Reader’s Corner: Learning from one of literature’s famous friendships

The writings of C.S. Lewis have captivated readers around the world for decades, with works like “Mere Christianity” helping many come to, or solidify, their faith; and the “Narnia” series bringing valuable principles through its characters. However, I really enjoyed a recent newsletter from The Fellowship of Performing Arts, pointing out a lesser-known aspect of Lewis’ writing: His letters. 

Letters to close friends give insight into Lewis’s personal life and greater context for his writing, and some of the most impactful are likely his correspondence with J.R.R. Tolkien. 

Not only was their correspondence mutually beneficial in their literary work as they shared their interests in subjects as myth and fantasy, but the letters built on those topics eventually led to Lewis’s belief in God and Christianity. As their correspondence continued, along with letters asking theological questions of clergy friends, Lewis grew in his faith and used his writing to help many other “reluctant converts” (his tongue-in-cheek description of himself) develop an unshakeable faith. 

You can read more of this insightful post and more about the Lewis/Tolkien friendship, be inspired to read or re-read their books, and stay up to date on stage productions, at the Fellowship of Performing Arts website, https://fpatheatre.com/about/#newsletter. However, I’d like to share the practical implications I took from the post, namely, the importance of letter-writing. 

Going through items from my parents’ home is taking a LONG time, partly due to the many fascinating things to read. During our family’s years in Kansas, my mom kept in close touch with her sisters in the Ozarks through letters and cards, some of which are in the boxes I’m sorting. I’ve learned so much from their thoughts: their take on historical events, their prayer requests, and their obvious love for each other; and I’m realizing those insights just don’t come through in our faster means of communication these days. And digital formats could, sadly, disappear with the press of a button by the wrong person. 

In addition to the correspondence between my aunts, I’ve found cards sent by friends to commemorate special events or share condolences. Drawing from that, I try to send regular notes and cards to my grandkids even though they’re only a few hours away. 

One particularly meaningful letter was written to my dad a much-younger friend, when that person was a new Christian. In it, he thanked my dad for writing to encourage him in his new-found faith and answer some basic questions about the Bible. Goodness—who else did that? I’m thinking Paul, Peter, James and all the other New Testament writers! 

Even if we have faster communication available to us, let’s learn from C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and our older relatives, about the importance of letter-writing, not only to address the topic at hand but to leave a legacy we may never fully know!