Appreciating C.S. Lewis and Charles Wesley
Catholic, General September 24th, 2004
I’ve been a huge fan of C.S. Lewis ever since childhood and found that as I moved closer and closer to the Catholic Faith, I became even more of a fan of Lewis. Loads of evangelicals love C.S. Lewis (somewhat surprising considering his beliefs on the Sacraments, purgatory, and the Scriptures), but also I’ve found that large numbers of Catholics do too. I’m consistently amazed by how many Catholic writers and publications quote Lewis positively and use his insights. Given his genius, I probably shouldn’t be surprised. I’ll bet he is especially loved by former Protestants who can cite C.S. Lewis as an important guide in their journey to Catholicism.
The first Sunday I attended a Catholic Church we sang a Charles Wesley hymn and it made me happy. I have loved Wesley’s hymns for a long time (ironically I only started to appreciate them as an Anglican and then as a Catholic, even though I grew up Methodist). All of the Catholic hymnals I’ve come across have ample space for the hymns of the Wesleys and I’m pleased with that. It’s a good example of using works by separated brothers where they agree with Catholic theology. Now if only we could get Catholics to sing 
.
C.S. Lewis and Charles Wesley have far more in common morally and theologically with the Catholic Church today than they do with what has became of their own respective churches. Anglican laymen are more likely to look to Spong or Borg for their theology than Lewis. Likewise, large numbers of Methodists are moving to “cutting edge” hymn writers who write politically correct banality while the works of the Wesleys are either “corrected” or ignored. In short, Anglicans and Methodists seem to have little interest in the treasures of their past. That’s ok, because we Catholics, who do treasure the past, can borrow the best and most Catholic of their insights.
Wesley image from Gospelcom.net
C.S. Lewis image from The Bible and C.S. Lewis
September 24th, 2004 at 10:50 pm
I’m with you on getting Catholics to sing. I so miss the Anglican hymns, especially “For all the saints” when all 7 verses are sung. I’ve told my husband that I want that song at my funeral Mass.
September 25th, 2004 at 9:05 am
I agree completely with both your comments. I’m amazed at how many at my parish just stand and stare during the hymns. My friend Charles wrote a little about this topic (http://charleseverson.typepad.com/land_of_hope_and_glory/2004/08/does_the_averag.html) earlier.
As for the Anglican hymns, they are some of the best and I’m glad many Catholic hymnbooks use them. I personally wish we’d sing more of the Anglican classics and less of the 1960s feel good “Catholic” stuff.
September 25th, 2004 at 1:51 pm
Hi Jonathan,
More and more, I’m noticing that I was mistaken about my parish singing…they do sing, but have a hard time when they aren’t familiar with the hymn.
This weekend, the Liturgy is starting out with “All People that on Earth Do Dwell” (French tune, Anglican lyrics), last weekend was “Praise My Soul the King of Heaven”. I can’t stay away from the English hymns…they’re the best ones out there.
Charles