis clashmore significant agenda. On the day England entered WW II, Freud and Lewis clashon the existence of God, love, sex and the meaning of life only two weeks beforeon the existence of God, love, sex and the meaning of life only two weeks beforeFreud chose to take his own.Freud chose to take his own.
https://tickets.barringtonstageco.org/TheatreManager/1/tmLogin.html?btnTicket&P_SEQ=0


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Anna Freud: If you want to know my father readAnna Freud: If you want to know my father readhis letters.his letters.

Sigismund Schlomo Freud, born May 6, 1856 inSigismund Schlomo Freud, born May 6, 1856 inFrieberg, Moravia (Czech Republic) to Jacob andFrieberg, Moravia (Czech Republic) to Jacob and

Amalia Freud.Amalia Freud. Amalia (teenager) was Jacobs (40 yrs old) 3Amalia (teenager) was Jacobs (40 yrs old) 3 rdrd wife. Hewife. He

was already a grandfather and had 2 sons from his firstwas already a grandfather and had 2 sons from his firstmarriage, 1 older than Amalia, and 1 a year younger.marriage, 1 older than Amalia, and 1 a year younger.

Freud was cared for by a nursemaid until 2 1/2 yearsFreud was cared for by a nursemaid until 2 1/2 yearsold. She was a devout Roman Catholic and took himold. She was a devout Roman Catholic and took himto church with her.to church with her.


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The nursemaid told me a great deal about GodThe nursemaid told me a great deal about GodAlmighty, and hell, and who instilled in me a highAlmighty, and hell, and who instilled in me a highopinion of my own capacities.opinion of my own capacities.

His mother called him, her 1His mother called him, her 1stst born, her golden Siggieborn, her golden Siggie

and he was given his own room in which to study.and he was given his own room in which to study. Age


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His father, Jacob, was raised an Orthodox Jew, but hisHis father, Jacob, was raised an Orthodox Jew, but hisreligion faded as he aged.religion faded as he aged.

Jacob read from the Hebrew Old Testament, theJacob read from the Hebrew Old Testament, thePhilippson Bible, and sent Freud a copy on his 35Philippson Bible, and sent Freud a copy on his 35thth

birthday.birthday. Sigmund never learned Hebrew and knew only a littleSigmund never learned Hebrew and knew only a little

Yiddish.Yiddish. Jacob was a wool merchant, and the family relativelyJacob was a wool merchant, and the family relatively

poor, moved to Leipzig when Sigmund was 3 yo, andpoor, moved to Leipzig when Sigmund was 3 yo, andthen 1 yr later, to Vienna, Austria.then 1 yr later, to Vienna, Austria. Sigmund lived and worked in Vienna until 1932, whenSigmund lived and worked in Vienna until 1932, when

at the age of 82, he escaped to London to avoid theat the age of 82, he escaped to London to avoid theNazi invasion.Nazi invasion.


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In his teen years, Sigmund studied Judaism under SamuelIn his teen years, Sigmund studied Judaism under SamuelHammerschlag, a secular Jew who emphasized the historical andHammerschlag, a secular Jew who emphasized the historical andethical side of Jewish history, rather than the religious aspects.ethical side of Jewish history, rather than the religious aspects.

At age 17, Sigmund entered the University of Vienna and wasAt age 17, Sigmund entered the University of Vienna and wasinfluenced by a philosophy professor, Franz Brentano, a formerinfluenced by a philosophy professor, Franz Brentano, a formerpriest, who swayed Freud considerably toward a theisticpriest, who swayed Freud considerably toward a theistic

worldview.worldview. A lifelong empiricist, Freud declared in a letter to a friend that,A lifelong empiricist, Freud declared in a letter to a friend that,

He [Brentano] demonstrates the existence of God with as littleHe [Brentano] demonstrates the existence of God with as littlebias and as much precision as another might argue the advantagebias and as much precision as another might argue the advantageof the wave over the emission theory I have ceased to be aof the wave over the emission theory I have ceased to be a

materialist and am not yet a theist.materialist and am not yet a theist. This inner ambivalence stayed with Freud his entire life, despiteThis inner ambivalence stayed with Freud his entire life, despite

his public endorsements of atheism.his public endorsements of atheism.


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Freud began readingFreud began readingThe Essence of ChristianityThe Essence of Christianityby Ludwigby LudwigFeuerbach and agreed with him that religion was the projectionFeuerbach and agreed with him that religion was the projectionof human need and deep-seated wishes, that the substance andof human need and deep-seated wishes, that the substance andobject of religion is altogether human divine wisdom is humanobject of religion is altogether human divine wisdom is human

wisdom the secret of theology is anthropologywisdom the secret of theology is anthropology

Freud wrote in theFreud wrote in the Future of an IllusionFuture of an Illusionthat We shall tellthat We shall tellourselves that it would be very nice if there were a God whoourselves that it would be very nice if there were a God whocreated the world and was a benevolent providenceand ancreated the world and was a benevolent providenceand anafterlifebutall this is exactly as we are bound to wish it toafterlifebutall this is exactly as we are bound to wish it tobe.be.

Within the medical communities of Europe, there was a distinctWithin the medical communities of Europe, there was a distinctdisdain for the spiritual worldview an assumption thatdisdain for the spiritual worldview an assumption thatempiricism was the only way to discover truth.empiricism was the only way to discover truth.


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Sigmund worked in the lab of Ernest Brucke, whoSigmund worked in the lab of Ernest Brucke, whoasserted that no truth existed except that discernible byasserted that no truth existed except that discernible bythe scientific method.the scientific method.

Vienna was >90% Catholic at the time. Freud facedVienna was >90% Catholic at the time. Freud facedanti-Semitism in his efforts to obtain a professorship atanti-Semitism in his efforts to obtain a professorship atthe University of Vienna, repeatedly being passed overthe University of Vienna, repeatedly being passed overfor a post. He waited 17 years. The usual wait was 4for a post. He waited 17 years. The usual wait was 4

years.years.

Medical journals at the time were filled with articlesMedical journals at the time were filled with articlesillustrating how Jews were profoundly flawed andillustrating how Jews were profoundly flawed andpredisposed to a host of illnesses.predisposed to a host of illnesses.


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Jacob Freud told his son Sigmund a story whenJacob Freud told his son Sigmund a story whenSigmund was 10 yrs old about how an anti-Semite hadSigmund was 10 yrs old about how an anti-Semite hadknocked his cap off into the mud and shouted Jew!knocked his cap off into the mud and shouted Jew!Get off the pavement!Get off the pavement!

His father meekly went and picked up his cap and keptHis father meekly went and picked up his cap and keptwalking.walking.

To Sigmund that response was unheroic conduct.To Sigmund that response was unheroic conduct. Sigmund fought real and perceived anti-Semitism all hisSigmund fought real and perceived anti-Semitism all his

life.life. On a train Freud was once called a dirty Jew. HeOn a train Freud was once called a dirty Jew. He

describes being not in the least frightened by thedescribes being not in the least frightened by themob I was quite prepared to kill himmob I was quite prepared to kill him


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On Easter Sunday in 1886, at the age of 30, FreudOn Easter Sunday in 1886, at the age of 30, Freudopened a private practice in neuropathology.opened a private practice in neuropathology.

On Sept. 13, 1886, he married Martha Bernays in aOn Sept. 13, 1886, he married Martha Bernays in aTown Hall in Germany, followed by a brief JewishTown Hall in Germany, followed by a brief Jewish

ceremony in the home of the bride.ceremony in the home of the bride. Jacob Freud died in Oct. 1896, and Sigmund, 40,Jacob Freud died in Oct. 1896, and Sigmund, 40,

described it as the most poignant loss in a mans life.described it as the most poignant loss in a mans life.Despite viewing his father as a failure, the death struckDespite viewing his father as a failure, the death struck

him hard, it has affected me profoundly I feel quitehim hard, it has affected me profoundly I feel quiteuprooted.uprooted. Freud began his self-analysis and proposed theFreud began his self-analysis and proposed the

Oedipus complex.Oedipus complex.


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Freuds Apartment:Freuds Apartment:

Berggasse 19, Vienna, AustriaBerggasse 19, Vienna, Austria
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ee/Berggasse19.JPG


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Stairway to FreudsStairway to Freuds

Consultation RoomsConsultation Rooms
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Freudsdoor.JPG


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Freuds CouchFreuds Couch


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Freuds mother died in 1930, and he was surprisinglyFreuds mother died in 1930, and he was surprisinglyunemotional: I was not at the funeral.unemotional: I was not at the funeral.

Freud and his family were exiled to London on June 6,Freud and his family were exiled to London on June 6,1938, fearing Nazi attacks on the Jews. He was made1938, fearing Nazi attacks on the Jews. He was madeto sign a letter that he had been treated fairly by theto sign a letter that he had been treated fairly by theNazis prior to his departure.Nazis prior to his departure.

Freud died Sept. 23, 1939 at the age of 83. He hadFreud died Sept. 23, 1939 at the age of 83. He hadfought oral cancer for years, performing surgery onfought oral cancer for years, performing surgery on

himself, using cocaine as an anesthetic. He convincedhimself, using cocaine as an anesthetic. He convincedhis personal physician, Dr. Max Schur, to administer 3his personal physician, Dr. Max Schur, to administer 3lethal doses of morphine, which led to his death.lethal doses of morphine, which led to his death.


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Sigmund Freud - 1931Sigmund Freud - 1931


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Golders Green CrematoriumGolders Green Crematorium


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Freuds MemorialFreuds Memorial


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Freud seemed to struggle between what his nanny hadFreud seemed to struggle between what his nanny had

told him about having a high opinion of his owntold him about having a high opinion of his own

capacities, and the external worlds desire to prove himcapacities, and the external worlds desire to prove him

inferior.inferior. His ideas were new, daring and based on his scientificHis ideas were new, daring and based on his scientific

observations of human behavior. They were asobservations of human behavior. They were as

rigorously scientific as technology at the time wouldrigorously scientific as technology at the time would

allow.allow. His theories threatened the dominant majoritysHis theories threatened the dominant majoritys

opinion of why humans behave the way they do.opinion of why humans behave the way they do.


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Freuds ego, while strong, was also easily threatened byFreuds ego, while strong, was also easily threatened byothers. Narcissism and shame are often closely wed.others. Narcissism and shame are often closely wed.

His friendships with colleagues were often strained asHis friendships with colleagues were often strained asFreud found discussion and disagreements about hisFreud found discussion and disagreements about his

theories threatening (eg, the splits with Adler and Jung).theories threatening (eg, the splits with Adler and Jung). Unfortunately, Freuds superior intellect often left himUnfortunately, Freuds superior intellect often left him

with little regard for the opinions of others. For thewith little regard for the opinions of others. For themasses are lazy and unintelligent arguments are ofmasses are lazy and unintelligent arguments are of

no avail against their passions. And, not all men areno avail against their passions. And, not all men areworthy of love.worthy of love.


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Freud published >200 scholarly works (articles, books, etc.).Freud published >200 scholarly works (articles, books, etc.). In 1910 he founded the International PsychoanalyticalIn 1910 he founded the International Psychoanalytical

Association, and the journalAssociation, and the journal ImagoImagoin 1912.in 1912. Today Freuds accomplishments are ranked with those of PlanckToday Freuds accomplishments are ranked with those of Planck

and Einstein.and Einstein. He is listed as the 6He is listed as the 6thth most influential scientist of all time.most influential scientist of all time. He won the prestigiousHe won the prestigious Goethe prizeGoethe prizein 1930, and his face is onin 1930, and his face is on

the Austrian 50 shilling note.the Austrian 50 shilling note. He was made an Honorary Member of the British Royal SocietyHe was made an Honorary Member of the British Royal Society

of Medicine in 1935.of Medicine in 1935. President Franklin Roosevelt helped broker his safe transfer toPresident Franklin Roosevelt helped broker his safe transfer to

London in 1938.London in 1938. He has been on the cover ofHe has been on the cover ofTimeTimemagazine 3 times: 1924,magazine 3 times: 1924,

1939, 1993.1939, 1993.


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http://www.time.com/time/magazine/0,9263,7601241027,00.htmlhttp://www.time.com/time/magazine/0,9263,7601390626,00.htmlhttp://www.time.com/time/magazine/0,9263,7601931129,00.html


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Freud Museum, LondonFreud Museum, London


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Thanks in large part to Freud, it is now widelyThanks in large part to Freud, it is now widelyaccepted that early relationships with parentsaccepted that early relationships with parents

and caregivers strongly impacts laterand caregivers strongly impacts later

psychological health.psychological health. These early life relationships, as we will also seeThese early life relationships, as we will also see

with C.S. Lewis, profoundly influence thewith C.S. Lewis, profoundly influence the

development of ones worldview.development of ones worldview.


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C.S. Lewis LifeC.S. Lewis Life

Clive Staples Lewis was born November 29, 1898 inClive Staples Lewis was born November 29, 1898 inBelfast, Ireland to Albert and Florence Lewis, whoBelfast, Ireland to Albert and Florence Lewis, whomarried August 29, 1894.married August 29, 1894.

Albert was Welsh in descent, and Florence, Scottish.Albert was Welsh in descent, and Florence, Scottish.

His father worked practicing law in Belfast and wasHis father worked practicing law in Belfast and wasmoody and emotional. His mother was cool andmoody and emotional. His mother was cool andanalytical.analytical.

Lewis grandfather was vicar and preached at their localLewis grandfather was vicar and preached at their local

church. He would weep in the pulpit.church. He would weep in the pulpit. Lewis fathers and grandfathers emotionality bred inLewis fathers and grandfathers emotionality bred inhim a distrust for emotions and religion. He insteadhim a distrust for emotions and religion. He insteadembraced a materialist worldview.embraced a materialist worldview.


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At age 4, Lewis informed his parents that he would goAt age 4, Lewis informed his parents that he would goby the name Jack.by the name Jack.

At age 6, he first recognized beauty through creationAt age 6, he first recognized beauty through creationmoss, twigs and flowers. He called it joy andmoss, twigs and flowers. He called it joy and

described it as a type of longing [which he eventuallydescribed it as a type of longing [which he eventuallyrecognized was for a Person].recognized was for a Person].

From ages 6-8, his older brother, Warren was off atFrom ages 6-8, his older brother, Warren was off atboarding school. The cool, rainy, Belfast weatherboarding school. The cool, rainy, Belfast weather

contributed to his desire to spend time indoors. Lewiscontributed to his desire to spend time indoors. Lewislived almost entirely in his imagination: reading,lived almost entirely in his imagination: reading,drawing and writing stories.drawing and writing stories.


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C.S. Lewis LifeC.S. Lewis Life At age 9, Lewis world was turned upside down whenAt age 9, Lewis world was turned upside down when

his grandfather died and then his mother became sickhis grandfather died and then his mother became sickwith cancer and died. He recalled her surgery in theirwith cancer and died. He recalled her surgery in theirhome and having to observe her corpseafter prayinghome and having to observe her corpseafter prayingto God for her healing.to God for her healing.

Albert Lewis decided he could not care adequately forAlbert Lewis decided he could not care adequately forthe boys and sent them both off to boarding school.the boys and sent them both off to boarding school. Lewis hated boarding school. The headmaster OldieLewis hated boarding school. The headmaster Oldie

was cruel. He would beat the children mercilessly. Hewas cruel. He would beat the children mercilessly. He

was eventually convicted of undue cruelty and hiswas eventually convicted of undue cruelty and hisschool shut down due to a lack of students. He was aschool shut down due to a lack of students. He was aclergyman in the Church of England, a fact that wasclergyman in the Church of England, a fact that wasnot lost on Lewis.not lost on Lewis.


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C.S. Lewis LifeC.S. Lewis Life Alone in those moments, Lewis would long for theAlone in those moments, Lewis would long for the

holidays, much like one longed for heaven. He began toholidays, much like one longed for heaven. He began tolive by hope.live by hope.

At his second boarding school, he was comforted by theAt his second boarding school, he was comforted by theschool Matron, Miss Cowie, a type of surrogate mother.school Matron, Miss Cowie, a type of surrogate mother.

She held and comforted the shy Lewis, as well as theShe held and comforted the shy Lewis, as well as theother boys.other boys. She dabbled in the occult and shared it with the boys. AtShe dabbled in the occult and shared it with the boys. At

age 13, this served to snuff out any vestiges of faith thatage 13, this served to snuff out any vestiges of faith that

Lewis held onto. He also began reading classic literatureLewis held onto. He also began reading classic literaturewhere the authors assumed the illegitimacy of religion.where the authors assumed the illegitimacy of religion.She was eventually fired.She was eventually fired.

Lewis was lonely and unhappy. He hated the snobberyLewis was lonely and unhappy. He hated the snobberyof the boarding school community.of the boarding school community.


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Lewis father relented, allowing him to be tutored byLewis father relented, allowing him to be tutored byWilliam T. Kirkpatrick, The Great Knock, an atheistWilliam T. Kirkpatrick, The Great Knock, an atheistwho taught Lewis logic and critical thinking. Lewiswho taught Lewis logic and critical thinking. Lewisconsidered Christianity one religious myth amongconsidered Christianity one religious myth amongmany.many.

It was the happiest time of Lewis life. He spent hoursIt was the happiest time of Lewis life. He spent hoursreading books of his own choosing.reading books of his own choosing.

He read George MacDonaldsHe read George MacDonalds Phantastes,Phantastes,whichwhichreplanted the seeds of the spiritual worldview.replanted the seeds of the spiritual worldview.

Lewis took the admission exam for Oxford UniversityLewis took the admission exam for Oxford Universityon December 4, 1916. He failed the math section, buton December 4, 1916. He failed the math section, but

was granted admittance through the Army Officerwas granted admittance through the Army OfficerTraining Corps.Training Corps.


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Oxford UniversityOxford University
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=357072&id=830528080


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Lewis became friends with Edward Paddy Moore inLewis became friends with Edward Paddy Moore inhis Officers Training course.his Officers Training course.

They agreed to care for each others parents if either ofThey agreed to care for each others parents if either ofthem were killed. Lewis arrived in the trenches ofthem were killed. Lewis arrived in the trenches of

WWI on Nov. 29, 1917, on his 19WWI on Nov. 29, 1917, on his 19thth

birthday.birthday. When Paddy was killed, Lewis took care of his motherWhen Paddy was killed, Lewis took care of his motheruntil her death, calling her a surrogate mother.until her death, calling her a surrogate mother.

Lewis was wounded and returned to Oxford in 1919,Lewis was wounded and returned to Oxford in 1919,spending the next 35 years there. After graduating inspending the next 35 years there. After graduating in1923, he taught philosophy for 1 year before accepting1923, he taught philosophy for 1 year before acceptinga fellowship in English literature at Magdalen College ata fellowship in English literature at Magdalen College atOxford in 1925.Oxford in 1925.


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Magdalen College,Magdalen College,

Oxford University.Oxford University.


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Lewis Office at OxfordLewis Office at Oxford


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The Bird and the BabyThe Bird and the Baby


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The Inklings CornerThe Inklings Corner


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Lewis corresponded with many people by letter.Lewis corresponded with many people by letter. He began corresponding with Helen Joy DavidmanHe began corresponding with Helen Joy Davidman

Gresham, a poet from the United States. She wasGresham, a poet from the United States. She wasdivorced and surprisingly came to England to meetdivorced and surprisingly came to England to meetLewis in 1952. He was taken by her wit and intellect.Lewis in 1952. He was taken by her wit and intellect.

They reportedly played scrabble together in 5 differentThey reportedly played scrabble together in 5 differentlanguages.languages.

In 1956, at age 57, he married her, age 41. She wasIn 1956, at age 57, he married her, age 41. She wasalready diagnosed with bone cancer.already diagnosed with bone cancer.

It looked like she would die, but they prayed, and herIt looked like she would die, but they prayed, and hercancer went into remission.cancer went into remission.

They had several years of happy marriage togetherThey had several years of happy marriage togetherincluding a trip to Greece. She died in 1960. Her son,including a trip to Greece. She died in 1960. Her son,

Douglas, was 14 at the time.Douglas, was 14 at the time.


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Marriage LicenseMarriage License


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The KilnsThe Kilns


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Lewis KitchenLewis Kitchen


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Lewis Dining RoomLewis Dining Room


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Lewis Sitting RoomLewis Sitting Room


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Lewis BathroomLewis Bathroom


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C.S. Lewis has been called byC.S. Lewis has been called byTimeTimemagazine, the mostmagazine, the mostinfluential voice for the spiritual worldview, and graced its coverinfluential voice for the spiritual worldview, and graced its coverin 1947.in 1947.

He wrote >30 books including:He wrote >30 books including: Surprised by Joy, Miracles, TheSurprised by Joy, Miracles, The

Problem of Pain, A Grief Observed, The Screwtape Letters, MereProblem of Pain, A Grief Observed, The Screwtape Letters, MereChristianity, The Great Divorce, The Abolition of Man, TheChristianity, The Great Divorce, The Abolition of Man, TheWeight of Glory.Weight of Glory.

As a student at Oxford, he won a triple first, the highest honorsAs a student at Oxford, he won a triple first, the highest honorsin 3 areas of study.in 3 areas of study.

He was awarded the position of Chair in Medieval andHe was awarded the position of Chair in Medieval andRenaissance English Literature at Cambridge University.Renaissance English Literature at Cambridge University.

He was an immensely popular lecturer, filling lecture halls toHe was an immensely popular lecturer, filling lecture halls tostanding room capacity.standing room capacity.


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Oxford History of EnglishOxford History of EnglishLiteratureLiterature(OHEL)(OHEL)

The Chronicles of NarniaThe Chronicles of Narnia books booksand movies.and movies.

ShadowlandsShadowlands movie and movie andbroadway play.broadway play.

The second most recognizableThe second most recognizablevoice on the BBC during WWII,voice on the BBC during WWII,behind Winston Churchill.behind Winston Churchill.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/0,9263,7601470908,00.html


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ShadowlandsShadowlandsShadowlands

Opened 10/8/07, Wyndhams Theatre,

London. Closed 2/23/08, Novello

Theatre, London.

William Nicholsons play Shadowlands is

set in Oxford during the 1950s and is the

moving true love story between C.S. Lewisand Helen Joy Davidman Gresham. Lewis

had remained a confirmed bachelor until his

fifties when he met and was enchanted by

Joy Davidman, an American divorcee with 2

young children. They fell in love and were

secretly married. Lewis ensuing encounter

with love and suffering led him to reconsider

many of the beliefs he had held so staunchly

before their fateful meeting.

Why love if losing hurts so much? The pain

now is part of the happiness then. Thats the

deal. --C.S. Lewis


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Shadowlands - LondonShadowlands - London


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The Chronicles of NarniaThe Chronicles of Narnia


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C.S. Lewis LifeC.S. Lewis Life Lewis, too, embraced a materialist worldview for much of his life.Lewis, too, embraced a materialist worldview for much of his life.

Some of this may have been a rebellious response against hisSome of this may have been a rebellious response against hisfather, in part, for sending him away to boarding school at a timefather, in part, for sending him away to boarding school at a timeof intense emotional need following his mothers death. Iof intense emotional need following his mothers death. Imaintained that God did not exist. I was also very angry withmaintained that God did not exist. I was also very angry withGod for not existing.God for not existing.

Later, while at Oxford, he was converted first to theism in 1929,Later, while at Oxford, he was converted first to theism in 1929,and then to Christianity in 1931. His conversion is detailed in hisand then to Christianity in 1931. His conversion is detailed in hisbookbookSurprised by Joy.Surprised by Joy.

Lewis became convinced of the existence of a universal MoralLewis became convinced of the existence of a universal MoralLaw, and also of an Author for that law. He believed this law hadLaw, and also of an Author for that law. He believed this law had

to have come from somewhere or some-One. He also believedto have come from somewhere or some-One. He also believedmans ability to reason pointed to a rational Creator.mans ability to reason pointed to a rational Creator. As a literary critic, he re-examined the religious myths of antiquityAs a literary critic, he re-examined the religious myths of antiquity

and became convinced that the Christian myth had actual historicand became convinced that the Christian myth had actual historicvalidity in the coming of Jesus Christ.validity in the coming of Jesus Christ.


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Lewis thought that our wishes for a protective father did not ruleLewis thought that our wishes for a protective father did not ruleout the possibility of a protective God but instead pointed to theout the possibility of a protective God but instead pointed to theexistence of one. Creatures are not born with desires unlessexistence of one. Creatures are not born with desires unlesssatisfaction for those desires also exists. A baby feelssatisfaction for those desires also exists. A baby feels

hunger..there isfood. Men feel sexual desire..there issex.hunger..there isfood. Men feel sexual desire..there issex.

Lewis thought that our dissatisfaction in this life pointed to theLewis thought that our dissatisfaction in this life pointed to thefact that we were made for another world, otherwise, he thought,fact that we were made for another world, otherwise, he thought,the universe is a fraud.the universe is a fraud.

He was loved by his colleagues for his intelligence, warmth andHe was loved by his colleagues for his intelligence, warmth and

politeness. He too had fought battles and suffered devastatingpoliteness. He too had fought battles and suffered devastatinglosses in his life, yet somehow did not become bitter andlosses in his life, yet somehow did not become bitter andcontentious.contentious.


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Suffering and Pain: FreudSuffering and Pain: Freud

Loss of his nanny.Loss of his nanny. Anti-semitism (Freud attributed this to: fear ofAnti-semitism (Freud attributed this to: fear of

castration, jealousy of Gods chosen people, displacedcastration, jealousy of Gods chosen people, displacedanger against Christians). During Nazi occupation,anger against Christians). During Nazi occupation,

Freud gave cyanide pills to his daughter Anna in caseFreud gave cyanide pills to his daughter Anna in caseshe was tortured when questioned at Gestaposhe was tortured when questioned at Gestapoheadquarters.headquarters.

Loss of his daughter, Sophie, and her son, Heinle.Loss of his daughter, Sophie, and her son, Heinle.

Criticisms of work: psychoanalysis not generalizableCriticisms of work: psychoanalysis not generalizablebeyond unique Viennese culture. Jewish science vsbeyond unique Viennese culture. Jewish science vsAryan science.Aryan science.


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Freud suffered from bouts of depression and anxiety,Freud suffered from bouts of depression and anxiety,

nicotine dependence, cocaine use, and the fear of death.nicotine dependence, cocaine use, and the fear of death.

Diagnosed with oral cancer in 1923 at age 67. HisDiagnosed with oral cancer in 1923 at age 67. His

doctor withheld the diagnosis for fear Freud would killdoctor withheld the diagnosis for fear Freud would killhimself.himself.

He had 33 operations, usually under local anesthesia,He had 33 operations, usually under local anesthesia,

for his cancer.for his cancer.

He had a metal plate placed in the roof of his mouthHe had a metal plate placed in the roof of his mouth

and chose to eat alone.and chose to eat alone.


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Freud wondered how there could be a loving God withFreud wondered how there could be a loving God withall of the suffering in this life?all of the suffering in this life?

To friend and Christian, Oskar Pfister, Freud wrote:To friend and Christian, Oskar Pfister, Freud wrote:how the devil do you reconcile all that wehow the devil do you reconcile all that weexperience in this world with your assumption thatexperience in this world with your assumption thatthere is a moral order?there is a moral order?

Freud believed: the violent, cunning or ruthless manFreud believed: the violent, cunning or ruthless man

seizes the envied good things of the world and theseizes the envied good things of the world and thepious man goes away empty. Obscure, unfeeling, andpious man goes away empty. Obscure, unfeeling, andunloving powers determine mens fate.unloving powers determine mens fate.


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At the death of his beloved daughter, Sophie, from theAt the death of his beloved daughter, Sophie, from theinfluenza epidemic of 1920 Freud wrote to a colleague:influenza epidemic of 1920 Freud wrote to a colleague:I do not know what more there is to say. It is such aI do not know what more there is to say. It is such aparalyzing event, which can stir no afterthoughts whenparalyzing event, which can stir no afterthoughts when

one is not a believerone is not a believer Freud wrote to another friend that neither he nor hisFreud wrote to another friend that neither he nor his

wife has got over the monstrous fact of children dyingwife has got over the monstrous fact of children dyingbefore their parents.before their parents.

Freud wondered when my turn will come and wishedFreud wondered when my turn will come and wishedhis life to be over.his life to be over.


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At the loss of his 4 year old grandson, Heinle, toAt the loss of his 4 year old grandson, Heinle, totuberculosis he writes:tuberculosis he writes:

He was indeed an enchanting little fellow, and I myselfHe was indeed an enchanting little fellow, and I myself

was aware of never having loved a human being,was aware of never having loved a human being,certainly never a child, so much. I dont think I havecertainly never a child, so much. I dont think I haveever experienced such grief; I work out of sheerever experienced such grief; I work out of sheernecessity; fundamentally everything has lost its meaningnecessity; fundamentally everything has lost its meaning

for me I find no joy in life. I have spent some offor me I find no joy in life. I have spent some ofthe blackest days of my life sorrowing about the child.the blackest days of my life sorrowing about the child.

At last I can think of him quietly and talk of himAt last I can think of him quietly and talk of himwithout tears.without tears.


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Freud could not reconcile the suffering heFreud could not reconcile the suffering heobserved in his own life and the lives of those heobserved in his own life and the lives of those he

loved with an all-powerful, all-loving Creator.loved with an all-powerful, all-loving Creator.

Freud: It seems not to be the case that there isFreud: It seems not to be the case that there isa Power in the universe which watches over thea Power in the universe which watches over the

well-being of individuals with parental care andwell-being of individuals with parental care and

brings all their affairs to a happy endingbrings all their affairs to a happy endingEarthquakes, tidal waves, conflagrations, makeEarthquakes, tidal waves, conflagrations, make

no distinction between the virtuous and piousno distinction between the virtuous and pious

and the scoundrel or unbeliever.and the scoundrel or unbeliever.


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InIn The Future of an Illusion,The Future of an Illusion,1927, Freud says of1927, Freud says of

believers: They will have to admit to themselves the fullbelievers: They will have to admit to themselves the full

extent of their helplessness they can no longer be theextent of their helplessness they can no longer be the

centre of the creation, no longer the object of the tendercentre of the creation, no longer the object of the tendercare on the part of the beneficent Providence And, ascare on the part of the beneficent Providence And, as

for the great necessities of Fate, against which there is nofor the great necessities of Fate, against which there is no

help, they will learn to endure them with resignation.help, they will learn to endure them with resignation.

And, in a letter to a friend who had lost a daughter: AsAnd, in a letter to a friend who had lost a daughter: Asan unbelieving fatalist, I can only sink into a state ofan unbelieving fatalist, I can only sink into a state of

resignation when faced with the horror of death.resignation when faced with the horror of death.


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Freud: There are the elements which seem to mock atFreud: There are the elements which seem to mock atall human control: the earth which quakes all human control: the earth which quakes

diseases and the painful riddle of death, againstdiseases and the painful riddle of death, against

which no medicine has yet been foundwhich no medicine has yet been found

Later, he writes: life is hard to bear a permanentLater, he writes: life is hard to bear a permanent

state of anxious expectation.state of anxious expectation.

He writes: I have no dread at all of the Almighty. IfHe writes: I have no dread at all of the Almighty. If

we ever were to meet I should have more reproaches towe ever were to meet I should have more reproaches tomake to Him than He could to me.make to Him than He could to me.


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Suffering and Pain: FreudSuffering and Pain: Freud Despite professing disbelief, Freud was preoccupied withDespite professing disbelief, Freud was preoccupied with

the idea of the devil.the idea of the devil. He thought that the devil represented our defiant spiritHe thought that the devil represented our defiant spirit

towards our parents just as our desire for a protectivetowards our parents just as our desire for a protectiveparent led to our conceptualization of God. Even if theparent led to our conceptualization of God. Even if thedevil were real, Freud thought, it was still Gods fault fordevil were real, Freud thought, it was still Gods fault forallowing the devil to exist at all.allowing the devil to exist at all.

Freud read GoethesFreud read Goethes FaustFaustand Balzacsand Balzacs The FatalThe FatalSkin.Skin.Both feature a man of science, depressed over hisBoth feature a man of science, depressed over hislack of recognition, who makes a deal with the devil andlack of recognition, who makes a deal with the devil andconsiders suicide.considers suicide.

Freud readFreud read The Fatal SkinThe Fatal Skinon the day he chose to dieon the day he chose to die

by euthanasia.by euthanasia.


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Freud concludes: If the believer finally sees himselfFreud concludes: If the believer finally sees himself

obliged to speak of Gods inscrutable decrees, he isobliged to speak of Gods inscrutable decrees, he is

admitting that all that is left to him as a last possibleadmitting that all that is left to him as a last possible

consolation and source of pleasure in his sufferings isconsolation and source of pleasure in his sufferings isan unconditional submission. And if he is prepared foran unconditional submission. And if he is prepared for

that, he could probably have spared himself the detourthat, he could probably have spared himself the detour

he has made.he has made.

And yet Freud says: only religion can answer theAnd yet Freud says: only religion can answer thequestion of the purpose of life.question of the purpose of life.


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Suffering and Pain: LewisSuffering and Pain: Lewis

Loss of his mother. It was alien and menacing. MyLoss of his mother. It was alien and menacing. Mygrief was overwhelmed with terror.grief was overwhelmed with terror. Boarding school.Boarding school. WWI: loss of friend, shrapnel injury, caring for PaddyWWI: loss of friend, shrapnel injury, caring for Paddy

Moores mother. She lived with Lewis and his brotherMoores mother. She lived with Lewis and his brotherWarren for 6-7 years before succumbing to AlzheimersWarren for 6-7 years before succumbing to Alzheimersdisease.disease.

He suffered from loneliness, depression, and possiblyHe suffered from loneliness, depression, and possiblyPTSD.PTSD.

In 1929, Lewis father passed away. He showed littleIn 1929, Lewis father passed away. He showed littleremorse.remorse.

Rejected for Oxford chair, he finally acceptedRejected for Oxford chair, he finally acceptedCambridge chair.Cambridge chair.


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Lewis wroteLewis wrote The Problem of PainThe Problem of Painin 1940. It was ain 1940. It was acerebral treatise for why pain is necessary.cerebral treatise for why pain is necessary.

Lewis writes that prior to his conversion, he wouldntLewis writes that prior to his conversion, he wouldnthave believed in a good God: human history is largelyhave believed in a good God: human history is largely

a record of crime, war, disease and terror alla record of crime, war, disease and terror allcivilizations pass away and, even while they remain,civilizations pass away and, even while they remain,inflict peculiar sufferings on their own if you ask meinflict peculiar sufferings on their own if you ask meto believe that this is the work of a benevolent andto believe that this is the work of a benevolent and

omnipotent spirit, I reply that all the evidence points inomnipotent spirit, I reply that all the evidence points inthe opposite direction. Either there is no spirit behindthe opposite direction. Either there is no spirit behindthe universe, or else a spirit indifferent to good and evil,the universe, or else a spirit indifferent to good and evil,or else an evil spirit.or else an evil spirit.


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Lewis changed his view after his conversion.Lewis changed his view after his conversion. InIn The Problem of PainThe Problem of Painhe argues that love andhe argues that love and

kindness are different things and that true lovekindness are different things and that true love

is tough love (ie. going to the dentist): love, inis tough love (ie. going to the dentist): love, inits own nature, demands the perfecting of theits own nature, demands the perfecting of thebeloved; mere kindness which toleratesbeloved; mere kindness which toleratesanything except suffering in its object isat theanything except suffering in its object isat the

opposite pole from Love.opposite pole from Love. Lewis also believed no true happiness could beLewis also believed no true happiness could be

found apart from our Creator.found apart from our Creator.


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Suffering and Pain: LewisSuffering and Pain: Lewis Lewis says: pain insists upon being attended to. GodLewis says: pain insists upon being attended to. God

whispers to us in our pleasures but shouts in our pain:whispers to us in our pleasures but shouts in our pain:it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world. Pain asit is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world. Pain asGods megaphone is a terrible instrument; it may lead toGods megaphone is a terrible instrument; it may lead tofinal and unrepented rebellion.final and unrepented rebellion.

He attributed much suffering and pain to mens choicesHe attributed much suffering and pain to mens choicessaying: It is men, not God, who have produced racks,saying: It is men, not God, who have produced racks,

whips, prisons, slavery, guns, bayonets, and bombs;whips, prisons, slavery, guns, bayonets, and bombs;and, All suffering arises from sin.and, All suffering arises from sin.

Lewis views hell as God giving man the freedom fromLewis views hell as God giving man the freedom fromHim that he desires: They enjoy forever the horribleHim that he desires: They enjoy forever the horriblefreedom they have demanded. the doors are lockedfreedom they have demanded. the doors are lockedon theon the insideinside..


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At age 62, Lewis lost his wife, Joy, after only 4 years ofAt age 62, Lewis lost his wife, Joy, after only 4 years ofmarriage.marriage.

InIn A Grief Observed,A Grief Observed,1961, he writes from a1961, he writes from aperspective of his feelings: Arent all these notes theperspective of his feelings: Arent all these notes thesenseless writhings of a man who wont accept the factsenseless writhings of a man who wont accept the factthat there is nothing we can do with suffering except tothat there is nothing we can do with suffering except tosuffer it?suffer it?

He beseeches Joy: My dear, my dear, come back forHe beseeches Joy: My dear, my dear, come back forone moment The same leg is cut off time after time.one moment The same leg is cut off time after time.

The first plunge of the knife into the flesh is felt againThe first plunge of the knife into the flesh is felt againand again.and again.


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Lewis asks where God is during suffering? But go toLewis asks where God is during suffering? But go toHim when your need is desperate, when all other helpHim when your need is desperate, when all other helpis vain, and what do you find? A door slammed in youris vain, and what do you find? A door slammed in yourface, and a sound of bolting and double bolting on theface, and a sound of bolting and double bolting on theinside.inside.

And: Why is He so present a commander in our timeAnd: Why is He so present a commander in our timeof prosperity and so very absent a help in time ofof prosperity and so very absent a help in time oftrouble?trouble?

He says: But dont come talking to me about theHe says: But dont come talking to me about the

consolation of religion, or I shall suspect that you dontconsolation of religion, or I shall suspect that you dontunderstand.understand. He wonders if God is: The Cosmic Sadist, the spitefulHe wonders if God is: The Cosmic Sadist, the spiteful

imbecile?imbecile?


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Suffering and Pain: LewisSuffering and Pain: Lewis Lewis doubt: The conclusion I dread is not, SoLewis doubt: The conclusion I dread is not, So

theres no God after all, but, So this is what Godstheres no God after all, but, So this is what Godsreally like. Deceive yourself no longer.really like. Deceive yourself no longer.

Lewis likened it to surgery concluding: The torturesLewis likened it to surgery concluding: The torturesoccur. If they are unnecessary, then there is no God oroccur. If they are unnecessary, then there is no God ora bad one. If there is a good God, then the tortures area bad one. If there is a good God, then the tortures arenecessary.necessary.

Lewis believed in Satan and demons as fallen angels.Lewis believed in Satan and demons as fallen angels.

Lewis believed that the government of the universeLewis believed that the government of the universewas temporarily in enemy hands. we are living in awas temporarily in enemy hands. we are living in apart of the universe occupied by the rebel Enemypart of the universe occupied by the rebel Enemyoccupied territorythat is what this world is.occupied territorythat is what this world is.


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Lewis believed that God created his creatures with freeLewis believed that God created his creatures with freewill to choose or not choose God. He thought the onlywill to choose or not choose God. He thought the onlylove worth having had to be chosen freely, not coerced.love worth having had to be chosen freely, not coerced.

He writes: God created things which had free will. ThatHe writes: God created things which had free will. That

means creatures which can go either right or wrong. means creatures which can go either right or wrong. free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the onlyfree will, though it makes evil possible, is also the onlything that makes possible any love or goodness or joything that makes possible any love or goodness or joy

worth having. A world of automata would hardly beworth having. A world of automata would hardly beworth creating.worth creating.

On Gods omniscience: Of course God knew whatOn Gods omniscience: Of course God knew whatwould happen if they used their freedom the wrong way:would happen if they used their freedom the wrong way:apparently He thought it worth the risk.apparently He thought it worth the risk.


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According to his letters, Lewis never lost his faithAccording to his letters, Lewis never lost his faith

entirely. For Lewis, the very fact that he was angry atentirely. For Lewis, the very fact that he was angry at

God for the unjust, was evidence that there was aGod for the unjust, was evidence that there was a

right and wrongthe universal moral law written on allright and wrongthe universal moral law written on allhuman hearts.human hearts.

He writes: A man does not call a line crooked unlessHe writes: A man does not call a line crooked unless

he has some idea of a straight line Thus in the veryhe has some idea of a straight line Thus in the very

act of trying to prove that God did not exist I foundact of trying to prove that God did not exist I foundI was forced to assume that my idea of justicewasI was forced to assume that my idea of justicewas

full of sense.full of sense.

S ff i d P i L iS ff i d P i L i


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Suffering and Pain: LewisSuffering and Pain: Lewis In June 1961, Lewis suffered from osteoporosis,In June 1961, Lewis suffered from osteoporosis,

an enlarged prostate, hydronephrosis, toxemia,an enlarged prostate, hydronephrosis, toxemia,

and cardiac problems.and cardiac problems.

July 15, 1963, he suffered a heart attack andJuly 15, 1963, he suffered a heart attack and

lapsed into a coma, from which he eventuallylapsed into a coma, from which he eventually

recovered.recovered.

On November 22, 1963, Lewis brother, Warren,On November 22, 1963, Lewis brother, Warren,

took him his tea at 4PM, heard a crash attook him his tea at 4PM, heard a crash at5:30PM, and found Lewis on his back in his5:30PM, and found Lewis on his back in his

room. He died 5 minutes later.room. He died 5 minutes later.


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The Room Where Lewis DiedThe Room Where Lewis Died


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Trinity ChurchTrinity Church

L i G


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Lewis GravestoneLewis Gravestone


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Lewis maintained his sense of humor through hisLewis maintained his sense of humor through his

illness. He saw death as a natural part of life. 100% ofillness. He saw death as a natural part of life. 100% of

us die and the percentage cannot be increased.us die and the percentage cannot be increased.

His friends and family said: Never was a man betterHis friends and family said: Never was a man betterprepared, and, About a week before his death he saidprepared, and, About a week before his death he said

to me, I have done all that I was sent into the world toto me, I have done all that I was sent into the world to

do, and I am ready to go. I have never seen deathdo, and I am ready to go. I have never seen death

looked in the face so tranquilly, and, He was a deeplylooked in the face so tranquilly, and, He was a deeplykind and charitable man.kind and charitable man.


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Suffering and PainSuffering and Pain

Both Freud and Lewis suffered great losses inBoth Freud and Lewis suffered great losses in

their lives and reached very different conclusionstheir lives and reached very different conclusions

about the existence of God and the meaning ofabout the existence of God and the meaning of

suffering in our lives.suffering in our lives. Have you encountered any real pain personally,Have you encountered any real pain personally,

or through the illness of someone close to you?or through the illness of someone close to you?

S ff i d P i L iS ff i d P i L i


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Suffering and Pain: LewisSuffering and Pain: Lewis Do we say with Freud? As an unbelieving fatalist, I canDo we say with Freud? As an unbelieving fatalist, I can

only sink into a state of resignation when faced with theonly sink into a state of resignation when faced with thehorror of death.horror of death.

Or do we resonate with Lewis? He never got answers toOr do we resonate with Lewis? He never got answers toall his questions, but received: a rather special sort ofall his questions, but received: a rather special sort of

No answer. It is not the locked door. It is more like aNo answer. It is not the locked door. It is more like asilent, certainly not uncompassionate, gaze. As thoughsilent, certainly not uncompassionate, gaze. As thoughHe shook His head, not in refusal, but waiving theHe shook His head, not in refusal, but waiving thequestion. Like, Peace, child; you dont understand.question. Like, Peace, child; you dont understand.

Do we accept a difficult situation or try to change it?Do we accept a difficult situation or try to change it?Do we shake our fist in defiance or do we humbly acceptDo we shake our fist in defiance or do we humbly acceptour lot in life? How do we counsel those who areour lot in life? How do we counsel those who aregrieving losses? What role does faith play?grieving losses? What role does faith play?


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Suffering and PainSuffering and Pain

Freud, after the loss of his grandson, Heinle, says: AtFreud, after the loss of his grandson, Heinle, says: Atlast I can think of him quietly and talk of himlast I can think of him quietly and talk of him

without tears.without tears. With time, Lewis also reports healing after the loss ofWith time, Lewis also reports healing after the loss of

his wife, Joy: Turned to God, my mind no longerhis wife, Joy: Turned to God, my mind no longermeets that locked door Like the warming of a roommeets that locked door Like the warming of a roomor the coming of daylight. When you first notice themor the coming of daylight. When you first notice themthey have already been going on for some time.they have already been going on for some time.

Does time heal all wounds? Is healing a Divine project,Does time heal all wounds? Is healing a Divine project,a human project, both?a human project, both?


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Concluding ThoughtsConcluding Thoughts

Both Lewis and Freud suffered pain and loss. BothBoth Lewis and Freud suffered pain and loss. Bothstruggled with the question of God and mans place instruggled with the question of God and mans place inthe universe.the universe.

Each of us must also answer these questions forEach of us must also answer these questions forourselves.ourselves.

How do you reconcile the question of pain andHow do you reconcile the question of pain andsuffering? What arguments (cognition) and experiencessuffering? What arguments (cognition) and experiences(feelings) have informed your view?(feelings) have informed your view?

Are there other authors you have read that have swayedAre there other authors you have read that have swayedyour view?your view?

Documents

C S Lewis and Sigmund Freud