The Most Reluctant Convert

Clive Staples Lewis (1898–1963) was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. So influential, in fact, that it is said he has sold as many as a quarter of a billion books since his first publication, The Pilgrim's Regress, in 1932.

When a new movie on the author was first released in theatres in November 2021, under the title, The Most Reluctant Convert, it was the second most popular movie in America. Based on the legendary author’s own account of his conversion, and filmed in 18 different locations around Oxford, the short film (1 hour 13 mins) seeks to look through Lewis’ eyes, using his exact words, so that he could tell his own story.

The Most Reluctant Convert uses three actors to share the role of Lewis and leads viewers through his troubled childhood and on into his college years at Oxford, when he formed strong friendships with J.R.R. Tolkien and Hugo Dyson. Lewis’ conversion signified the end of one journey and the beginning of another, and the producers are in the process of writing two new scripts which will continue his fascinating life story through his years as a Christian apologist, writer and speaker.

Surprised by Joy

The film is based on Lewis’s biographical book, Surprised by Joy, first published in 1955, by which time Lewis was already a household name. Re-published by William Collins, it’s back in the bookshops for a new generation. Having watched the movie, I was finally inspired to read the book for the first time.

Not surprisingly, I found it hard to put down, even though I struggled with much of the narrative; a point hard to admit for a career journalist. But it was a bit like being unable to find any rhythm for a marathon, and wondering when you are going to reach the finishing tape.

His self-deprecating humour and love of nature took me along fascinating paths of discovery.

Yet there was much joy in the journey as I found myself chuckling through many passages. In between, however, I got rather lost in the author’s meandering maze of philosophical musings, leaving me in a real muddle at times. But his self-deprecating humour and love of nature took me along fascinating paths of discovery.

I was a bit disappointed that fascinating stories from Lewis’ life – such as his arrival in a trench on the frontline of a World War I battle as an army officer on his 19th birthday, and being wounded by a shell that killed a dear friend – were dismissed in a few brief pages as hardly worth a mention.

Preparatory years

His schooldays, on the other hand, are treated in some detail, possibly because – for the great part – he hated them. He is especially scathing of the public school system and its inverted morality whereby the strong are protected from the weak rather than the other way round.

Erotic liaisons between senior and junior boys were not uncommon. But he is adamant that these were not the worst of sins. Encouraging the ‘worship’ of achievers as gods, on the other hand, whether as prefects or sports stars, was hardly preparing the students for the world outside, as these schools promised to do.

Lewis always found solace and comfort in his books, and literally lost himself in his imagination, preparing him, no doubt, for the great writer he was to become.

But whatever unhappiness he encountered, Lewis always found solace and comfort in his books, and literally lost himself in his imagination, preparing him, no doubt, for the great writer he was to become – both of children’s books and as a defender and proclaimer of the faith.

Journey to Christ

A believer in early childhood, he morphed into atheism, aided and abetted by those who influenced him. He sought for a joy in life, which books and other pursuits seemed at times to offer, but it never lasted. He called it “an unsatisfied desire which is itself more desirable than any other satisfaction”.

Lewis was not expecting such an experience to be found in God. Gradually, however, he came across books and made new friends that seemed to be making a lot of sense – except for their Christianity!

He compared himself to a fox being chased by a pack of hounds, and the idea that he was deliberately seeking God was as likely as that of a mouse looking for a cat!

He sought for a joy in life, which books and other pursuits seemed at times to offer, but it never lasted.

Finally, however, he gave in – “perhaps the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England”. He made his peace with God, but had not yet embraced Christianity. That happened just two pages before the end of the book. Whew!

He was visiting Whipsnade Zoo. “When we set out I did not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and when we reached the zoo I did.”

And we are all so grateful for that!

The Most Reluctant Convert (1A Productions) is available to rent or to buy from Amazon

Surprised by Joy is published by William Collins and is available from thegoodbook.co.uk for £8.49 (plus p&p).