Ambivalence in the Christian poetry of C.S. Lewis

Abstract

This article examines the ambivalence expressed in certain of the explicitly Christian poems written by C.S. Lewis. As a writer his primary claim to fame is his Christian apologetics, in spite of the fact that he is well thought of in literary circles and produced several scholarly works. In the light of his considered Christian convictions, one would expect his poetry to voice a strong faith and confidence in God However, somewhat ironically, certain of his poems reflect his struggles and doubts concerning faith in an intensely personal register. Nevertheless, in spite of his ambivalent feelings towards God, he retains the certainty that God is able to transcend his human frailty and difficulties. The problem of faith is relevant in our own time, and it therefore seems fitting that we should examine certain of C.S. Lewis's poems in commemoration of the centenary year of his birth.