Unpacking C.S. Lewis’s Views on Hell
C.S. Lewis’s perspective on hell is a topic of ongoing debate, particularly among Protestants. One reason for this is that Lewis seemed to believe in a concept similar to purgatory, which is not typically associated with Protestant theology. Furthermore, his views on hell appear to be somewhat paradoxical, suggesting both that it is a punishment inflicted by God and a state of self-inflicted misery.
Heaven and Hell: Two Opposing Realities
According to Lewis, heaven is a realm of ever-increasing joy, where individuals move further up and further into God’s presence. In contrast, hell is an everlasting movement away from God, characterized by decay, crumbling, and a loss of rationality and joy. This depiction of hell is not just a punishment, but a self-plunging into misery, oriented inward and downward into the abyss.
The Tension Between God’s Wrath and Human Choice
The Bible describes the pouring out of God’s wrath upon sinners, while Lewis emphasizes the self-inflicted nature of hell. However, these two perspectives are not mutually exclusive. Lewis’s depictions of hell in his writings, such as The Great Divorce, illustrate the idea that hell is a state of being that individuals choose for themselves, rather than simply a punishment imposed by God.
Imagining Hell: A Helpful but Imperfect Exercise
Lewis’s imaginative visions of hell, while imperfect, can be helpful in conveying the reality of this state. In The Great Divorce, he depicts hell as a vast, grey town where individuals are constantly moving away from each other, consumed by their own self-interest. This image serves to highlight the solidity and reality of heaven, in contrast to the thinness and decay of hell.
Exploring the Themes of C.S. Lewis’s Works
Joe Rigney, a fellow of theology at New Saint Andrews College, explores the themes that run throughout C.S. Lewis’s popular and lesser-known writings. These themes offer readers a deeper understanding of God’s presence and work in their lives, and provide a framework for thinking about complex issues like hell.
The Enduring Legacy of C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis’s works continue to inspire and challenge readers today, offering a unique perspective on the nature of God, humanity, and the afterlife. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of living and loving God faithfully, and of the need to engage with complex theological issues in a thoughtful and imaginative way.
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