We are all called to grow up into the full stature of Christ, to let the joys and sorrows of life call out and develop the unique character that Christ himself planted in us. But as Lewis shows in his many writings, there's a big difference between the childish and the child-like, between true and false maturity. He has no time for the false cynicism and sophistication that passes for “being grown-up,” and his best characters retain, as he did, a magical, child-like spring of joy and imagination.

These four lectures will explore how we can be mature in Christ and yet receive the Kingdom of Heaven like a child. We will trace how the characters in Lewis’ stories, both the Narnia Chronicles and the "grown-up" novels, faced the problems of life and grew through them, as well as how Lewis himself developed as a man and as a Christian, especially how he re-discovered and renewed the well springs of his imagination right into old age.

Lecture 1: The Child in the Midst
An overview of childhood and growing up, from a Gospel perspective and with insights from George Herbert, William Wordsworth, and Lewis’ great mentor, George McDonald

Lecture 2: Once a King or Queen of Narnia, Always a King or Queen of Narnia
A look at childhood and maturity through the leading characters of The Chronicles, from the childish masquerading as the mature (Edmund and Eustace), through the child-like in young and old (Lucy and the professor), to the vision of true maturity, true child-likeness in Aslan’s country

Lecture 3: Adventures in Space and Time, A Tale of Renewal for Grown-Ups
Lewis’ science fiction trilogy is an exploration of true and false ideas of maturity, not just for individuals but for the whole of western culture. Themes explored in this lecture will include:

- knowledge without wisdom, a problem for science
- grown-up innocence, a vision of love on Venus
- break-down and break-through; maturity and renewal in marriage

Lecture 4: Growing Up into the Stature of Christ
How Lewis the theologian, Lewis the scholar and Lewis the storyteller, all cohere into Lewis the child of God, journeying home to his Father’s house, with a particular emphasis on The Great Divorce and Surprised by Joy.

Malcolm Guite – Chaplain and Fellow, Girton College, Cambridge, teaches Literature and Pastoral Theology for the Cambridge Federation of Theological Colleges. Trained for the Priesthood at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, he was ordained in 1990. His doctoral thesis was on the links between the theology of Lancelot Andrewes and the poetry of T.S. Eliot. He is involved with a number of projects linking theology and the arts, and has published poetry, literary criticism and theology in various journals. His book What do Christians Believe? was published by Granta in 2006. As founder of the rock band, Mystery Train, he writes lyrics and performs on guitar and vocals. A truly most unusual and engaging “renaissance man” and lecturer.

Rest your body......Engage your mind!

Camp Allen is the ideal setting for a peaceful retreat that succors body, mind, and soul. It will surely provide you and your family with the perfect respite before the frenzy of the holiday season. Nestled in a beautiful 960-acre setting, this retreat will offer insightful and engaging speakers, meaningful worship, dramatic performances, and delightful and relaxed fellowship, along with opportunities for solitude, woodland walks, shared readings, music-making and great dining experiences. Canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and other outdoor activities will also be available. The weekend promises a rich feast for the heart, mind, and imagination. Come join us as we visit with Lewis, to consider just how we might better live out their rich legacy of vibrant Christian faith in our own time and place.

To register, please click here to visit the Camp Allen Registration site. On the Camp Allen website, please click on the “Click Here to Register” box below “C.S. Lewis Foundation.” 

or call toll-free: (866) 334-2267.