C.S. Lewis on Faith: Conversations on Mere Christianity & Purpose

"My friends, if you have ever found yourself wondering whether Christianity is true, if it is rational, or if it truly offers meaning to life, you are not alone. These are questions I once wrestled with, as many of you do now. I was an atheist who sought reason above all, yet it was reason itself that led me to the undeniable truth of Christ.

In these discussions, I am honored to sit with some of the greatest minds and hearts of the Christian faith—men and women who have not only spoken of truth but lived it, sometimes at great cost. Together, we will explore the foundations of faith, the purpose of our lives, the trials of the Christian journey, and the weighty yet glorious cost of discipleship.

You will hear from theologians, philosophers, and visionaries—some who defended the faith with words, others who proved its power through action. From the wisdom of Paul and the devotion of Mother Teresa to the courage of Bonhoeffer and the conviction of Martin Luther King Jr., these voices span centuries, yet all point to the same eternal truth: Christianity is not merely an idea to be considered but a reality to be lived.

So, I invite you to join us—not as passive listeners, but as fellow seekers of truth. Bring your doubts, your questions, and your longing for meaning, and may these conversations lead you not just to understanding, but to transformation. For if Christianity is true, then it is of infinite importance. And if it is of infinite importance, it must shape not only how we think but how we live."

(Note: This is an imaginary conversation, a creative exploration of an idea, and not a real speech or event.)

The Bible – Discussion on Biblical Wisdom & Its Role in Life

Moderator: C.S. Lewis
Participants: Jesus Christ, Paul the Apostle, Billy Graham

C.S. Lewis:

"Welcome, gentlemen. Today, we gather to discuss the Bible—its wisdom, its role in our lives, and how it continues to shape the world. To begin, I turn to You, Jesus. The Bible is ultimately centered on You, and Your teachings have formed its foundation. How do You see its role in guiding humanity?"

Jesus Christ:

"The Bible is more than words; it is the breath of God given to guide, correct, and uplift all who seek the truth. In it, My Father's love is revealed, and My own teachings are recorded so that those who follow may walk in the light. Every parable I spoke, every miracle performed, was to illustrate God's kingdom and the path to eternal life."

C.S. Lewis:

"Indeed, and You often spoke in parables—timeless lessons wrapped in simple stories. Paul, as someone who helped shape Christian theology, how do You see the role of Scripture in faith?"

Paul the Apostle:

"The Scriptures are the cornerstone of faith, for faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. I wrote to the churches to remind them that all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. But beyond knowledge, it is through the Holy Spirit that these words take root in our hearts."

Billy Graham:

"I’ve always believed the Bible is God’s love letter to humanity. It speaks across centuries, touching hearts with the same power today as it did in the early church. I've seen it transform lives—prisoners, leaders, the lost, the broken. The power of Scripture isn’t in the ink on its pages but in the divine truth it conveys. And when people open their hearts to it, they find a peace the world cannot give."

C.S. Lewis:

"Yes, I find that the Bible speaks to the intellect and the heart alike. It is not merely a historical record or a moral code but something alive. Jesus, You often emphasized love as the greatest commandment. How should we apply biblical wisdom in today’s world, which is often divided and troubled?"

Jesus Christ:

"The greatest commandment is this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. The world suffers because love is forgotten. If people lived by the Sermon on the Mount, they would turn the other cheek, forgive their enemies, and seek first the kingdom of God. The Bible is not meant to be debated only in words but lived out in action."

Paul the Apostle:

"And yet, many read the Scriptures but do not allow them to change their hearts. I wrote that knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The true wisdom of the Bible is not just understanding its words but allowing them to shape our character—to be doers of the Word, not just hearers."

Billy Graham:

"I've met world leaders and the poorest of the poor, and they all ask the same question: 'What is my purpose?' The Bible answers this. It tells us who we are, why we are here, and where we are going. The challenge is not whether the Bible speaks, but whether we listen."

C.S. Lewis:

"And so, gentlemen, we come to an important question: How do we encourage people to truly engage with Scripture—not just as an ancient book but as a living guide for today?"

Jesus Christ:

"Let them seek, and they will find. When a heart is open, the Word becomes like living water. My invitation remains: 'Come, all who are weary, and I will give you rest.' Those who hunger for truth will find it in the Word of God."

Paul the Apostle:

"The key is faith. For the natural man does not understand the things of God. The Spirit must awaken the heart. So, we must share the Gospel, live as examples, and let the light of Christ shine in us."

Billy Graham:

"And we must remember that God’s Word does not return void. Even if someone reads just a single verse, it has the power to take root in their heart and transform their life. Our role is to share it, live it, and trust God with the results."

C.S. Lewis:

"A most wonderful discussion. It seems that while the Bible has stood the test of time, its power is fully realized when it is lived out, not just studied. I thank each of you for your wisdom, and I leave our audience with this thought: If the Bible is the story of God's love for us, are we truly taking the time to read it, understand it, and live by it?"

(The conversation ends with a moment of reflection, as each participant contemplates the enduring power of God's Word.)

Mere Christianity – Defending and Explaining the Christian Faith

Moderator: C.S. Lewis
Participants: G.K. Chesterton, Lee Strobel, Tim Keller

C.S. Lewis:

"Welcome, gentlemen. Today, we gather to discuss Mere Christianity—a book that, though written in response to the tumult of war, continues to serve as a guide for understanding the core tenets of our faith. At its heart, Christianity is not about a denomination or a set of rituals, but about truth. Let’s begin with you, Chesterton—you wrote Orthodoxy, which greatly influenced my own journey. What do you see as the greatest challenge in explaining Christianity to a modern audience?"

G.K. Chesterton:

"The greatest challenge, Lewis, is that people often think Christianity is an outdated relic of the past, when in reality, it is the answer to the deepest questions of the present. Many believe that progress means moving away from faith, but true progress is moving toward truth. Christianity is not a man-made philosophy—it is divine revelation. And the paradox is that as much as it demands faith, it also provides the most rational understanding of the universe."

Lee Strobel:

"That’s what I discovered as well, though I came at it from a skeptic’s perspective. As a journalist and legal expert, I set out to investigate Christianity like a court case. And I found the evidence overwhelming—historically, scientifically, and philosophically. Mere Christianity does something powerful: it strips Christianity down to its essentials, making it clear that faith in Christ is not blind faith but reasoned trust."

Tim Keller:

"And that reasoned trust is what so many struggle with today. In our postmodern world, people doubt objective truth. They see Christianity as just one narrative among many. But Lewis, your book challenges that mindset by showing that Christianity is the best explanation for our moral framework, our longing for purpose, and the human experience itself. How did you come to write Mere Christianity the way you did?"

C.S. Lewis:

"I wanted to present Christianity in its purest form—what all Christians, regardless of denomination, could agree upon. I did not set out to defend Anglicanism, Catholicism, or any particular branch of Christianity, but rather to explain why the core beliefs of the faith hold up under scrutiny. I argued that if a man finds himself with a deep hunger that nothing in this world can satisfy, perhaps he was made for another world."

G.K. Chesterton:

"And that is the genius of Christianity—it is at once rational and deeply mysterious. People reject faith not because they find it false, but because they find it difficult. They want freedom but without the responsibility of truth. The moment they realize that real freedom is found in surrender to God, everything changes."

Lee Strobel:

"I used to think that Christianity was a crutch for the weak. But when I examined the historical evidence of Christ’s resurrection, I realized it was not just wishful thinking—it was the most well-documented event of the ancient world. When people say, 'Prove Christianity,' they often mean, 'Give me absolute certainty.' But certainty in the scientific sense isn’t how truth is determined. We accept things in history as true based on probability and evidence. And the evidence for Christianity is overwhelming."

Tim Keller:

"Exactly, and that brings us to a crucial point: If Christianity is true, it is the most important truth in the universe. If it is false, it is of no importance. What it cannot be is merely moderately important. The problem is that many people treat it as an optional lifestyle rather than the foundation of reality."

C.S. Lewis:

"And that leads to my 'trilemma' argument. Jesus Christ claimed to be the Son of God. He was either a liar, a lunatic, or exactly who He said He was—Lord. There is no room for calling Him merely a great moral teacher. If He was a liar, He was evil. If He was a lunatic, He was delusional. But if He was truly Lord, then every human being must respond to that truth."

G.K. Chesterton:

"And therein lies the challenge—people wish to reduce Christianity to mere ethics while ignoring its radical claim. Jesus did not come to offer good advice—He came to declare salvation! Christianity is not merely a philosophy but a rescue mission for the soul."

Lee Strobel:

"And yet, many resist that rescue. They think that becoming a Christian means losing freedom. But the truth is, faith in Christ is not a loss of freedom—it is the discovery of true freedom."

Tim Keller:

"Yes, and this is why Lewis’s approach in Mere Christianity is so powerful. He did not argue by forcing belief but by leading people to see that the longings of their hearts and the logic of their minds both point to the same conclusion—Christianity is true."

C.S. Lewis:

"And so, my friends, our conversation leads to a challenge for all who listen: If Christianity is true, how then should we live? It is not enough to admire Jesus from a distance. We must respond, either by rejecting or by surrendering to the reality of His lordship. But we cannot remain neutral."

(The conversation ends with a moment of thoughtful reflection, as each participant contemplates the responsibility that comes with the truth of Christianity.)

The Purpose Driven Life – Understanding Life’s Purpose Through Faith

Moderator: C.S. Lewis
Participants: Rick Warren, Mother Teresa, Dietrich Bonhoeffer

C.S. Lewis:

"Welcome, dear friends. We are here to discuss one of the most profound questions of human existence: What is our purpose? Rick, you wrote The Purpose Driven Life to answer this very question. Can you start by sharing what inspired you to write this book?"

Rick Warren:

"Thank you, Lewis. I realized that people all over the world were searching for meaning. Many chase success, wealth, or pleasure, yet still feel empty. The Bible is clear—our purpose is not about personal gain but about knowing and serving God. I structured The Purpose Driven Life as a 40-day journey to help people discover that we are created by God, for God, and that true fulfillment comes from aligning our lives with His purpose."

C.S. Lewis:

"And that brings us to the heart of the matter. Many believe that life’s purpose is self-determined, yet you argue that it is God-given. Mother Teresa, you lived a life of selfless service. How did you find your purpose?"

Mother Teresa:

"My purpose was revealed in the suffering faces of the poor. I saw Jesus in each of them. Jesus said, 'Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for Me.' When I held a dying man in my arms, I was holding Christ. Purpose is not about asking, 'What do I want to do?' but rather, 'Lord, what would You have me do?' The answer is always love—love expressed in action."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer:

"That is beautifully said. Purpose is costly—it demands surrender. Too often, people think purpose is about fulfilling their own ambitions. But Christ calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. I had the opportunity to live a comfortable life, but I knew my calling was to stand against injustice, even when it cost me my freedom. True purpose is found in obedience, not comfort."

C.S. Lewis:

"Yes, and that brings us to the idea of what I call 'mere Christianity'—the essence of the faith, beyond personal ambitions. Rick, you outline five purposes in your book. Could you share them with us?"

Rick Warren:

"Of course. These are not my ideas; they come from Scripture:

1. You Were Planned for God’s Pleasure – Worship is not just singing in church but living a life that glorifies God.
2. You Were Formed for God’s Family – We are called to be part of a spiritual community, not isolated believers.
3. You Were Created to Become Like Christ – The goal of life is character transformation, to become more like Jesus.
4. You Were Shaped for Serving God – Every talent and gift we have is meant to serve others, not ourselves.
5. You Were Made for a Mission – We are called to share the message of Christ with the world."

C.S. Lewis:

"That last point is crucial. Too many people see faith as a private matter, something for personal benefit alone. Bonhoeffer, you wrote about 'costly grace'—what does it mean to truly live out one’s purpose?"

Dietrich Bonhoeffer:

"Cheap grace is when people accept salvation but refuse to live in obedience. Costly grace means that following Christ requires sacrifice. Purpose is not about personal success—it is about kingdom impact. Jesus didn’t promise an easy road, but He did promise that the road leads to life. Many today want Christ without the cross. But real purpose is found when we die to ourselves and live for Him."

C.S. Lewis:

"And Mother Teresa, you lived this out daily. Was it ever difficult to stay committed to your purpose?"

Mother Teresa:

"Oh yes, there were moments of deep struggle. I felt distant from God at times, but I never doubted His call. I was not called to be successful, only to be faithful. Purpose is not measured by worldly success but by obedience to God’s will, no matter the cost."

Rick Warren:

"That’s an important distinction. So many people think purpose means achieving big things. But purpose is not about what we do—it’s about who we serve. Whether you are a missionary, a teacher, a businessman, or a mother, your purpose is to love God and love others. That is what gives life meaning."

C.S. Lewis:

"And yet, people still struggle to discover their purpose. What advice would you give to someone who is searching?"

Mother Teresa:

"Begin by serving. If you do not know your purpose, go to the broken, the hungry, the lonely. In serving others, you will find Jesus. And in finding Jesus, you will find your purpose."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer:

"Be willing to surrender. God will not reveal your purpose if your heart is still clinging to selfish ambitions. Pray, listen, and obey—even when it’s difficult."

Rick Warren:

"Look to Scripture. God’s purpose for your life is not a mystery—He has already revealed it in His Word. Seek Him first, and everything else will fall into place."

C.S. Lewis:

"Indeed. It seems we have reached a simple yet profound conclusion: Purpose is not something we create—it is something we discover by aligning our hearts with God. The world tells us to chase happiness, but Christianity teaches that joy is a byproduct of living for something greater than ourselves.

I leave you all with this question: Are you living for your plan, or God’s purpose?"

(The conversation ends with a moment of reflection, as each participant contemplates the eternal significance of a purpose-driven life.)

The Pilgrim’s Progress – The Journey of Faith & Spiritual Growth

Moderator: C.S. Lewis
Participants: John Bunyan, Dante Alighieri, Thomas à Kempis, Francis Chan

C.S. Lewis:

"Welcome, my friends. Today, we discuss The Pilgrim’s Progress, one of the most enduring allegories of the Christian journey. John, your book has guided countless souls on their path to faith. What inspired you to write it?"

John Bunyan:

"I wrote it while imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. My suffering was great, but in my solitude, God revealed a vision of the Christian life as a journey—a path filled with trials, temptations, and triumphs. I saw that every believer, from the moment of salvation, walks this path toward the Celestial City, much like Christian, the protagonist in my book."

C.S. Lewis:

"It is a remarkable allegory. I, too, explored similar themes in The Great Divorce and The Chronicles of Narnia. Dante, you wrote another profound spiritual journey—The Divine Comedy. How does your vision of faith compare to Bunyan’s?"

Dante Alighieri:

"My journey, like Bunyan’s, reflects the struggles of the soul in its quest for God. But where The Pilgrim’s Progress is a direct allegory of salvation, my work explores the consequences of sin (Inferno), the purification of the soul (Purgatorio), and the ultimate joy of divine union (Paradiso). Both journeys remind us that the path is not easy, but those who persevere will see God."

C.S. Lewis:

"Indeed, and the theme of perseverance is central. Thomas, your book The Imitation of Christ speaks deeply about the inward journey of faith. How do you see the Christian journey?"

Thomas à Kempis:

"The greatest journey is the one within. Many seek God in the world, but He dwells within the humble and contrite heart. The trials that Bunyan describes are real, but the greatest battle is against ourselves—our pride, our desires, our distractions. True faith is not just about avoiding destruction but about conforming our hearts to Christ."

Francis Chan:

"And that’s something many people struggle with today. We want comfort, not challenge. But Jesus never promised an easy road—He said, the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life. Bunyan’s allegory shows us that the Christian life is full of obstacles, but each one has a purpose—to refine us and draw us closer to God."

C.S. Lewis:

"And yet, many fall along the way. Bunyan, your character 'Christian' encounters places like the Slough of Despond, Vanity Fair, and Doubting Castle. Why did you include these?"

John Bunyan:

"Because every believer faces them. The Slough of Despond represents despair—many fall into it when burdened by their sins. Vanity Fair is the world’s distractions, tempting Christians to abandon their faith for fleeting pleasures. And Doubting Castle, ruled by Giant Despair, is the prison of hopelessness. These are not just obstacles in a story; they are the trials that every Christian must overcome."

C.S. Lewis:

"And yet, Christian does not walk alone. He has companions like Faithful and Hopeful. What does this teach us about community in faith?"

Francis Chan:

"We can’t walk this journey alone. God never intended us to. In today’s world, too many Christians try to follow Christ without a church, without accountability, without mentors. But we need each other. The strongest believers are those who walk together, encouraging and sharpening one another."

Dante Alighieri:

"This is true in my work as well. Virgil guides me through Hell and Purgatory, and Beatrice leads me to Heaven. We all need guides—those who have walked before us, who can point us to truth."

Thomas à Kempis:

"And yet, even with guides, the path requires personal sacrifice. The Imitation of Christ teaches that the road to Heaven is walked with humility, patience, and self-denial. Christian in The Pilgrim’s Progress had to leave behind his burden. So must we leave behind the attachments that keep us from fully surrendering to God."

C.S. Lewis:

"And here we reach a key question: How do we encourage people today to stay on the journey of faith when the road is so difficult?"

John Bunyan:

"By reminding them that the Celestial City is real. The journey is hard, but the reward is beyond imagination. We must press on, for the prize is eternal."

Francis Chan:

"We also need to stop preaching a watered-down Gospel. Jesus didn’t call us to an easy life—He called us to take up our cross. If we don’t teach people that following Christ will cost them something, they will fall away when the road gets rough."

Dante Alighieri:

"And we must help them see the consequences of turning away. Hell is real. Separation from God is real. When people understand what is at stake, they will take their journey more seriously."

Thomas à Kempis:

"And finally, we must teach them to walk in humility. Those who rely on their own strength will fall. But those who surrender to Christ will find their burden lifted, just as Christian did when he reached the cross."

C.S. Lewis:

"Yes, and so we come to the final truth of the journey: It is not about how fast we walk, but that we keep walking. Faith is not a sprint; it is a lifelong pilgrimage toward God.

I leave our listeners with this question: Where are you on the journey? Are you moving forward, or have you set up camp along the way? Remember, the Celestial City is ahead—press on."

(The conversation ends with a sense of urgency and encouragement, reminding listeners that faith is a journey worth pursuing.)

The Cost of Discipleship – The Meaning of True Discipleship

Moderator: C.S. Lewis
Participants: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King Jr., Francis of Assisi, Dallas Willard

C.S. Lewis:

"Gentlemen, we are here today to discuss a profound and often challenging topic: the cost of following Christ. Dietrich, your book The Cost of Discipleship has had a lasting impact, particularly with your distinction between ‘cheap grace’ and ‘costly grace.’ Can you explain what you meant?"

Dietrich Bonhoeffer:

"Certainly, Lewis. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship—grace that does not require change, sacrifice, or obedience. It is a version of Christianity that offers forgiveness without repentance, baptism without commitment, and communion without self-denial. But true grace—costly grace—demands everything. It calls us to follow Christ even when it costs us our comfort, security, or even our lives. It cost me my freedom and, ultimately, my life, but I would not trade it for anything."

C.S. Lewis:

"And yet, many today seek a faith that asks little of them. Martin, you also lived out costly discipleship. How did your faith shape your willingness to stand for justice?"

Martin Luther King Jr.:

"My faith was the foundation of everything I did. Jesus taught us that we must love even our enemies, that we must stand for truth even when the world stands against us. The civil rights movement was not just a political struggle; it was a spiritual one. Nonviolent resistance was modeled after Christ Himself, who endured suffering but never returned violence for violence. Following Christ meant I could not remain silent in the face of injustice, even when it put my life at risk."

C.S. Lewis:

"And that is the essence of costly discipleship—it calls us to action, even when it comes with suffering. Francis, you gave up wealth and status to live in poverty. What led you to such a radical decision?"

Francis of Assisi:

"I was born into privilege, but I discovered that true joy is found not in riches, but in surrendering to God. Jesus said, If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. So, I left everything behind and devoted myself to serving the least of these. Many thought I was mad, but I had found the greatest treasure—the presence of God. When you strip away the world, you find that Christ is enough."

C.S. Lewis:

"A powerful testimony indeed. But many fear giving up what they have—security, wealth, reputation. Dallas, you spoke often of spiritual formation. How do we teach people that costly discipleship is not loss, but gain?"

Dallas Willard:

"The problem is that people have a false idea of what they are losing. They think following Christ means missing out on life’s pleasures, but in reality, it is the only way to experience true life. Jesus didn’t call us to discipleship as a burden—He called it abundant life. The cost is real, but so is the reward. The more we surrender, the more we are transformed. And the more we are transformed, the more we experience the kingdom of God, even now."

C.S. Lewis:

"So, in essence, the cost of discipleship is not just external—giving up wealth or status—but internal—dying to self, to pride, to sin. Dietrich, you faced one of history’s darkest regimes. How did you find the strength to follow Christ even in the face of the Nazi regime?"

Dietrich Bonhoeffer:

"Because I knew that silence was not an option. When the church remains passive in the face of evil, it has already surrendered to it. I knew that true discipleship meant standing up for the oppressed, speaking against injustice, even when it cost me my life. My faith was not in human power, but in God’s justice. If following Christ meant death, so be it. For as Paul said, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

C.S. Lewis:

"Martin, you faced a similar choice. You knew the risks, yet you pressed on. What sustained you?"

Martin Luther King Jr.:

"I often thought of Jesus in Gethsemane. He knew the suffering ahead, yet He prayed, Not my will, but Yours be done. There were nights when fear gripped me, but I returned to prayer, to Scripture. I reminded myself that I was not alone. Just as God was with Christ in His suffering, He was with me. And just as Christ’s sacrifice led to resurrection, I believed that my sacrifice—our sacrifice—would lead to justice. Faith gives strength when fear tries to paralyze us."

C.S. Lewis:

"And that brings us to the heart of our discussion: If discipleship is costly, why should we embrace it? Why not choose an easier path?"

Francis of Assisi:

"Because only in surrender do we find peace. The world promises joy but never delivers. I had wealth, and I was empty. But when I gave it up for Christ, I found joy beyond measure. True freedom is found in obedience to God."

Dallas Willard:

"And because the cost is nothing compared to the reward. Jesus said, Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. We think of cost in worldly terms, but in spiritual reality, the greatest loss is refusing to follow Christ. What we give up is temporary; what we gain is eternal."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer:

"And because the world needs true disciples. Lukewarm faith does nothing to change the world. The kingdom of God is built by those willing to sacrifice. If we want to see transformation—in our lives, in our societies—it will not come through passive Christianity, but through disciples willing to follow Christ wherever He leads."

Martin Luther King Jr.:

"And because love requires action. Jesus said, Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Discipleship is not just about personal salvation—it is about love in action. If we truly love God, we will live in a way that reflects His love to the world."

C.S. Lewis:

"Then we must ask ourselves: Are we truly following Christ, or are we simply admiring Him from a distance? Discipleship is not about agreeing with Jesus—it is about walking in His footsteps, no matter the cost.

So I leave our listeners with this question: If Jesus is truly Lord, what are you willing to give up to follow Him?"

(The conversation ends with a deep sense of challenge and inspiration, reminding all that discipleship is costly, but worth everything.)

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