Terry L. Miethe - C.S. Lewis Miracles

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FOREWORD

Dear Reader:

Shepherd's NotesClassics Series is designed to give you a quick, step-by-step overview of some of the enduring treasures of the Christian faith. They are designed to be used alongside the classic itselfeither in individual study or in a study group.

Classics have staying power. Although they were written in a particular place and time and often in response to situations different than our own, they deal with problems, concerns, and themes that transcend time and place.

The faithful of all generations have found spiritual nourishment in the Scriptures and in the works of Christians from earlier generations. Martin Luther and John Calvin would not have become who they were apart from their reading Augustine. God used the writings of Martin Luther to move John Wesley from a religion of dead works to an experience at Aldersgate in which his heart was strangely warmed.

It is an awesome sightthese streams of gracious influence flowing from generation to generation.

Shepherd's NotesClassics Series will help you take the first steps in claiming and drawing strength from your spiritual heritage.

Shepherd's Notes is designed to bridge the gap between now and then and to help you understand, love, and benefit from the company of saints of an earlier time. Each volume gives you an overview of the main themes dealt with by the author and then walks with you step-by-step through the classic.

Enjoy!
In Him,

David R. Shepherd
Editor-in-Chief

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

DESIGNED FOR THE BUSY USER

Shepherd's Notes for Lewis's Miracles is designed to provide an easy-to-use tool for gaining a quick overview of the major themes and the structure of Miracles.

Shepherd's Notes art designed for laymen, pastors, teachers, small-group leaders and participants, as well as the classroom student.

DESIGNED FOR QUICK ACCESS

Persons with time restraints will especially appreciate the timesaving features built into Shepherd's Notes. All features are designed to work together to aid a quick and profitable encounter with Miraclesto point the reader to sections in Miracles where they may want to spend more time and go deeper.

Chapter at a Glance. Provides a listing of the major sections of the Miracles.

Summary. Each chapter of Miracles is summarized.

Shepherd's NotesCommentary. Following the summary of the chapter, a commentary is provided. This enables the reader to look back and see the major themes that make up that particular chapter.

Icons. Various icons in the margin provide information to help the reader better understand that part of the text. Icons include:

	Shepherd's Notes Icon. This icon denotes the commentary section of each chapter of the Miracles.
	Scripture Icon. Scripture verses often illuminate passages in Miracles.
	Historical Background Icon. Many passages in Miracles art better understood in the light of historical, cultural, biographical, and geographical information.
	Quotes Icon. This icon marks significant quotes from Miracles.
	Points to Ponder Icon. These questions and suggestions for further thought will be especially useful in helping both individuals and groups see the relevance of Miracles for our time.

INTRODUCTION

Clive Staples Lewis, known the world over as C. S. Lewis, is the most famous defender of the Christian faith in the twentieth century. He was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1898, the second son of Albert James Lewis and Flora Augusta Hamilton Lewis. Lewis talked about the emotional aspects of his family in Surprised by Joy, his spiritual autobiography up to 1931. His parents married in 1894. His brother Warren was born in 1895.

His father graduated from Lurgan College and became a solicitoran attorney who advises clients and represents them in the lower courts. Albert Lewis was emotional and frequently unhappy. He was absorbed with politics. Clive disliked both the intense interest in politics and his emotional fluctuation. Lewis was indifferent to politics all his life, and his father's emotionalism left him apprehensive of outward exhibitions of feelings.