C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud: Two Contrasting Worldviews Eric D. Achtyes, M.D., M.S. Clinical Assistant Professor Department of Psychiatry Michigan State

C.S. Lewis and C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud: Sigmund Freud: Two Contrasting Two Contrasting

WorldviewsWorldviewsEric D. Achtyes, M.D., M.S.Eric D. Achtyes, M.D., M.S.Clinical Assistant ProfessorClinical Assistant ProfessorDepartment of PsychiatryDepartment of PsychiatryMichigan State UniversityMichigan State University

College of Human MedicineCollege of Human MedicineApril 3, 2009April 3, 2009

OverviewOverview

BackgroundBackground Sigmund Freud’s LifeSigmund Freud’s Life C.S. Lewis’ LifeC.S. Lewis’ Life Suffering and Pain: Freud and LewisSuffering and Pain: Freud and Lewis Discussion/QuestionsDiscussion/Questions

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

video: video: “The Question of God”.“The Question of God”. Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical

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

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

Has been teaching the course Has been teaching the course “Sigmund “Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis: Two Contrasting World Freud and C.S. Lewis: Two Contrasting World Views”Views” to Harvard undergraduates and at the to Harvard undergraduates and at the Harvard Medical School for >30 years as a Harvard Medical School for >30 years as a critical review of literature.critical review of literature.

Dr. Nicholi’s analyst, when he was in training, Dr. Nicholi’s analyst, when he was in training, was Dr. Felix Deutsch, who had been Freud’s was Dr. Felix Deutsch, who had been Freud’s physician when his cancer was first physician when his cancer was first diagnosed.diagnosed.

BibliographyBibliography

Freud:Freud: An Autobiographical An Autobiographical

StudyStudy Question of a Question of a

WeltanschauungWeltanschauung 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 Psychoanalysis and

FaithFaith Civilization and Its Civilization and Its

DiscontentsDiscontents

Lewis:Lewis: Mere ChristianityMere Christianity MiraclesMiracles Surprised by JoySurprised by Joy The Screwtape The Screwtape

LettersLetters The Problem of PainThe Problem of Pain A Grief ObservedA Grief Observed

Bibliography Cont.Bibliography Cont.

OtherOther ““The Question of God,”The Question of God,” Armand Armand

Nicholi, Jr.Nicholi, Jr. ““The Illusion of a Future,”The Illusion of a Future,” Oskar Oskar

PfisterPfister Genesis, Exodus, Matthew, John, Genesis, Exodus, Matthew, John,

Psalms from the Bible.Psalms from the Bible. ““Freud and the Problem of God,”Freud and the Problem of God,”

Hans KungHans Kung

The Question of GodThe Question of God

Freud's Last SessionFreud's Last SessionWritten by Mark St. Germain, directed by Tyler Marchant Written by Mark St. Germain, directed by Tyler Marchant As suggested in the Epilogue of As suggested in the Epilogue of "The Question of God""The Question of God" by Dr. by Dr. Armand M. Nicholi, Jr.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. After escaping the Nazis in Vienna, legendary psychiatrist Dr.

Sigmund Freud invites a young, little known professor, C.S. Sigmund Freud invites a young, little known professor, C.S. Lewis, to his home in London. Lewis expects to be called on the Lewis, to his home in London. Lewis expects to be called on the carpet for satirizing Freud in a recent book but the dying Freud carpet for satirizing Freud in a recent book but the dying Freud has a more significant agenda. On the day England entered WW has a more significant agenda. On the day England entered WW II, Freud and Lewis clash on the existence of God, love, sex and II, Freud and Lewis clash on the existence of God, love, sex and the meaning of life – only two weeks before Freud chose to take the meaning of life – only two weeks before Freud chose to take his own. his own.

Sigmund Freud’s LifeSigmund Freud’s Life

Sigmund Freud’s LifeSigmund Freud’s Life Anna Freud: “If you want to know my Anna Freud: “If you want to know my

father… read his letters.”father… read his letters.” Sigismund Schlomo Freud, born May 6, Sigismund Schlomo Freud, born May 6,

1856 in Frieberg, Moravia (Czech 1856 in Frieberg, Moravia (Czech Republic) to Jacob and Amalia Freud.Republic) to Jacob and Amalia Freud.

Amalia (teenager) was Jacob’s (40 yrs old) Amalia (teenager) was Jacob’s (40 yrs old) 33rdrd wife. He was already a grandfather wife. He was already a grandfather and had 2 sons from his first marriage, 1 and had 2 sons from his first marriage, 1 older than Amalia, and 1 a year younger.older than Amalia, and 1 a year younger.

Freud was cared for by a nursemaid until Freud was cared for by a nursemaid until 2 1/2 years old. She was a devout Roman 2 1/2 years old. She was a devout Roman Catholic and took him to church with her.Catholic and took him to church with her.

Sigmund Freud’s LifeSigmund Freud’s Life The nursemaid “told me a great deal The nursemaid “told me a great deal

about God Almighty, and hell, and who about God Almighty, and hell, and who instilled in me a high opinion of my own instilled in me a high opinion of my own capacities.”capacities.”

His mother called him, her 1His mother called him, her 1stst born, her born, her “golden Siggie” and he was given his own “golden Siggie” and he was given his own room in which to study. room in which to study.

Age <2 Freud’s younger brother, Julius, Age <2 Freud’s younger brother, Julius, died, absorbing a lot of his mother’s time.died, absorbing a lot of his mother’s time.

His nanny was accused of stealing and His nanny was accused of stealing and dismissed shortly thereafter. dismissed shortly thereafter.

He later referred to religion, with its He later referred to religion, with its repetitive practices, as the “universal repetitive practices, as the “universal obsessional neurosis.”obsessional neurosis.”

Sigmund Freud’s LifeSigmund Freud’s Life His father, Jacob, was raised an Orthodox His father, Jacob, was raised an Orthodox

Jew, but his religion faded as he aged. Jew, but his religion faded as he aged. Jacob read from the Hebrew Old Jacob read from the Hebrew Old

Testament, the Philippson Bible, and sent Testament, the Philippson Bible, and sent Freud a copy on his 35Freud a copy on his 35thth birthday. birthday.

Sigmund never learned Hebrew and knew Sigmund never learned Hebrew and knew only a little Yiddish.only a little Yiddish.

Jacob was a wool merchant, and the family Jacob was a wool merchant, and the family relatively poor, moved to Leipzig when relatively poor, moved to Leipzig when Sigmund was 3 yo, and then 1 yr later, to Sigmund was 3 yo, and then 1 yr later, to Vienna, Austria.Vienna, Austria.

Sigmund lived and worked in Vienna until Sigmund lived and worked in Vienna until 1932, when at the age of 82, he escaped to 1932, when at the age of 82, he escaped to London to avoid the Nazi invasion.London to avoid the Nazi invasion.

Sigmund Freud’s LifeSigmund Freud’s Life In his teen years, Sigmund studied Judaism under In his teen years, Sigmund studied Judaism under

Samuel Hammerschlag, a secular Jew who Samuel Hammerschlag, a secular Jew who emphasized the historical and ethical side of Jewish emphasized the historical and ethical side of Jewish history, rather than the religious aspects.history, rather than the religious aspects.

At age 17, Sigmund entered the University of At age 17, Sigmund entered the University of Vienna and was influenced by a philosophy Vienna and was influenced by a philosophy professor, Franz Brentano, a former priest, who professor, Franz Brentano, a former priest, who swayed Freud considerably toward a theistic swayed Freud considerably toward a theistic worldview.worldview.

A lifelong empiricist, Freud declared in a letter to a A lifelong empiricist, Freud declared in a letter to a friend that, “He [Brentano] demonstrates the friend that, “He [Brentano] demonstrates the existence of God with as little bias and as much existence of God with as little bias and as much precision as another might argue the advantage of precision as another might argue the advantage of the wave over the emission theory… …I have the wave over the emission theory… …I have ceased to be a materialist and am not yet a theist.” ceased to be a materialist and am not yet a theist.”

This inner ambivalence stayed with Freud his entire This inner ambivalence stayed with Freud his entire life, despite his public endorsements of atheism.life, despite his public endorsements of atheism.

Sigmund Freud’s LifeSigmund Freud’s Life Freud began reading Freud began reading “The Essence of Christianity”“The Essence of Christianity”

by Ludwig Feuerbach and agreed with him that by Ludwig Feuerbach and agreed with him that religion was the projection of human need and religion was the projection of human need and deep-seated wishes, that “the substance and object deep-seated wishes, that “the substance and object of religion is altogether human… divine wisdom is of religion is altogether human… divine wisdom is human wisdom… the secret of theology is human wisdom… the secret of theology is anthropology…”anthropology…”

Freud wrote in the Freud wrote in the “Future of an Illusion”“Future of an Illusion” that “We that “We shall tell ourselves that it would be very nice if shall tell ourselves that it would be very nice if there were a God who created the world and was a there were a God who created the world and was a benevolent providence…and an afterlife…but…all benevolent providence…and an afterlife…but…all this is exactly as we are bound to wish it to be.”this is exactly as we are bound to wish it to be.”

Within the medical communities of Europe, there Within the medical communities of Europe, there was a distinct disdain for the spiritual worldview was a distinct disdain for the spiritual worldview an assumption that empiricism was the only way to an assumption that empiricism was the only way to discover truth.discover truth.

Sigmund Freud’s LifeSigmund Freud’s Life Sigmund worked in the lab of Ernest Brucke, Sigmund worked in the lab of Ernest Brucke,

who asserted that no truth existed except that who asserted that no truth existed except that discernible by the scientific method.discernible by the scientific method.

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

Medical journals at the time were filled with Medical journals at the time were filled with articles illustrating how “Jews were articles illustrating how “Jews were profoundly flawed… and predisposed to a host profoundly flawed… and predisposed to a host of illnesses.”of illnesses.”

Sigmund Freud’s LifeSigmund Freud’s Life Jacob Freud told his son Sigmund a story Jacob Freud told his son Sigmund a story

when Sigmund was 10 yrs old about how an when Sigmund was 10 yrs old about how an anti-Semite had knocked his cap off into the anti-Semite had knocked his cap off into the mud and shouted “Jew! Get off the mud and shouted “Jew! Get off the pavement!” pavement!”

His father meekly went and picked up his cap His father meekly went and picked up his cap and kept walking.and kept walking.

To Sigmund that response was “unheroic To Sigmund that response was “unheroic conduct.”conduct.”

Sigmund fought real and perceived anti-Sigmund fought real and perceived anti-Semitism all his life. Semitism all his life.

On a train Freud was once called a “dirty On a train Freud was once called a “dirty Jew.” He describes being “not in the least Jew.” He describes being “not in the least frightened by the mob… I was quite prepared frightened by the mob… I was quite prepared to kill him…”to kill him…”

Sigmund Freud’s LifeSigmund Freud’s Life On Easter Sunday in 1886, at the age of 30, On Easter Sunday in 1886, at the age of 30,

Freud opened a private practice in Freud opened a private practice in neuropathology.neuropathology.

On Sept. 13, 1886, he married Martha On Sept. 13, 1886, he married Martha Bernays in a Town Hall in Germany, followed Bernays in a Town Hall in Germany, followed by a brief Jewish ceremony in the home of the by a brief Jewish ceremony in the home of the bride.bride.

Jacob Freud died in Oct. 1896, and Sigmund, Jacob Freud died in Oct. 1896, and Sigmund, 40, described it as “the most poignant loss in 40, described it as “the most poignant loss in a man’s life.” Despite viewing his father as a a man’s life.” Despite viewing his father as a failure, the death struck him hard, it “has failure, the death struck him hard, it “has affected me profoundly… I feel quite affected me profoundly… I feel quite uprooted.” uprooted.”

Freud began his self-analysis and proposed Freud began his self-analysis and proposed the “Oedipus complex.”the “Oedipus complex.”

Freud’s Apartment: Freud’s Apartment: Berggasse 19, Vienna, Berggasse 19, Vienna,

AustriaAustria

Stairway to Freud’s Stairway to Freud’s Consultation RoomsConsultation Rooms

Freud’s CouchFreud’s Couch


Freud’s mother died in 1930, and he was Freud’s mother died in 1930, and he was surprisingly unemotional: “I was not at the surprisingly unemotional: “I was not at the funeral.”funeral.”

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

Freud died Sept. 23, 1939 at the age of 83. Freud died Sept. 23, 1939 at the age of 83. He had fought oral cancer for years, He had fought oral cancer for years, performing surgery on himself, using cocaine performing surgery on himself, using cocaine as an anesthetic. He convinced his personal as an anesthetic. He convinced his personal physician, Dr. Max Schur, to administer 3 physician, Dr. Max Schur, to administer 3 lethal doses of morphine, which led to his lethal doses of morphine, which led to his death.death.

Sigmund Freud - 1931Sigmund Freud - 1931

Golders Green Golders Green CrematoriumCrematorium

Freud’s MemorialFreud’s Memorial


Freud seemed to struggle between what his Freud seemed to struggle between what his nanny had told him about having a “high nanny had told him about having a “high opinion of his own capacities,” and the opinion of his own capacities,” and the external world’s desire to prove him inferior.external world’s desire to prove him inferior.

His ideas were new, daring and based on his His ideas were new, daring and based on his scientific observations of human behavior. scientific observations of human behavior. They were as rigorously scientific as They were as rigorously scientific as technology at the time would allow. technology at the time would allow.

His theories threatened the dominant His theories threatened the dominant majority’s opinion of why humans behave majority’s opinion of why humans behave the way they do. the way they do.

Sigmund Freud’s LifeSigmund Freud’s Life Freud’s ego, while strong, was also easily Freud’s ego, while strong, was also easily

threatened by others. Narcissism and shame threatened by others. Narcissism and shame are often closely wed. are often closely wed.

His friendships with colleagues were often His friendships with colleagues were often strained as Freud found discussion and strained as Freud found discussion and disagreements about his theories threatening disagreements about his theories threatening (eg, the splits with Adler and Jung). (eg, the splits with Adler and Jung).

Unfortunately, Freud’s superior intellect Unfortunately, Freud’s superior intellect often left him with little regard for the often left him with little regard for the opinions of others. “For the masses are lazy opinions of others. “For the masses are lazy and unintelligent… …arguments are of no and unintelligent… …arguments are of no avail against their passions.” And, “…not all avail against their passions.” And, “…not all men are worthy of love.”men are worthy of love.”

Sigmund Freud’s LifeSigmund Freud’s Life Freud published >200 scholarly works (articles, Freud published >200 scholarly works (articles,

books, etc.).books, etc.). In 1910 he founded the International In 1910 he founded the International

Psychoanalytical Association, and the journal Psychoanalytical Association, and the journal “Imago”“Imago” in 1912. in 1912.

Today Freud’s accomplishments are ranked with Today Freud’s accomplishments are ranked with those of Planck and Einstein.those of Planck and Einstein.

He is listed as the 6He is listed as the 6thth most influential scientist of most influential scientist of all time.all time.

He won the prestigious He won the prestigious “Goethe prize”“Goethe prize” in 1930, in 1930, and his face is on the Austrian 50 shilling note.and his face is on the Austrian 50 shilling note.

He was made an Honorary Member of the British He was made an Honorary Member of the British Royal Society of Medicine in 1935.Royal Society of Medicine in 1935.

President Franklin Roosevelt helped broker his President Franklin Roosevelt helped broker his safe transfer to London in 1938.safe transfer to London in 1938.

He has been on the cover of He has been on the cover of “Time”“Time” magazine 3 magazine 3 times: 1924, 1939, 1993.times: 1924, 1939, 1993.

Freud Museum, LondonFreud Museum, London

Sigmund Freud’s LifeSigmund Freud’s Life Thanks in large part to Freud, it is Thanks in large part to Freud, it is

now widely accepted that early now widely accepted that early relationships with parents and relationships with parents and caregivers strongly impacts later caregivers strongly impacts later psychological health. psychological health.

These early life relationships, as we These early life relationships, as we will also see with C.S. Lewis, will also see with C.S. Lewis, profoundly influence the profoundly influence the development of one’s worldview.development of one’s worldview.

C.S. Lewis’ LifeC.S. Lewis’ Life Clive Staples Lewis was born November 29, Clive Staples Lewis was born November 29,

1898 in Belfast, Ireland to Albert and Florence 1898 in Belfast, Ireland to Albert and Florence Lewis, who married August 29, 1894.Lewis, who married August 29, 1894.

Albert was Welsh in descent, and Florence, Albert was Welsh in descent, and Florence, Scottish. His father worked practicing law in Scottish. His father worked practicing law in Belfast and was moody and emotional. His Belfast and was moody and emotional. His mother was cool and analytical.mother was cool and analytical.

Lewis’ grandfather was vicar and preached at Lewis’ grandfather was vicar and preached at their local church. He would weep in the their local church. He would weep in the pulpit.pulpit.

Lewis’ father’s and grandfather’s emotionality Lewis’ father’s and grandfather’s emotionality bred in him a distrust for emotions and bred in him a distrust for emotions and religion. He instead embraced a materialist religion. He instead embraced a materialist worldview.worldview.

C.S. Lewis’ LifeC.S. Lewis’ Life At age 4, Lewis informed his parents that At age 4, Lewis informed his parents that

he would go by the name “Jack.”he would go by the name “Jack.” At age 6, he first recognized beauty At age 6, he first recognized beauty

through creation—moss, twigs and through creation—moss, twigs and flowers. He called it ‘joy’ and described it flowers. He called it ‘joy’ and described it as a type of longing [which he eventually as a type of longing [which he eventually recognized was for a Person].recognized was for a Person].

From ages 6-8, his older brother, Warren From ages 6-8, his older brother, Warren was off at boarding school. The cool, was off at boarding school. The cool, rainy, Belfast weather contributed to his rainy, Belfast weather contributed to his desire to spend time indoors. Lewis lived desire to spend time indoors. Lewis lived almost entirely in his imagination: almost entirely in his imagination: reading, drawing and writing stories. reading, drawing and writing stories.

C.S. Lewis’ LifeC.S. Lewis’ Life At age 9, Lewis’ world was turned upside At age 9, Lewis’ world was turned upside

down when his grandfather died and then down when his grandfather died and then his mother became sick with cancer and his mother became sick with cancer and died. He recalled her surgery in their home died. He recalled her surgery in their home and having to observe her corpse—after and having to observe her corpse—after praying to God for her healing.praying to God for her healing.

Albert Lewis decided he could not care Albert Lewis decided he could not care adequately for the boys and sent them both adequately for the boys and sent them both off to boarding school.off to boarding school.

Lewis hated boarding school. The Lewis hated boarding school. The headmaster “Oldie” was cruel. He would headmaster “Oldie” was cruel. He would beat the children mercilessly. He was beat the children mercilessly. He was eventually convicted of undue cruelty and eventually convicted of undue cruelty and his school shut down due to a lack of his school shut down due to a lack of students. He was a clergyman in the Church students. He was a clergyman in the Church of England, a fact that was not lost on Lewis.of England, a fact that was not lost on Lewis.

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

the holidays, much like one longed for the holidays, much like one longed for heaven. He began to live by hope.heaven. He began to live by hope.

At his second boarding school, he was At his second boarding school, he was comforted by the school Matron, Miss Cowie, comforted by the school Matron, Miss Cowie, a type of surrogate mother. She held and a type of surrogate mother. She held and comforted the shy Lewis, as well as the other comforted the shy Lewis, as well as the other boys. boys.

She dabbled in the occult and shared it with She dabbled in the occult and shared it with the boys. At age 13, this served to snuff out the boys. At age 13, this served to snuff out any vestiges of faith that Lewis held onto. He any vestiges of faith that Lewis held onto. He also began reading classic literature where also began reading classic literature where the authors assumed the illegitimacy of the authors assumed the illegitimacy of religion. She was eventually fired. religion. She was eventually fired.

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

C.S. Lewis’ LifeC.S. Lewis’ Life Lewis’ father relented, allowing him to be Lewis’ father relented, allowing him to be

tutored by William T. Kirkpatrick, “The Great tutored by William T. Kirkpatrick, “The Great Knock,” an atheist who taught Lewis logic and Knock,” an atheist who taught Lewis logic and critical thinking. Lewis considered critical thinking. Lewis considered Christianity one religious myth among many.Christianity one religious myth among many.

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

He read George MacDonald’s He read George MacDonald’s “Phantastes,”“Phantastes,” which replanted the seeds of the spiritual which replanted the seeds of the spiritual worldview.worldview.

Lewis took the admission exam for Oxford Lewis took the admission exam for Oxford University on December 4, 1916. He failed University on December 4, 1916. He failed the math section, but was granted admittance the math section, but was granted admittance through the Army Officer Training Corps.through the Army Officer Training Corps.

Oxford UniversityOxford University

C.S. Lewis’ LifeC.S. Lewis’ Life Lewis became friends with Edward “Paddy” Lewis became friends with Edward “Paddy”

Moore in his Officers Training course.Moore in his Officers Training course. They agreed to care for each other’s They agreed to care for each other’s

parents if either of them were killed. Lewis parents if either of them were killed. Lewis arrived in the trenches of WWI on Nov. 29, arrived in the trenches of WWI on Nov. 29, 1917, on his 191917, on his 19thth birthday. birthday.

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

Lewis was wounded and returned to Oxford Lewis was wounded and returned to Oxford in 1919, spending the next 35 years there. in 1919, spending the next 35 years there. After graduating in 1923, he taught After graduating in 1923, he taught philosophy for 1 year before accepting a philosophy for 1 year before accepting a fellowship in English literature at Magdalen fellowship in English literature at Magdalen College at Oxford in 1925.College at Oxford in 1925.

Magdalen College, Magdalen College, Oxford University.Oxford University.

Lewis’ Office at OxfordLewis’ Office at Oxford

‘‘The Bird and the Baby’The Bird and the Baby’

‘‘The Inklings’ CornerThe Inklings’ Corner

C.S. Lewis’ LifeC.S. Lewis’ Life Lewis corresponded with many people by letter. Lewis corresponded with many people by letter. He began corresponding with Helen Joy He began corresponding with Helen Joy

Davidman Gresham, a poet from the United Davidman Gresham, a poet from the United States. She was divorced and surprisingly came States. She was divorced and surprisingly came to England to meet Lewis in 1952. He was taken to England to meet Lewis in 1952. He was taken by her wit and intellect. They reportedly played by her wit and intellect. They reportedly played scrabble together in 5 different languages.scrabble together in 5 different languages.

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

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

They had several years of happy marriage They had several years of happy marriage together including a trip to Greece. She died in together including a trip to Greece. She died in 1960. Her son, Douglas, was 14 at the time.1960. Her son, Douglas, was 14 at the time.

Marriage LicenseMarriage License

The KilnsThe Kilns

Lewis’ KitchenLewis’ Kitchen

Lewis’ Dining RoomLewis’ Dining Room

Lewis’ Sitting RoomLewis’ Sitting Room

Lewis’ BathroomLewis’ Bathroom

C.S. Lewis’ LifeC.S. Lewis’ Life C.S. Lewis has been called by C.S. Lewis has been called by “Time”“Time” magazine, magazine,

the most influential voice for the spiritual the most influential voice for the spiritual worldview, and graced its cover in 1947.worldview, and graced its cover in 1947.

He wrote >30 books including: He wrote >30 books including: “Surprised by “Surprised by Joy,” “Miracles,” “The Problem of Pain,” “A Grief Joy,” “Miracles,” “The Problem of Pain,” “A Grief Observed,” “The Screwtape Letters,” “Mere Observed,” “The Screwtape Letters,” “Mere Christianity,” “The Great Divorce,” “The Christianity,” “The Great Divorce,” “The Abolition of Man,” “The Weight of Glory.”Abolition of Man,” “The Weight of Glory.”

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

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

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

C.S. Lewis’ LifeC.S. Lewis’ Life ““Oxford History of English Oxford History of English

Literature”Literature” (OHEL) (OHEL) ““The Chronicles of Narnia”The Chronicles of Narnia”

– books and movies.– books and movies. ““Shadowlands”Shadowlands” – movie and – movie and

broadway play.broadway play. The second most The second most

recognizable voice on the recognizable voice on the BBC during WWII, behind BBC during WWII, behind Winston Churchill.Winston Churchill.

ShadowlandsShadowlandsShadowlands

Opened 10/8/07, Wyndham’s Theatre, London. Closed 2/23/08, Novello Theatre, London.

William Nicholson’s play ‘Shadowlands’ is set in Oxford during the 1950s and is the moving true love story between C.S. Lewis and 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. That’s the deal.” --C.S. Lewis

Shadowlands - LondonShadowlands - London

““The Chronicles of The Chronicles of Narnia”Narnia”

C.S. Lewis’ LifeC.S. Lewis’ Life Lewis, too, embraced a materialist worldview for much Lewis, too, embraced a materialist worldview for much

of his life. Some of this may have been a rebellious of his life. Some of this may have been a rebellious response against his father, in part, for sending him response against his father, in part, for sending him away to boarding school at a time of intense emotional away to boarding school at a time of intense emotional need following his mother’s death. “I maintained that need following his mother’s death. “I maintained that God did not exist. I was also very angry with God for God did not exist. I was also very angry with God for not existing.”not existing.”

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

Lewis became convinced of the existence of a Lewis became convinced of the existence of a universal Moral Law, and also of an Author for that universal Moral Law, and also of an Author for that law. He believed this law had to have come from law. He believed this law had to have come from somewhere or some-One. He also believed man’s somewhere or some-One. He also believed man’s ability to reason pointed to a rational Creator.ability to reason pointed to a rational Creator.

As a literary critic, he re-examined the religious myths As a literary critic, he re-examined the religious myths of antiquity and became convinced that the Christian of antiquity and became convinced that the Christian myth had actual historic validity in the coming of Jesus myth had actual historic validity in the coming of Jesus Christ.Christ.

C.S. Lewis’ LifeC.S. Lewis’ Life Lewis thought that our wishes for a protective father Lewis thought that our wishes for a protective father

did not rule out the possibility of a protective God but did not rule out the possibility of a protective God but instead pointed to the existence of one. “Creatures instead pointed to the existence of one. “Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires also exists. A baby feels hunger..there is…desires also exists. A baby feels hunger..there is…food. Men feel sexual desire..there is…sex.”food. Men feel sexual desire..there is…sex.”

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

He was loved by his colleagues for his intelligence, He was loved by his colleagues for his intelligence, warmth and politeness. He too had fought battles warmth and politeness. He too had fought battles and suffered devastating losses in his life, yet and suffered devastating losses in his life, yet somehow did not become bitter and contentious.somehow did not become bitter and contentious.

Suffering and Pain: Suffering and Pain: FreudFreud

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

fear of castration, jealousy of God’s chosen fear of castration, jealousy of God’s chosen people, displaced anger against people, displaced anger against Christians). During Nazi occupation, Christians). During Nazi occupation, Freud gave cyanide pills to his daughter Freud gave cyanide pills to his daughter Anna in case she was tortured when Anna in case she was tortured when questioned at Gestapo headquarters.questioned at Gestapo headquarters.

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

Criticisms of work: psychoanalysis not Criticisms of work: psychoanalysis not generalizable beyond unique Viennese generalizable beyond unique Viennese culture. ‘Jewish science’ vs ‘Aryan science.’culture. ‘Jewish science’ vs ‘Aryan science.’


Freud suffered from bouts of depression Freud suffered from bouts of depression and anxiety, nicotine dependence, cocaine and anxiety, nicotine dependence, cocaine use, and the fear of death.use, and the fear of death.

Diagnosed with oral cancer in 1923 at age Diagnosed with oral cancer in 1923 at age 67. His doctor withheld the diagnosis for 67. His doctor withheld the diagnosis for fear Freud would kill himself.fear Freud would kill himself.

He had 33 operations, usually under local He had 33 operations, usually under local anesthesia, for his cancer.anesthesia, for his cancer.

He had a metal plate placed in the roof of He had a metal plate placed in the roof of his mouth and chose to eat alone.his mouth and chose to eat alone.


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

To friend and Christian, Oskar Pfister, Freud To friend and Christian, Oskar Pfister, Freud wrote: “how the devil do you reconcile all wrote: “how the devil do you reconcile all that we experience… in this world with your that we experience… in this world with your assumption that there is a moral order?” assumption that there is a moral order?”

Freud believed: “…the violent, cunning or Freud believed: “…the violent, cunning or ruthless man seizes the envied good things of ruthless man seizes the envied good things of the world and the pious man goes away the world and the pious man goes away empty. Obscure, unfeeling, and unloving empty. Obscure, unfeeling, and unloving powers determine men’s fate.”powers determine men’s fate.”


At the death of his beloved daughter, At the death of his beloved daughter, Sophie, from the influenza epidemic of Sophie, from the influenza epidemic of 1920 Freud wrote to a colleague: “I do not 1920 Freud wrote to a colleague: “I do not know what more there is to say. It is such a know what more there is to say. It is such a paralyzing event, which can stir no paralyzing event, which can stir no afterthoughts when one is not a believer…” afterthoughts when one is not a believer…”

Freud wrote to another friend that neither Freud wrote to another friend that neither he nor his wife “has got over the monstrous he nor his wife “has got over the monstrous fact of children dying before their parents.”fact of children dying before their parents.”

Freud wondered “when my turn will come” Freud wondered “when my turn will come” and wished his life to be over.and wished his life to be over.


At the loss of his 4 ½ year old grandson, At the loss of his 4 ½ year old grandson, Heinle, to tuberculosis he writes: Heinle, to tuberculosis he writes:

““He was indeed an enchanting little fellow, He was indeed an enchanting little fellow, and I myself was aware of never having loved and I myself was aware of never having loved a human being, certainly never a child, so a human being, certainly never a child, so much. …I don’t think I have ever much. …I don’t think I have ever experienced such grief; …I work out of sheer experienced such grief; …I work out of sheer necessity; fundamentally everything has lost necessity; fundamentally everything has lost its meaning for me… I find no joy in life. …I its meaning for me… I find no joy in life. …I have spent some of the blackest days of my have spent some of the blackest days of my life sorrowing about the child. At last… I can life sorrowing about the child. At last… I can think of him quietly and talk of him without think of him quietly and talk of him without tears.”tears.”


Freud could not reconcile the suffering he Freud could not reconcile the suffering he observed in his own life and the lives of observed in his own life and the lives of those he loved with an all-powerful, all-those he loved with an all-powerful, all-loving Creator.loving Creator.

Freud: “It seems not to be the case that Freud: “It seems not to be the case that there is a Power in the universe which there is a Power in the universe which watches over the well-being of individuals watches over the well-being of individuals with parental care and brings all their with parental care and brings all their affairs to a happy ending… Earthquakes, affairs to a happy ending… Earthquakes, tidal waves, conflagrations, make no tidal waves, conflagrations, make no distinction between the virtuous and pious distinction between the virtuous and pious and the scoundrel or unbeliever.”and the scoundrel or unbeliever.”


In In “The Future of an Illusion,”“The Future of an Illusion,” 1927, Freud says of 1927, Freud says of believers: “They will have to admit to themselves believers: “They will have to admit to themselves the full extent of their helplessness… they can no the full extent of their helplessness… they can no longer be the centre of the creation, no longer the longer be the centre of the creation, no longer the object of the tender care on the part of the object of the tender care on the part of the beneficent Providence… And, as for the great beneficent Providence… And, as for the great necessities of Fate, against which there is no help, necessities of Fate, against which there is no help, they will learn to endure them with resignation.”they will learn to endure them with resignation.”

And, in a letter to a friend who had lost a And, in a letter to a friend who had lost a daughter: “As an unbelieving fatalist, I can only daughter: “As an unbelieving fatalist, I can only sink into a state of resignation when faced with sink into a state of resignation when faced with the horror of death.”the horror of death.”


Freud: “There are the elements which Freud: “There are the elements which seem to mock at all human control: the seem to mock at all human control: the earth which quakes… …diseases… and earth which quakes… …diseases… and the painful riddle of death, against which the painful riddle of death, against which no medicine has yet been found…”no medicine has yet been found…”

Later, he writes: “…life is hard to bear… a Later, he writes: “…life is hard to bear… a permanent state of anxious expectation.”permanent state of anxious expectation.”

He writes: “I… have no dread at all of the He writes: “I… have no dread at all of the Almighty. If we ever were to meet I should Almighty. If we ever were to meet I should have more reproaches to make to Him have more reproaches to make to Him than He could to me.”than He could to me.”


Despite professing disbelief, Freud was Despite professing disbelief, Freud was preoccupied with the idea of the devil.preoccupied with the idea of the devil.

He thought that the devil represented our He thought that the devil represented our defiant spirit towards our parents just as our defiant spirit towards our parents just as our desire for a protective parent led to our desire for a protective parent led to our conceptualization of God. Even if the devil conceptualization of God. Even if the devil were real, Freud thought, it was still God’s were real, Freud thought, it was still God’s fault for allowing the devil to exist at all.fault for allowing the devil to exist at all.

Freud read Goethe’s Freud read Goethe’s “Faust”“Faust” and Balzac’s and Balzac’s “The “The Fatal Skin.” Fatal Skin.” Both feature a man of science, Both feature a man of science, depressed over his lack of recognition, who depressed over his lack of recognition, who makes a deal with the devil and considers makes a deal with the devil and considers suicide.suicide.

Freud read Freud read “The Fatal Skin”“The Fatal Skin” on the day he on the day he chose to die by euthanasia.chose to die by euthanasia.


Freud concludes: “If the believer finally sees Freud concludes: “If the believer finally sees himself obliged to speak of God’s himself obliged to speak of God’s ‘inscrutable decrees,’ he is admitting that all ‘inscrutable decrees,’ he is admitting that all that is left to him as a last possible that is left to him as a last possible consolation and source of pleasure in his consolation and source of pleasure in his sufferings is an unconditional submission. sufferings is an unconditional submission. And if he is prepared for that, he could And if he is prepared for that, he could probably have spared himself the detour he probably have spared himself the detour he has made.”has made.”

And yet Freud says: “…only religion can And yet Freud says: “…only religion can answer the question of the purpose of life.”answer the question of the purpose of life.”

Suffering and Pain: LewisSuffering and Pain: Lewis Loss of his mother. It was “alien and Loss of his mother. It was “alien and

menacing.” “My grief was overwhelmed menacing.” “My grief was overwhelmed with terror.”with terror.”

Boarding school.Boarding school. WWI: loss of friend, shrapnel injury, caring WWI: loss of friend, shrapnel injury, caring

for Paddy Moore’s mother. She lived with for Paddy Moore’s mother. She lived with Lewis and his brother Warren for 6-7 years Lewis and his brother Warren for 6-7 years before succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease.before succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease.

He suffered from loneliness, depression, He suffered from loneliness, depression, and possibly PTSD.and possibly PTSD.

In 1929, Lewis’ father passed away. He In 1929, Lewis’ father passed away. He showed little remorse.showed little remorse.

Rejected for Oxford chair, he finally Rejected for Oxford chair, he finally accepted Cambridge chair.accepted Cambridge chair.

Suffering and Pain: LewisSuffering and Pain: Lewis Lewis wrote Lewis wrote “The Problem of Pain”“The Problem of Pain” in 1940. It in 1940. It

was a cerebral treatise for why pain is was a cerebral treatise for why pain is necessary.necessary.

Lewis writes that prior to his conversion, he Lewis writes that prior to his conversion, he wouldn’t have believed in a good God: human wouldn’t have believed in a good God: human history “is largely a record of crime, war, disease history “is largely a record of crime, war, disease and terror… all civilizations pass away and, even and terror… all civilizations pass away and, even while they remain, inflict peculiar sufferings on while they remain, inflict peculiar sufferings on their own… if you ask me to believe that this is their own… if you ask me to believe that this is the work of a benevolent and omnipotent spirit, I the work of a benevolent and omnipotent spirit, I reply that all the evidence points in the opposite reply that all the evidence points in the opposite direction. Either there is no spirit behind the direction. Either there is no spirit behind the universe, or else a spirit indifferent to good and universe, or else a spirit indifferent to good and evil, or else an evil spirit.”evil, or else an evil spirit.”

Suffering and Pain: LewisSuffering and Pain: Lewis Lewis changed his view after his Lewis changed his view after his

conversion.conversion. In In “The Problem of Pain”“The Problem of Pain” he argues that he argues that

“love” and “kindness” are different things “love” and “kindness” are different things and that true love is tough love (ie. going and that true love is tough love (ie. going to the dentist): “love, in its own nature, to the dentist): “love, in its own nature, demands the perfecting of the beloved; …demands the perfecting of the beloved; …mere ‘kindness’ which tolerates anything mere ‘kindness’ which tolerates anything except suffering in its object is…at the except suffering in its object is…at the opposite pole from Love.” opposite pole from Love.”

Lewis also believed no true happiness Lewis also believed no true happiness could be found apart from our Creator.could be found apart from our Creator.

Suffering and Pain: LewisSuffering and Pain: Lewis Lewis says: “…pain insists upon being attended Lewis says: “…pain insists upon being attended

to. God whispers to us in our pleasures… but to. God whispers to us in our pleasures… but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world. …Pain as God’s megaphone is a a deaf world. …Pain as God’s megaphone is a terrible instrument; it may lead to final and terrible instrument; it may lead to final and unrepented rebellion.”unrepented rebellion.”

He attributed much suffering and pain to men’s He attributed much suffering and pain to men’s choices saying: “It is men, not God, who have choices saying: “It is men, not God, who have produced racks, whips, prisons, slavery, guns, produced racks, whips, prisons, slavery, guns, bayonets, and bombs;” and, “All suffering arises bayonets, and bombs;” and, “All suffering arises from sin.”from sin.”

Lewis views ‘hell’ as God giving man the freedom Lewis views ‘hell’ as God giving man the freedom from Him that he desires: “They enjoy forever from Him that he desires: “They enjoy forever the horrible freedom they have demanded. …the the horrible freedom they have demanded. …the doors …are locked on the doors …are locked on the insideinside.”.”

Suffering and Pain: LewisSuffering and Pain: Lewis At age 62, Lewis lost his wife, Joy, after At age 62, Lewis lost his wife, Joy, after

only 4 years of marriage.only 4 years of marriage. In In “A Grief Observed,”“A Grief Observed,” 1961, he writes from 1961, he writes from

a perspective of his feelings: “Aren’t all a perspective of his feelings: “Aren’t all these notes the senseless writhings of a these notes the senseless writhings of a man who won’t accept the fact that there is man who won’t accept the fact that there is nothing we can do with suffering except to nothing we can do with suffering except to suffer it?” suffer it?”

He beseeches Joy: “My dear, my dear, come He beseeches Joy: “My dear, my dear, come back for one moment… The same leg is cut back for one moment… The same leg is cut off time after time. The first plunge of the off time after time. The first plunge of the knife into the flesh is felt again and again.”knife into the flesh is felt again and again.”

Suffering and Pain: LewisSuffering and Pain: Lewis Lewis asks where God is during suffering? Lewis asks where God is during suffering?

“But go to Him when your need is “But go to Him when your need is desperate, when all other help is vain, and desperate, when all other help is vain, and what do you find? A door slammed in what do you find? A door slammed in your face, and a sound of bolting and your face, and a sound of bolting and double bolting on the inside.”double bolting on the inside.”

And: “Why is He so present a commander And: “Why is He so present a commander in our time of prosperity and so very in our time of prosperity and so very absent a help in time of trouble?”absent a help in time of trouble?”

He says: “But don’t come talking to me He says: “But don’t come talking to me about the consolation of religion, or I shall about the consolation of religion, or I shall suspect that you don’t understand.”suspect that you don’t understand.”

He wonders if God is: “The Cosmic Sadist, He wonders if God is: “The Cosmic Sadist, the spiteful imbecile?”the spiteful imbecile?”

Suffering and Pain: LewisSuffering and Pain: Lewis Lewis’ doubt: “The conclusion I dread is not, Lewis’ doubt: “The conclusion I dread is not,

‘So there’s no God after all,’ but, ‘So this is ‘So there’s no God after all,’ but, ‘So this is what God’s really like. Deceive yourself no what God’s really like. Deceive yourself no longer.’”longer.’”

Lewis likened it to surgery concluding: “The Lewis likened it to surgery concluding: “The tortures occur. If they are unnecessary, then tortures occur. If they are unnecessary, then there is no God or a bad one. If there is a good there is no God or a bad one. If there is a good God, then the tortures are necessary.”God, then the tortures are necessary.”

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

Lewis believed that the “government of the Lewis believed that the “government of the universe” was temporarily in enemy hands. universe” was temporarily in enemy hands. “…we are living in a part of the universe “…we are living in a part of the universe occupied by the rebel… Enemy occupied occupied by the rebel… Enemy occupied territory—that is what this world is.”territory—that is what this world is.”

Suffering and Pain: LewisSuffering and Pain: Lewis Lewis believed that God created his creatures Lewis believed that God created his creatures

with “free will” to choose or not choose God. with “free will” to choose or not choose God. He thought the only love worth having had to He thought the only love worth having had to be chosen freely, not coerced.be chosen freely, not coerced.

He writes: “God created things which had free He writes: “God created things which had free will. That means creatures which can go either will. That means creatures which can go either right or wrong. …free will, though it makes evil right or wrong. …free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. A world of automata… would hardly be having. A world of automata… would hardly be worth creating.”worth creating.”

On God’s omniscience: “Of course God knew On God’s omniscience: “Of course God knew what would happen if they used their freedom what would happen if they used their freedom the wrong way: apparently He thought it worth the wrong way: apparently He thought it worth the risk.”the risk.”

Suffering and Pain: LewisSuffering and Pain: Lewis

According to his letters, Lewis never lost his According to his letters, Lewis never lost his faith entirely. For Lewis, the very fact that he faith entirely. For Lewis, the very fact that he was angry at God for the “unjust,” was was angry at God for the “unjust,” was evidence that there was a right and wrong—evidence that there was a right and wrong—the universal moral law written on all human the universal moral law written on all human hearts.hearts.

He writes: “A man does not call a line crooked He writes: “A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line… unless he has some idea of a straight line… Thus in the very act of trying to prove that God Thus in the very act of trying to prove that God did not exist… I found I was forced to assume did not exist… I found I was forced to assume that… my idea of justice—was full of sense.”that… my idea of justice—was full of sense.”

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

osteoporosis, an enlarged prostate, osteoporosis, an enlarged prostate, hydronephrosis, toxemia, and cardiac hydronephrosis, toxemia, and cardiac problems.problems.

July 15, 1963, he suffered a heart attack July 15, 1963, he suffered a heart attack and lapsed into a coma, from which he and lapsed into a coma, from which he eventually recovered.eventually recovered.

On November 22, 1963, Lewis’ brother, On November 22, 1963, Lewis’ brother, Warren, took him his tea at 4PM, heard Warren, took him his tea at 4PM, heard a crash at 5:30PM, and found Lewis on a crash at 5:30PM, and found Lewis on his back in his room. He died 5 minutes his back in his room. He died 5 minutes later.later.

The Room Where Lewis The Room Where Lewis DiedDied

Trinity ChurchTrinity Church

Lewis’ GravestoneLewis’ Gravestone

Suffering and Pain: LewisSuffering and Pain: Lewis

Lewis maintained his sense of humor through Lewis maintained his sense of humor through his illness. He saw death as a natural part of his illness. He saw death as a natural part of life. “100% of us die and the percentage life. “100% of us die and the percentage cannot be increased.”cannot be increased.”

His friends and family said: “Never was a His friends and family said: “Never was a man better prepared,” and, “About a week man better prepared,” and, “About a week before his death he said to me, ‘I have done before his death he said to me, ‘I have done all that I was sent into the world to do, and I all that I was sent into the world to do, and I am ready to go.’ I have never seen death am ready to go.’ I have never seen death looked in the face so tranquilly,” and, “He looked in the face so tranquilly,” and, “He was a deeply kind and charitable man.”was a deeply kind and charitable man.”

Suffering and PainSuffering and Pain

Both Freud and Lewis suffered great Both Freud and Lewis suffered great losses in their lives and reached very losses in their lives and reached very different conclusions about the different conclusions about the existence of God and the meaning of existence of God and the meaning of suffering in our lives.suffering in our lives.

Have you encountered any real pain Have you encountered any real pain personally, or through the illness of personally, or through the illness of someone close to you?someone close to you?

Suffering and Pain: LewisSuffering and Pain: Lewis Do we say with Freud? “As an unbelieving Do we say with Freud? “As an unbelieving

fatalist, I can only sink into a state of fatalist, I can only sink into a state of resignation when faced with the horror of resignation when faced with the horror of death.”death.”

Or do we resonate with Lewis? He never got Or do we resonate with Lewis? He never got answers to all his questions, but received: “…a answers to all his questions, but received: “…a rather special sort of ‘No answer.’ It is not the rather special sort of ‘No answer.’ It is not the locked door. It is more like a silent, certainly not locked door. It is more like a silent, certainly not uncompassionate, gaze. As though He shook His uncompassionate, gaze. As though He shook His head, not in refusal, but waiving the question. head, not in refusal, but waiving the question. Like, ‘Peace, child; you don’t understand.’”Like, ‘Peace, child; you don’t understand.’”

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

Suffering and PainSuffering and Pain Freud, after the loss of his grandson, Freud, after the loss of his grandson,

Heinle, says: “At last… I can think of him Heinle, says: “At last… I can think of him quietly and talk of him without tears.”quietly and talk of him without tears.”

With time, Lewis also reports healing after With time, Lewis also reports healing after the loss of his wife, Joy: “Turned to God, my the loss of his wife, Joy: “Turned to God, my mind no longer meets that locked door… mind no longer meets that locked door… Like the warming of a room or the coming Like the warming of a room or the coming of daylight. When you first notice them of daylight. When you first notice them they have already been going on for some they have already been going on for some time.”time.”

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

Concluding ThoughtsConcluding Thoughts Both Lewis and Freud suffered pain and Both Lewis and Freud suffered pain and

loss. Both struggled with the question of loss. Both struggled with the question of God and man’s place in the universe. God and man’s place in the universe.

Each of us must also answer these Each of us must also answer these questions for ourselves. questions for ourselves.

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

Are there other authors you have read Are there other authors you have read that have swayed your view?that have swayed your view?

Documents

C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud: Two Contrasting Worldviews Eric D. Achtyes, M.D., M.S. Clinical Assistant Professor Department of Psychiatry Michigan State