Discipleship, Bible, Christian, Studies – C.S. Lewis Institute

Dr. Henry F. Schaefer III
Graham Perdue Professor of Chemistry
Director, Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry
University of Georgia

C. S. Lewis is considered the most widely read and influential serious Christian writer of the 20th century. While not agreeing with him on a few minor points, I find Lewis's writing to be very insightful and am happy to be a member of his fan club. I have given his classic book "Mere Christianity" to many friends over the years. I also especially like his novel "That Hideous Strength," which is required reading in my "Science and Christianity" course at the University of Georgia. I consider C. S. Lewis to be the best example we have for constructive engagement by a Christian scholar with the secular world of the university.

I became a Christian during my fourth year as a professor of chemistry at the University of California at Berkeley. For details, see my book "Science and Christianity: Conflict or Coherence?" Although I had not read any C. S. Lewis at the time, I did so soon thereafter, and found his books to be exceptionally helpful. In particular Lewis inspired me to examine the relationship between my academic pursuits in chemistry/physics and the Christian faith. I was initially surprised to find that most of the pioneers in the physical sciences were Christians. There can be no doubt that there is a tremendous tradition, past and indeed present, of distinguished scientist Christians. It gives me great joy to be a part of that continuing adventure.